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The Medici Mirror
‘I have heard, but not believed, the spirits of the dead may walk again…’
A hidden room
When architect Johnny Carter is asked to redesign a long-abandoned Victorian shoe factory, he discovers a hidden room deep in the basement. A dark, sinister room, which contains a sixteenth-century Venetian mirror.
A love in danger
Johnny has a new love, Ophelia, in his life. But as the pair’s relationship develops and they begin to explore the mystery surrounding the mirror, its malign influence threatens to envelop and destroy them.
A secret history
The mirror’s heritage dates back to the sixteenth century, and the figure of Catherine de Medici – betrayed wife, practitioner of the occult, and known as the Black Queen.
The Medici Mirror is a haunting story of jealousy, obsession, and murder, perfect for fans of Kate Mosse and Barbara Erskine; a story about the ability of the past to influence the present and of love’s power to defeat even the most powerful of curses.
A hidden room
When architect Johnny Carter is asked to redesign a long-abandoned Victorian shoe factory, he discovers a hidden room deep in the basement. A dark, sinister room, which contains a sixteenth-century Venetian mirror.
A love in danger
Johnny has a new love, Ophelia, in his life. But as the pair’s relationship develops and they begin to explore the mystery surrounding the mirror, its malign influence threatens to envelop and destroy them.
A secret history
The mirror’s heritage dates back to the sixteenth century, and the figure of Catherine de Medici – betrayed wife, practitioner of the occult, and known as the Black Queen.
The Medici Mirror is a haunting story of jealousy, obsession, and murder, perfect for fans of Kate Mosse and Barbara Erskine; a story about the ability of the past to influence the present and of love’s power to defeat even the most powerful of curses.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2013
3 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Bailey
4 books11 followersI was born in Derbyshire in 1971 but grew up in Lancashire. I read English at Oxford before studying law in London and then pursuing a career in media law.
My first novel, The Medici Mirror, was published in October 2013 by Random House (Arrow). My second novel, Beyond the Sea, was published on 16 July 2015 (Arrow).
My first novel, The Medici Mirror, was published in October 2013 by Random House (Arrow). My second novel, Beyond the Sea, was published on 16 July 2015 (Arrow).
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 34 reviews
October 18, 2013
A mélange of historical and contemporary literary fiction with supernatural subtext
Melissa Bailey’s debut novel implied such potential and shining premise, and yet was disappointingly bland and unfortunately under whelming. An atypical fusion of historical and contemporary fiction cleverly connected by a mirror containing great significance; the concept promises so much. Despite the originality and inventiveness of the storyline, I felt deflated upon encountering the characters and somewhat implausible events. The modern-day story was unconvincing, with Johnny and Ophelia’s relationship disjointedly not fitting in with the rest of the storyline. Catherine’s tale did contain authenticity and accurate links to past historical events, and I did feel empathetic towards her distressing situation (with her husband and his mistress). The writing generally lacked substance hence I wasn’t compelled or enticed to continue reading, and so at times was reluctant to pick up this rather lacklustre tale.
Haunting and in places disturbingly sinister this is a story that remains etched within your memory long afterwards. The historical elements relating to Catherine De Medici and the sixteenth-century Venetian mirror were very interesting, and it was the account on the ‘black Queen’ (and betrayed wife) that grabbed my imagination. I felt this part of the book was certainly much stronger; therefore the parts set within the gothic Victorian shoe factory as Johnny uncovered more secrets from the past rather let it down. The power of love was just not potent enough to hold each strand together within this multilayered tale with varying interwoven narratives overlapping one another. Normally I wouldn’t judge a book by its cover and so remain optimistic as to the content of a book, yet on this occasion I would defy the norm and state that it is indeed a grey story.
Regrettably a 2.5 Rating
*I won a paperback copy of Melissa Bailey’s debut novel ‘the Medici Mirror’ through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
Melissa Bailey’s debut novel implied such potential and shining premise, and yet was disappointingly bland and unfortunately under whelming. An atypical fusion of historical and contemporary fiction cleverly connected by a mirror containing great significance; the concept promises so much. Despite the originality and inventiveness of the storyline, I felt deflated upon encountering the characters and somewhat implausible events. The modern-day story was unconvincing, with Johnny and Ophelia’s relationship disjointedly not fitting in with the rest of the storyline. Catherine’s tale did contain authenticity and accurate links to past historical events, and I did feel empathetic towards her distressing situation (with her husband and his mistress). The writing generally lacked substance hence I wasn’t compelled or enticed to continue reading, and so at times was reluctant to pick up this rather lacklustre tale.
Haunting and in places disturbingly sinister this is a story that remains etched within your memory long afterwards. The historical elements relating to Catherine De Medici and the sixteenth-century Venetian mirror were very interesting, and it was the account on the ‘black Queen’ (and betrayed wife) that grabbed my imagination. I felt this part of the book was certainly much stronger; therefore the parts set within the gothic Victorian shoe factory as Johnny uncovered more secrets from the past rather let it down. The power of love was just not potent enough to hold each strand together within this multilayered tale with varying interwoven narratives overlapping one another. Normally I wouldn’t judge a book by its cover and so remain optimistic as to the content of a book, yet on this occasion I would defy the norm and state that it is indeed a grey story.
Regrettably a 2.5 Rating
*I won a paperback copy of Melissa Bailey’s debut novel ‘the Medici Mirror’ through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
March 29, 2014
This very well written novel was a pleasure to read, a placid pleasure however, rather than a passionate one.
An architect in the throes of post-divorce restlessness is given a dream project: redesign an untouched Victorian shoe factory in London as a modern dwelling. During the beginning we are introduced to our main man, Johnny and we watch as he explores the fascinating old building that time stopped for (and into which, apparently, no squatters managed to penetrate). We watch as he meets and starts to establish a relationship with Ophelia, a fashion photographer specialising in shoes.
We then follow the discovery of a deep, hidden, basement room in which an old mirror hangs, the Medici mirror of the title. We learn of the history of the mirror as we flick back and forth from the present to 1542 France and also as Johnny leans more of the events surrounding the factory and mirror in Victorian times.
