“The Woman in the Mirror” by Aleksandre Abasheli was first published in 1930 and is the first Georgian sci-fi novel. The story follows Gurgen Kamareli, a scientist and an inventor living in Tbilisi in the first half of the 20th century. His life gets turned on its head the minute a peculiar stranger walks through his office door, with equally peculiar offer. The collaboration between these two scientists not only yields astounding inventions, but influences the future of the whole planet.

The sci-fi elements of the story, such as the invention of a new type of energy and interplanetary travel are tightly wound to the geopolitical context of the era. However, beyond the technological predictions and political intrigue — there is romance, which gives additional emotional depth to the story.