This is a ghost story and like the good old ghost stories written the Victorian age itself, the supernatural is treated with a light touch. The ghosts and supernatural evens touch you eerily with a shudder up your spine rather than thwacking you over the head with a sack of rock salt, as is all to common in modern supernatural stories.
There is a lot of research and interesting information in this book, the scenes are set with imagination and deft literary skills but also with an admirable amount of research into a variety of topics. I like coming away from a novel knowing more about the world around me. After the Medici Mirror, I know more about the Venice glass trade, French history, Modern Art photography and Victorian shoes, to name just a few topics.
That said, I think that what I enjoyed most about this book was the way the characters were dealt with. The first part of the novel is really about character development, the ghost story comes after we know our characters well. Despite being well written and very well described all the characters are flawed, they all do things that the reader disapproves of or downright hates. Surprisingly, this does not put you off the story or the character. Normally I will not read a book with no characters I can relate to, but here I just read the bad bit, grimaced, and kept going. I think it is because they are so well described that the reality of the person is solid, despite their error of judgement.
I think this is a book to be read easily, with time on your hands, perhaps with a glass of port on winter evenings. I don't think one would get the full pleasure out of it if you were bent on reading it fast, for a challenge or book club or similar.
An architect in the throes of post-divorce restlessness is given a dream project: redesign an untouched Victorian shoe factory in London as a modern dwelling. During the beginning we are introduced to our main man, Johnny and we watch as he explores the fascinating old building that time stopped for (and into which, apparently, no squatters managed to penetrate). We watch as he meets and starts to establish a relationship with Ophelia, a fashion photographer specialising in shoes.
We then follow the discovery of a deep, hidden, basement room in which an old mirror hangs, the Medici mirror of the title. We learn of the history of the mirror as we flick back and forth from the present to 1542 France and also as Johnny leans more of the events surrounding the factory and mirror in Victorian times.
This is a ghost story and like the good old ghost stories written the Victorian age itself, the supernatural is treated with a light touch. The ghosts and supernatural evens touch you eerily with a shudder up your spine rather than thwacking you over the head with a sack of rock salt, as is all to common in modern supernatural stories.
There is a lot of research and interesting information in this book, the scenes are set with imagination and deft literary skills but also with an admirable amount of research into a variety of topics. I like coming away from a novel knowing more about the world around me. After the Medici Mirror, I know more about the Venice glass trade, French history, Modern Art photography and Victorian shoes, to name just a few topics.
That said, I think that what I enjoyed most about this book was the way the characters were dealt with. The first part of the novel is really about character development, the ghost story comes after we know our characters well. Despite being well written and very well described all the characters are flawed, they all do things that the reader disapproves of or downright hates. Surprisingly, this does not put you off the story or the character. Normally I will not read a book with no characters I can relate to, but here I just read the bad bit, grimaced, and kept going. I think it is because they are so well described that the reality of the person is solid, despite their error of judgement.
I think this is a book to be read easily, with time on your hands, perhaps with a glass of port on winter evenings. I don't think one would get the full pleasure out of it if you were bent on reading it fast, for a challenge or book club or similar.
June 27, 2016
Novel set in France and London. Author Melissa Bailey talks over on our blog about her research for Catherine de Medici: http://www.tripfiction.com/novel-set-...
The Medici Mirror by Melissa Bailey, novel set in London and France.
“The overarching storyline of The Medici Mirror focuses on Catherine de Medici, the Italian wife of the French King, Henri II and her connection to an old, darkened, seemingly magical mirror which is passed down through the centuries and unearthed in the present day”….
One of the great things about reading new (to me) authors is the not knowing what is in store. Will it be good? Will it entertain me? Will it make me want to stay up long into the night to find out what happens? Are the characters believable? Will I want to finish the book?
Well having finished The Medici Mirror, I can wholeheartedly say that the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ to the above!
Melissa is akin to a chef. She takes a number of ingredients, a little bit of this, a little bit of that and lots of others things. Then she mixes them up and adjusts them slightly to result in something deliciously readable and captivating.
So, what are the ingredients?
A chance meeting
Duplicity
Friendships – or not as the case may be
Interesting relationships
Intrigue
Suspense
Interesting locations
A fair bit of mystery, leading the reader to attempt to make what could be misleading conclusions
Alchemy – scary!
Extremely good writing
A bit of history thrown in – (enough for me to check some of the historical events!)
A wee bit of memory for me of some of the places incorporated in the tale
Although the main part of the tale is based in London, anyone who has visited the beautiful château at Chenonceau or who has been whisked by water taxi round the Venetian lagoon marvelling at the magnificent architecture and glorious Murano glass, will love to briefly reconnect; the snippets of reference to these places make the tale interesting and evocative.
So Melissa, my thoughts on your concoction? A MasterChef without doubt!
KAGA for the TripFiction Team
The Medici Mirror by Melissa Bailey, novel set in London and France.
“The overarching storyline of The Medici Mirror focuses on Catherine de Medici, the Italian wife of the French King, Henri II and her connection to an old, darkened, seemingly magical mirror which is passed down through the centuries and unearthed in the present day”….
One of the great things about reading new (to me) authors is the not knowing what is in store. Will it be good? Will it entertain me? Will it make me want to stay up long into the night to find out what happens? Are the characters believable? Will I want to finish the book?
Well having finished The Medici Mirror, I can wholeheartedly say that the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ to the above!
Melissa is akin to a chef. She takes a number of ingredients, a little bit of this, a little bit of that and lots of others things. Then she mixes them up and adjusts them slightly to result in something deliciously readable and captivating.
So, what are the ingredients?
A chance meeting
Duplicity
Friendships – or not as the case may be
Interesting relationships
Intrigue
Suspense
Interesting locations
A fair bit of mystery, leading the reader to attempt to make what could be misleading conclusions
Alchemy – scary!
Extremely good writing
A bit of history thrown in – (enough for me to check some of the historical events!)
A wee bit of memory for me of some of the places incorporated in the tale
Although the main part of the tale is based in London, anyone who has visited the beautiful château at Chenonceau or who has been whisked by water taxi round the Venetian lagoon marvelling at the magnificent architecture and glorious Murano glass, will love to briefly reconnect; the snippets of reference to these places make the tale interesting and evocative.
So Melissa, my thoughts on your concoction? A MasterChef without doubt!
KAGA for the TripFiction Team
December 14, 2013
If you are looking for a dark story, a side helping of jealousy, the obligatory love story that stands the test of time and a good twist then The Medici Mirror is the book for you. As many of you know I’m not one for love stories in literature – give me an old fashioned rom com movie any day – but this story intrigued me and I wanted to give it a go after seeing the book jacket. It kept me interested throughout and when the reveal came at the end I was suitably impressed, I hadn’t seen it coming!
The one thing that stood out for me was the writing. Melissa Bailey is a wonderful talent, the words flow and the story is beautifully crafted, it’s hard to comprehend that this is the work of a debut author. The narrative allowed me to feel part of the story and to lose myself in the sinister and beguiling powers of the mirror and those it ultimately affects.
The author effortlessly takes us back to the reign of Henri II but it’s his wife Catherine de Medici that really stands out, for me she steals the show and is without question the main character in the book – I cared more for her than Johnny or Ophelia who represent the modern era. A woman fighting for her position and her life, her insecurities literally jump off the pages and her desire to bring down her husband’s mistress – one of many – palpable.
Having said that, I would have liked a tighter relationship between Catherine and the mirror. I wanted to know why and how the mirror had developed such a sinister and dangerous aura. We never find out and this was a disappointment for me.
The author cranks up the tension gradually and you never quite know what to expect from one chapter to the next. Johnny Carter’s personality evolves throughout as he succumbs to the hidden and seductive powers of the mirror. This is a dark and atmospheric book, the scenes in the abandoned shoe factory are evocative and completely draw you in to an era gone by. Talking of which, I really enjoyed the time spent trying to discover how the previous owner of the factory had died. Was it natural causes or cold blooded murder?
For a magnificent and atmospheric blend of old and new, past and present along with the odd death thrown in for good measure The Medici Mirror will not disappoint.
The one thing that stood out for me was the writing. Melissa Bailey is a wonderful talent, the words flow and the story is beautifully crafted, it’s hard to comprehend that this is the work of a debut author. The narrative allowed me to feel part of the story and to lose myself in the sinister and beguiling powers of the mirror and those it ultimately affects.
The author effortlessly takes us back to the reign of Henri II but it’s his wife Catherine de Medici that really stands out, for me she steals the show and is without question the main character in the book – I cared more for her than Johnny or Ophelia who represent the modern era. A woman fighting for her position and her life, her insecurities literally jump off the pages and her desire to bring down her husband’s mistress – one of many – palpable.
Having said that, I would have liked a tighter relationship between Catherine and the mirror. I wanted to know why and how the mirror had developed such a sinister and dangerous aura. We never find out and this was a disappointment for me.
The author cranks up the tension gradually and you never quite know what to expect from one chapter to the next. Johnny Carter’s personality evolves throughout as he succumbs to the hidden and seductive powers of the mirror. This is a dark and atmospheric book, the scenes in the abandoned shoe factory are evocative and completely draw you in to an era gone by. Talking of which, I really enjoyed the time spent trying to discover how the previous owner of the factory had died. Was it natural causes or cold blooded murder?
For a magnificent and atmospheric blend of old and new, past and present along with the odd death thrown in for good measure The Medici Mirror will not disappoint.
January 16, 2016
Wir lernen hier John Carter, von allen Johnny genannt, kennen, der bekommt den Auftrag einer alte Schuhfabrik für einen Käufer neu zu gestalten. Diese Fabrik steht seit einer Ewigkeit leer und es wurde alles so belassen, wie damals, als man letztens drinnen war. Seine Kollegin Tara findet eines Tages den Kellerraum, indem sich ein Spiegel befindet. Dieser Spiegel sieht sehr alt aus, hat Flecken, die beiden glauben, aber er hat ein Geheimnis, sodass die beiden fasziniert von dem Spiegel und beschließen ihn als Geheimnis zu behalten.
Johnny trifft im Ophelia, einen Fotografin und ist gleich verknallt ihn sie. Er ist verzückt über sie und trifft sich gleich mit ihr. Durch Zufall erzählt er ihr von dem Spiegel, sie ist natürlich gleich interessiert und will ihn sehen. Auch sie “verfällt” diesem und schleicht sich sehr oft alleine in die Fabrik.
Johnny ist so abgelenkt und kann gar nicht am Auftrag zur Renovierung der Fabrik arbeiten. Er beschließt das Geheimnis dieses Spiegels zu lösen, weil auch durch Recherche festgestellt wird, dass der letzte Besitzer der Fabrik tot aufgefunden wird. SPOILER
Auch eine ehemalige Fabrikarbeiterin ist verschwunden. Johnny hat mittlerweile öfters “Visionen” einer Frau und eines Mannes. Die Frau bittet um Hilfe. Als Johnny sich intensiver mit dem Spiegel beschäftigt, stellt er fest, dass die Frau aus seinen Visionen die Fabrikarbeiterin ist. Nun, muss er das Rätsel lösen, was mit der Frau passiert ist und wem der Spiegel gehört hat.
Während wir die Geschichte von John lesen, sind immer wieder Kapitel aus der Sicht von Katherine de Medici eingeschoben, was sehr interessant ist. SPOILER: Sie erzählt wie sie die Mätresse ihres Gemahls aus dem Weg räumen will, es aber nicht wirklich gelingt.
Die Geschichte spielt in London und die Rückblicke in Frankreich.
Der Autorin ist sehr gut gelungen, die Fabrik, die altertümliche Arbeitsweise und auch die Gegend zu beschreiben, auch die Rückblicke, die im Schloss in Frankreich spielen, sind toll. Ich hatte immer das Gefühl, man kann so richtig abtauchen.
Schade fand ich, dass nicht mehr aus Sicht der Medici erzählt wurde, hätte ich sehr interessant gefunden.
Johnny trifft im Ophelia, einen Fotografin und ist gleich verknallt ihn sie. Er ist verzückt über sie und trifft sich gleich mit ihr. Durch Zufall erzählt er ihr von dem Spiegel, sie ist natürlich gleich interessiert und will ihn sehen. Auch sie “verfällt” diesem und schleicht sich sehr oft alleine in die Fabrik.
Johnny ist so abgelenkt und kann gar nicht am Auftrag zur Renovierung der Fabrik arbeiten. Er beschließt das Geheimnis dieses Spiegels zu lösen, weil auch durch Recherche festgestellt wird, dass der letzte Besitzer der Fabrik tot aufgefunden wird. SPOILER
Auch eine ehemalige Fabrikarbeiterin ist verschwunden. Johnny hat mittlerweile öfters “Visionen” einer Frau und eines Mannes. Die Frau bittet um Hilfe. Als Johnny sich intensiver mit dem Spiegel beschäftigt, stellt er fest, dass die Frau aus seinen Visionen die Fabrikarbeiterin ist. Nun, muss er das Rätsel lösen, was mit der Frau passiert ist und wem der Spiegel gehört hat.
Während wir die Geschichte von John lesen, sind immer wieder Kapitel aus der Sicht von Katherine de Medici eingeschoben, was sehr interessant ist. SPOILER: Sie erzählt wie sie die Mätresse ihres Gemahls aus dem Weg räumen will, es aber nicht wirklich gelingt.
Die Geschichte spielt in London und die Rückblicke in Frankreich.
Der Autorin ist sehr gut gelungen, die Fabrik, die altertümliche Arbeitsweise und auch die Gegend zu beschreiben, auch die Rückblicke, die im Schloss in Frankreich spielen, sind toll. Ich hatte immer das Gefühl, man kann so richtig abtauchen.
Schade fand ich, dass nicht mehr aus Sicht der Medici erzählt wurde, hätte ich sehr interessant gefunden.
December 1, 2013
Dieser Roman ist ein gelungener Genremix zwischen Mystery und historischem Roman. Der Leser schlüpft in die Rolle des Architekten Johnny Carter, der in London eine alte viktorianische Schuhfabrik zu Luxuswohnungen umbauen soll. Eines Tages entdecken er und seine Kollegin Tara einen verborgenen Kellerraum, in dem neben wenigen Möbeln ein riesiger alter Spiegel steht. Ihre Nachforschungen ergeben, dass er Katharina von Medici gehörte.
Von diesem Spiegel geht eine düstere Anziehungskraft aus, die nicht nur die beiden Kollegen, sondern auch Johnnys neue Freundin, die Modefotografin Ophelia Gray in ihren Bann zieht. Gequält von mysteriösen Albträumen will Johnny den Dingen auf den Grund gehen und entdeckt eine Spur von Verbrechen aus Liebe, Lust und Leidenschaft, die durch Jahrhunderte führt, angefangen bei dem seltsamen Tod des letzten Fabrikbesitzers...
Mit einer lebendigen, bildhaften Sprache schildert die Autorin Melissa Bailey in zwei Handlungssträngen die Geschichte dieses geheimnisvollen Spiegels. Auf der einen Seite das Leben und Handeln des Architekten in der Gegenwart, auf der anderen Seite die gedemütigte und verzweifelte Königin Katharina, die sich aus Rache den dunklen Künsten hingegeben hat. Ein faszinierendes Buch, das man gerne auch ein zweites Mal lesen wird.
Von diesem Spiegel geht eine düstere Anziehungskraft aus, die nicht nur die beiden Kollegen, sondern auch Johnnys neue Freundin, die Modefotografin Ophelia Gray in ihren Bann zieht. Gequält von mysteriösen Albträumen will Johnny den Dingen auf den Grund gehen und entdeckt eine Spur von Verbrechen aus Liebe, Lust und Leidenschaft, die durch Jahrhunderte führt, angefangen bei dem seltsamen Tod des letzten Fabrikbesitzers...
Mit einer lebendigen, bildhaften Sprache schildert die Autorin Melissa Bailey in zwei Handlungssträngen die Geschichte dieses geheimnisvollen Spiegels. Auf der einen Seite das Leben und Handeln des Architekten in der Gegenwart, auf der anderen Seite die gedemütigte und verzweifelte Königin Katharina, die sich aus Rache den dunklen Künsten hingegeben hat. Ein faszinierendes Buch, das man gerne auch ein zweites Mal lesen wird.
January 28, 2024
Le premesse sul romanzo di Melissa Bailey ci sono tutte: la storia di Caterina de' Medici che si intreccia alla vita normale di un architetto londinese attraverso uno specchio affascinante e misterioso insieme.
Ci si aspetterebbe una storia con due punti di vista ben marcati (e i capitoli con doppio POV sono quelli di Caterina e Johnny Carter, infatti), una struttura ben definita e una quantità di dettagli ben misurata e centellinata nel corso di queste quasi 400 pagine.
Ciò che troviamo può essere schematicamente riassunto in questo modo:
- capitoli brevissimi dal punto di vista di Caterina, connotati da sentimenti forti come la sfiducia, il rancore e il desiderio di vendetta e sempre velati da un mistero che - al capitolo 39 - inizia a stancare il lettore;
- capitoli interminabili con protagonista Johnny, l'architetto che - per l'occasione - lascia perdere la sua professione per diventare "investigatore"; sono capitoli dettagliatissimi su elementi che non c'entrano con la storia o la conoscenza del personaggio stesso (perché non mi serve sapere che cucina il pesce divinamente per capire quale sia l'effetto che lo specchio avrà su di lui) e in cui il protagonista si muove con confusione e approssimazione, con la facilità che tutte le risposte alle sue domande vengono trovate con uno schiocco di dita e offerte da personaggi-comparsa che magicamente fanno il lavoro sporco per lui.
Una terza linea temporale viene introdotta al 50% del romanzo, portandoci nella Londra vittoriana e in piena età industriale. Questo punto di vista è passivo, però, e viene affrontato nei capitoli dedicati al presente attraverso la tecnica della narrazione epistolare. Questa è forse l'unica parte in cui il mistero è palpabile e incuriosisce il lettore.
Tutto molto interessante, con tanti spunti e potenzialità, peccato per la prolissità della narrazione.
Ci sono molti elementi negativi tra cui perfino la troppa caratterizzazione del personaggio: indipendentemente dalla persona che lo guarda, lo specchio sortisce comunque lo stesso effetto, dunque - come anticipavo - a che cosa serve spiegare nel dettaglio lo stile di vita del protagonista, del personaggio secondario e della comparsa funzionale solo ad allungare la narrazione?
La storia tra Johnny ed Ophelia, inoltre, si sviluppa troppo velocemente, non è realistica e se in 70 pagine (quindi due giorni di calendario) arrivano a coltivare una relazione complessa pari a quella di un matrimonio di quarant'anni, qualcosa è evidente che non vada per il verso giusto.
Troppa carne al fuoco, poca conclusione: ho imparato come si producevano le scarpe nel XIX secolo, ma è veramente questo il focus del romanzo? E, vorrei capire, che cos'è questa passione/ossessione per tacchi e piedi? Persino il protagonista che riconosce macchinari per la produzione di modelli diversi di scarpe... ridicolo.
DNF all'80%, giusto per far capire che ci ho provato fino in fondo a cogliere un senso in quello che leggevo, ma com'è chiaro non ce l'ho fatta.
Ci si aspetterebbe una storia con due punti di vista ben marcati (e i capitoli con doppio POV sono quelli di Caterina e Johnny Carter, infatti), una struttura ben definita e una quantità di dettagli ben misurata e centellinata nel corso di queste quasi 400 pagine.
Ciò che troviamo può essere schematicamente riassunto in questo modo:
- capitoli brevissimi dal punto di vista di Caterina, connotati da sentimenti forti come la sfiducia, il rancore e il desiderio di vendetta e sempre velati da un mistero che - al capitolo 39 - inizia a stancare il lettore;
- capitoli interminabili con protagonista Johnny, l'architetto che - per l'occasione - lascia perdere la sua professione per diventare "investigatore"; sono capitoli dettagliatissimi su elementi che non c'entrano con la storia o la conoscenza del personaggio stesso (perché non mi serve sapere che cucina il pesce divinamente per capire quale sia l'effetto che lo specchio avrà su di lui) e in cui il protagonista si muove con confusione e approssimazione, con la facilità che tutte le risposte alle sue domande vengono trovate con uno schiocco di dita e offerte da personaggi-comparsa che magicamente fanno il lavoro sporco per lui.
Una terza linea temporale viene introdotta al 50% del romanzo, portandoci nella Londra vittoriana e in piena età industriale. Questo punto di vista è passivo, però, e viene affrontato nei capitoli dedicati al presente attraverso la tecnica della narrazione epistolare. Questa è forse l'unica parte in cui il mistero è palpabile e incuriosisce il lettore.
Tutto molto interessante, con tanti spunti e potenzialità, peccato per la prolissità della narrazione.
Ci sono molti elementi negativi tra cui perfino la troppa caratterizzazione del personaggio: indipendentemente dalla persona che lo guarda, lo specchio sortisce comunque lo stesso effetto, dunque - come anticipavo - a che cosa serve spiegare nel dettaglio lo stile di vita del protagonista, del personaggio secondario e della comparsa funzionale solo ad allungare la narrazione?
La storia tra Johnny ed Ophelia, inoltre, si sviluppa troppo velocemente, non è realistica e se in 70 pagine (quindi due giorni di calendario) arrivano a coltivare una relazione complessa pari a quella di un matrimonio di quarant'anni, qualcosa è evidente che non vada per il verso giusto.
Troppa carne al fuoco, poca conclusione: ho imparato come si producevano le scarpe nel XIX secolo, ma è veramente questo il focus del romanzo? E, vorrei capire, che cos'è questa passione/ossessione per tacchi e piedi? Persino il protagonista che riconosce macchinari per la produzione di modelli diversi di scarpe... ridicolo.
DNF all'80%, giusto per far capire che ci ho provato fino in fondo a cogliere un senso in quello che leggevo, ma com'è chiaro non ce l'ho fatta.
December 6, 2021
Yıl 1542, Catherine zemindeki delikten alt katta sevişen kocası 2. Henry ve metresini izliyor. Günümüze geliyoruz mimar Johnny Eski bir ayakkabı fabrikasının renovasyonunu yapmak için görevlendiriliyor.
Yanında çalışan Tara ile birlikte planlarda olmayan bir bodrum buluyorlar bodrumda eski çok büyük bir ayna ve aynaya iliştirilmiş ayakkabılar var bir kağıt parçasına ise ölülerin dönebileceği yazılmış. Johnny Aynayı görmek isteyen sevgilisi ophelia ve danıştığı eskici Alexander'ın bu isteklerini hep öteliyor onlara aynayı göstermek istemiyor. Bu arada Catherine'in büyü işlerine karıştığını buluyorlar. Ophelia ile aynaya bakmaya gittiklerinde ise kendilerini her defasında cinsellik ve büyü ile sevişirken buluyorlar ve aynada karanlık yüzleri onlara gülümsüyor. Çok geçmeden aynanın catherine geçmişte kaybolmuş amelia ve ölen james'i birbirine bağlayan kaderi ortaya çıkar.
Medici mirror olan asıl adı bence daha uygun çünkü medici ailesinin anlatılmasından ziyade Catherine medicinin değiştirdiği ayna baş rolde. Güzel bir kitaptı. Hayaletler lanetler ve intikam başlıklarını sevenlere öneririm.
Yanında çalışan Tara ile birlikte planlarda olmayan bir bodrum buluyorlar bodrumda eski çok büyük bir ayna ve aynaya iliştirilmiş ayakkabılar var bir kağıt parçasına ise ölülerin dönebileceği yazılmış. Johnny Aynayı görmek isteyen sevgilisi ophelia ve danıştığı eskici Alexander'ın bu isteklerini hep öteliyor onlara aynayı göstermek istemiyor. Bu arada Catherine'in büyü işlerine karıştığını buluyorlar. Ophelia ile aynaya bakmaya gittiklerinde ise kendilerini her defasında cinsellik ve büyü ile sevişirken buluyorlar ve aynada karanlık yüzleri onlara gülümsüyor. Çok geçmeden aynanın catherine geçmişte kaybolmuş amelia ve ölen james'i birbirine bağlayan kaderi ortaya çıkar.
Medici mirror olan asıl adı bence daha uygun çünkü medici ailesinin anlatılmasından ziyade Catherine medicinin değiştirdiği ayna baş rolde. Güzel bir kitaptı. Hayaletler lanetler ve intikam başlıklarını sevenlere öneririm.
February 12, 2019
Disappointing, lacks momentum.
While the prospect of a triple entwined story sounded promising, brining the past and the present together linked by a mysterious mirror. I found that the story moved slowly, the writing was patronising and the characters unrelatable.
The author spent considerable time describing things that didn't need it (about 200 words to tell us how to make seafood pasta...) and could have used that to flesh out the characters more.
I found Catherine's story by far the most interesting and felt we were going to hear much more about it, but that dwindled quickly in the second half of the book and we barely got anything more about her.
Wanted more than this book could give
While the prospect of a triple entwined story sounded promising, brining the past and the present together linked by a mysterious mirror. I found that the story moved slowly, the writing was patronising and the characters unrelatable.
The author spent considerable time describing things that didn't need it (about 200 words to tell us how to make seafood pasta...) and could have used that to flesh out the characters more.
I found Catherine's story by far the most interesting and felt we were going to hear much more about it, but that dwindled quickly in the second half of the book and we barely got anything more about her.
Wanted more than this book could give
January 1, 2025
Das Buch befindet sich jetzt schon sehr sehr lange in meinem Bücherregal und damn das habe ich nicht erwartet.
Von Anfang an war ich gefesselt und wollte undbedingt wissen, was es mit diesem Spiegel auf sich hat - einfach wegen des Titels. Ich hatte nicht erwartet in die Geschichte von Katharina de Medici einzutauchen. Das war richtig gut!
Die Kapitel sind wirklich angenehm lang und so habe ich das Buch direkt verschlingen können.
Johnny war finde ich richtig interessant und man hat im Laufe des Buches wirklich die Auswirkungen gespürt.
Mit dem Ende habe ich nun wirklich nicht gerechnet.
Von Anfang an war ich gefesselt und wollte undbedingt wissen, was es mit diesem Spiegel auf sich hat - einfach wegen des Titels. Ich hatte nicht erwartet in die Geschichte von Katharina de Medici einzutauchen. Das war richtig gut!
Die Kapitel sind wirklich angenehm lang und so habe ich das Buch direkt verschlingen können.
Johnny war finde ich richtig interessant und man hat im Laufe des Buches wirklich die Auswirkungen gespürt.
Mit dem Ende habe ich nun wirklich nicht gerechnet.
August 11, 2018
I won this book in a good reads competition. I thought the premise of the novel was good but didn't really connect with any of the characters and found it slow going. I did find the twist at the end interesting and surprising.
January 19, 2022
I originally picked this up from a discount bookshop when I was living in an apartment that had been changed from being a shoe factory, then completely forgot about it.
A good story, looks predictable in parts but really isn't in the long run.
A good story, looks predictable in parts but really isn't in the long run.
September 29, 2017
gerade noch 3 Sterne.. Schade die Grundidee ist eigentlich sehr gut..
October 6, 2017
Disappointing, so wanted to like it.
Couldn't connect with any of the characters, and the story of the mirror didn't work for me
Couldn't connect with any of the characters, and the story of the mirror didn't work for me
October 15, 2023
Wow. What a read! This is an amazing story. A real page-turner. Melissa Bailey: Please write more books.
December 22, 2015
Back in the summer I read a wonderful novel called Beyond the Sea by Melissa Bailey. I loved it and was swept away by Melissa’s ability to create atmosphere and such a vivid sense of place – you can read my review here. I loved it so much that I (maybe a little cheekily!) asked Melissa if she’d send me a copy of her first book. Well she did, and I’m so very glad because I loved this one too. Check out the cover above – that in itself rang a whole lot of my bells. Doesn’t it just invite you in?
This is another novel with an incredible sense of place. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the old, derelict shoe factory with all its machinery and materials still in situ. I could almost smell the dust and leather and was just as keen as the protagonists to see it brought back to life. But nothing lies dormant for decades without accumulating its fair share of secrets and this factory is no different.
From the very beginning the reader realises that this narrative will be split. It opens with Catherine de Medici and her concerns regarding her husband’s affair before moving to the modern day and Johnny’s story. Johnny is at a vulnerable stage in his life and very early on meets the somewhat mysterious love interest, Ophelia – who happens to be a fashion photographer specialising in shoes. As the two of them and Johnny’s beautiful colleague Tara start to dig away at the history of the factory you just can’t help but want to know how the two eras will be linked. I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler to point out the significance of the mirror in the title at this point…
The narrative deftly switches between Contemporary London, Victorian London and 1540’s France bringing in some incredible historical detail which Melissa must have spent considerable time researching. I love novels which lead me off on a ‘Google tangent’ and this had me looking up Victorian shoes, Venetian mirrors and the story of Catherine de Medici and her husband (the King of France) in more detail.
Melissa writes strong, female characters particularly well but all the characters in this novel are well-rounded, if flawed – as they should be. The story is excellently plotted with a very satisfying ending - a compelling mix of murder, passion, intrigue and the supernatural. It’s a ghost story in the vein of my favourite Victorian ghost stories; eerie, spooky and chilling rather than terrifying but no less accomplished because of that. It’s gripping and smart – and unbelievably, a debut novel. A perfect read to curl up with on a winter’s evening. Thank you so much Melissa! I can’t wait for book number three.
This is another novel with an incredible sense of place. I was fascinated by the descriptions of the old, derelict shoe factory with all its machinery and materials still in situ. I could almost smell the dust and leather and was just as keen as the protagonists to see it brought back to life. But nothing lies dormant for decades without accumulating its fair share of secrets and this factory is no different.
From the very beginning the reader realises that this narrative will be split. It opens with Catherine de Medici and her concerns regarding her husband’s affair before moving to the modern day and Johnny’s story. Johnny is at a vulnerable stage in his life and very early on meets the somewhat mysterious love interest, Ophelia – who happens to be a fashion photographer specialising in shoes. As the two of them and Johnny’s beautiful colleague Tara start to dig away at the history of the factory you just can’t help but want to know how the two eras will be linked. I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler to point out the significance of the mirror in the title at this point…
The narrative deftly switches between Contemporary London, Victorian London and 1540’s France bringing in some incredible historical detail which Melissa must have spent considerable time researching. I love novels which lead me off on a ‘Google tangent’ and this had me looking up Victorian shoes, Venetian mirrors and the story of Catherine de Medici and her husband (the King of France) in more detail.
Melissa writes strong, female characters particularly well but all the characters in this novel are well-rounded, if flawed – as they should be. The story is excellently plotted with a very satisfying ending - a compelling mix of murder, passion, intrigue and the supernatural. It’s a ghost story in the vein of my favourite Victorian ghost stories; eerie, spooky and chilling rather than terrifying but no less accomplished because of that. It’s gripping and smart – and unbelievably, a debut novel. A perfect read to curl up with on a winter’s evening. Thank you so much Melissa! I can’t wait for book number three.
October 30, 2013
*I won this copy in a goodreads first reads giveaway*
Hauntingly Eerie! I actually found myself avoiding Mirror's just in case lol.
The story centres around old and seemingly damaged mirror. This mirror, a gift from a King to his mistress, mistakenly falls into the hands of the Queen. With the best black magic magicians of the time they put a curse on it and envelop it with all the hate, jealously and hopelessness the Queen is filled with. This mirror goes through the centuries protecting women who have been wronged by their cheating husbands.
James and Tara, architects on the renovation of a beautiful shoe factory which has been stuck in time, discover a hidden room. Within this room hangs a blackened mirror. The Mirror draws James in and takes over his whole life. The more he looks into the mirror's history the more they can't escape the inevitable. Can James and his girlfriend Ophelia survive the curse?
Beautifully written, especially the period sections. I agree with an earlier review that these sections seemed stronger than the present day sections of James and Ophelia. I found James' character okay but i thought Ophelia was a bit limp and lacklustre. They both seemed very agreeable i would have thought some of the events that took place would have led to arguments etc. I loved the character of Amelia and her story.
Overall i really enjoyed this book it started and finished strongly and will be looking out for more books by this author - i wonder when i will feel safe looking in a mirror again?? lol
Hauntingly Eerie! I actually found myself avoiding Mirror's just in case lol.
The story centres around old and seemingly damaged mirror. This mirror, a gift from a King to his mistress, mistakenly falls into the hands of the Queen. With the best black magic magicians of the time they put a curse on it and envelop it with all the hate, jealously and hopelessness the Queen is filled with. This mirror goes through the centuries protecting women who have been wronged by their cheating husbands.
James and Tara, architects on the renovation of a beautiful shoe factory which has been stuck in time, discover a hidden room. Within this room hangs a blackened mirror. The Mirror draws James in and takes over his whole life. The more he looks into the mirror's history the more they can't escape the inevitable. Can James and his girlfriend Ophelia survive the curse?
Beautifully written, especially the period sections. I agree with an earlier review that these sections seemed stronger than the present day sections of James and Ophelia. I found James' character okay but i thought Ophelia was a bit limp and lacklustre. They both seemed very agreeable i would have thought some of the events that took place would have led to arguments etc. I loved the character of Amelia and her story.
Overall i really enjoyed this book it started and finished strongly and will be looking out for more books by this author - i wonder when i will feel safe looking in a mirror again?? lol
December 14, 2014
This book had so much, unfulfilled potential :( I slugged away for the first hundred odd pages (maybe 120?) just trying to convince myself that the book would get better. So many times I nearly put it down just because I couldn't get into it during the beginning of the book. I even had to go back to read the blurb at first to figure out who the main character was. I think that was about the point I seriously considered giving up.
I didn't though.
By the end of the book I was enjoying it but even then it felt rather flat truthfully. I figured out the ending too which was rather disappointing. I just felt like there was so much that could have been explored but there wasn't? Perhaps it's because these type of three storylines that intertwine with each other usually have a lot more action in it than this one but it was just too boring for me. Oh, I loved the history element of it but the modern day storyline? That bored me. It wasn't until the climax of the novel, maybe the last hundred odd pages that I actually enjoyed the main character and their storyline.
Still I am glad I bourght myself to finish the book.
I didn't though.
By the end of the book I was enjoying it but even then it felt rather flat truthfully. I figured out the ending too which was rather disappointing. I just felt like there was so much that could have been explored but there wasn't? Perhaps it's because these type of three storylines that intertwine with each other usually have a lot more action in it than this one but it was just too boring for me. Oh, I loved the history element of it but the modern day storyline? That bored me. It wasn't until the climax of the novel, maybe the last hundred odd pages that I actually enjoyed the main character and their storyline.
Still I am glad I bourght myself to finish the book.
March 19, 2014
I enjoyed this! A Goodreads 'giveaway' I have waited a while to read it, as I've been working through a large pile of books I bought last summer! If I'd known how much I would enjoy it I think I would have picked it up before.
Although initially I felt the author was slightly over-egging the descriptive phrases I soon forgot all about this as the characters absorbed me. The plot was quite fast-moving and I felt an element of mystery was maintained about Ophelia, mainly through Tara's doubts. I suspected it might become a traditional love-triangle but Tara's role is much more substantial than that, although in the background.
I enjoyed the way that Johnny gradually and surreptiously takes on the characteristics of James and I thought this was very cleverly written. The thread of shoes, feet and footsteps is also expertly woven into the story as is the way in which Amelia and James' story gradually replaces that of Catherine and Henri.
A very good read - with a strong theme of jealousy and darkness that never overwhelms the story of Johnny and Ophelia. Highly recommended!
Although initially I felt the author was slightly over-egging the descriptive phrases I soon forgot all about this as the characters absorbed me. The plot was quite fast-moving and I felt an element of mystery was maintained about Ophelia, mainly through Tara's doubts. I suspected it might become a traditional love-triangle but Tara's role is much more substantial than that, although in the background.
I enjoyed the way that Johnny gradually and surreptiously takes on the characteristics of James and I thought this was very cleverly written. The thread of shoes, feet and footsteps is also expertly woven into the story as is the way in which Amelia and James' story gradually replaces that of Catherine and Henri.
A very good read - with a strong theme of jealousy and darkness that never overwhelms the story of Johnny and Ophelia. Highly recommended!
October 26, 2013
This book is a beautifully crafted blend of a horror, ghost, love and crime novel that makes for a genuinely cracking read. Expansively whirling through the eras of Catherine de Medici, Victorian London and the present time this genre-bending debut is chock full of heart stopping twists and moments when the hairs on the back of your neck rise. But it is intimate and has emotional depth too as the author deftly pulls you into the psyches of its engaging and credible characters whose destiny you end up caring about. The feelings of dark revenge, jealousy, betrayal, death, yearning, vulnerability and love are all played out in a way that makes you physically 'feel' the book. I was completely immersed. Curl up on the sofa, snatch a chapter on the train or burn the midnight oil with The Medici Mirror. Five stars for sure.
Just search for The Medici Mirror on You Tube to see a mini film that trails the book. it gives a good idea of what this book is all about.
Just search for The Medici Mirror on You Tube to see a mini film that trails the book. it gives a good idea of what this book is all about.
August 5, 2015
This is a mystery novel with an intriguing premise: an architect, working at abandoned factory finds a hidden room containing a bed, armchair and sinister looking mirror; is it evil?
The story then alternates between modern day London, sixteenth century France and eighteenth century London; the mirror being the common thread. The conclusion does make sense and the stories do interconnect.
However, even though I finished the book, I didn't particularly enjoy it. The dialogue was very repetitive (people asking each other are they o.k repeatedly for example) and whilst the premise was very creepy I was never really hooked by the story and I couldn't relate or feel any empathy for the characters. It felt like there was a missed opportunity for a very good novel here.
A disappointment.
4/10.
The story then alternates between modern day London, sixteenth century France and eighteenth century London; the mirror being the common thread. The conclusion does make sense and the stories do interconnect.
However, even though I finished the book, I didn't particularly enjoy it. The dialogue was very repetitive (people asking each other are they o.k repeatedly for example) and whilst the premise was very creepy I was never really hooked by the story and I couldn't relate or feel any empathy for the characters. It felt like there was a missed opportunity for a very good novel here.
A disappointment.
4/10.
August 25, 2014
The Medici Mirror by Melissa Bailey made for brilliant holiday reading!
Full of mystery, suspense, secrets, and lessons on what the power of love and hate can do to people, "The Medici Mirror" is a really well written, spooky, unsettling novel with a great twist that I never saw coming! The story sort of spans three time periods: contemporary London, Victorian London and 16th century France I enjoyed reading about all three.
Melissa Bailey has a great way with words - her attention to detail is fantastic, she makes you feel deeply involved with the characters and their situations, and really kept the suspense and tension up right the way through the story!
I'll definitely be on the look out for more from this author.
: )
Full of mystery, suspense, secrets, and lessons on what the power of love and hate can do to people, "The Medici Mirror" is a really well written, spooky, unsettling novel with a great twist that I never saw coming! The story sort of spans three time periods: contemporary London, Victorian London and 16th century France I enjoyed reading about all three.
Melissa Bailey has a great way with words - her attention to detail is fantastic, she makes you feel deeply involved with the characters and their situations, and really kept the suspense and tension up right the way through the story!
I'll definitely be on the look out for more from this author.
: )
November 1, 2013
I got this book through first reads, to begin with was a bit slow I didn't see the need for all the sex scenes felt them to be unnecessary to be honest, but once they were over I found myself becoming obsessed with the mirror and wanting to know more. it was building up the suspension towards the end but it all just seemed to fade away it was good the way it went but disappointing with the ending. But definately worth a read.
May 9, 2014
Not as good as I'd hoped it would be, but an easy read if you are looking for something not too taxing for a quick read in bed. A bit predictable & quite slow in terms of pace. Not nearly as much info or focus on Catherine de Medici as I'd hoped which was why I picked the book up in the first place.
November 30, 2013
I was lucky enough to win this book, I do enjoy a bit of a spook book now and then amongst my romance and chickflicks, this book had a bit of spook & romance,it was an enjoyable read although I found I had to concentrate quite hard whilst reading this book x
September 4, 2014
A genuinely creepy story, linking the present day with the French King Henri II, his wife Catherine de Medici and his (much older) mistress Diane de Poitiers. Read this and you may never look in a mirror in the same way again!
January 31, 2016
I was drawn to this book predominantly on account of it's historical context fused with a classic ghost story.
It is a really good read and encompasses elements of historical fact, the supernatural, unrequited love and revenge all in one.
Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended.
It is a really good read and encompasses elements of historical fact, the supernatural, unrequited love and revenge all in one.
Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended.
December 22, 2013
I'm afraid I didn't like the characters enough to care although the suspense was well built up throughout the book. Much too wordy in places.
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