Die letzte Tochter von Versailles

by Eva Stachniak

Versailles, 1755: Die junge Véronique fällt auf in den ärmlichen Gassen, wo ihre Familie kaum über die Runden kommt, und bald dringt der Ruf ihrer Schönheit bis zum Schloss, wo Ludwig der XV. das Interesse an seiner Favoritin, Madame de Pompadour, verloren hat. Véronique wird seine Geliebte, doch das Arrangement nimmt ein jähes Ende, als sie ein Kind erwartet.
Jahre später wächst Marie-Louise bei einer Pflegemutter auf, die sie zur Hebamme ausbildet. Über ihre Mutter weiß sie nichts. Sie heiratet den jungen Anwalt Pierre, der an der Seite Dantons für den Sturz des Königs kämpft. Doch eines Tages wird Pierre in einem anonymen Schreiben vorgeworfen, seine Frau habe Verbindungen zum Königshaus – das könnte ihn nicht nur seine Karriere, sondern auch den Kopf kosten …

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, France, Historical, 18th Century, French Revolution, Audiobook

600 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2022

About the author

Eva Stachniak was born in Wrocław, Poland. She moved to Canada in 1981 and has worked for Radio Canada International and Sheridan College, where she taught English and humanities. Her debut novel, Necessary Lies, won the Amazon.ca/Books in Canada First Novel Award in 2000. Her first novel of Catherine the Great, The Winter Palace, has been included in the Washington Post 2011 list of most notable fiction and was a #1 international bestseller.
Stachniak lives in Toronto. Her latest novel is The School of Mirrors (2022).

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The School of Mirrors, set during tumultuous 18th century France, brings an intriguing story of a young woman and her daughter, who had no choice as to her path. She left a legacy, and set in motion the question of what the true meaning of what a legacy is.

Versailles, 1755: Veronique Roux at thirteen is unspoiled in nature. Lebel, under the name of Monsieur Durand, takes Veronique into service supposedly for a Polish count. What she has in mind is domestic service, though what he has in mind is quite different. He is employed by the King and King’s favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour, who is to oversee the young girls to be trained as potential courtesans.

On the grounds of Versailles lies Deer Park, where the young girls are housed. And that’s where Veronique finds out that she is not to be a servant, but as one of the eleves – learning the finer skills befitting her new prospects. The girls go through rigorous training and are put to trials. One fails and is dismissed. She wouldn’t say why.

As it happens with all eleves who get pregnant, arrangements are made for her to be married and for child to be with a wet nurse and the godparents. Separated at birth, as Veronique searches for her daughter, the daughter eagerly awaits for her parents to come and take her home. Marie-Louise remembers being nurtured at first, and then with each year hearing more unloved words. She continuously hopes to be reunited with her mother despite being told that her mother abandoned her and didn’t love her.

The story of Veronique, at first, is intertwined with the story of Queen Marie who gives her husband ten children and is constantly humiliated with his mistresses. It’s interesting to get to know Queen Marie not through her defiance, but through her own actions of charity. When an earthquake strikes Lisbon with devastating results, she organizes a relief effort.

As the story builds up, the characters grab a reader’s attention with their side of the story. All characters are captivatingly developed with depth. The historical background offers lesser-known figures and facts, which are vividly presented. It is interesting to learn about Madame du Coudray, a midwife who receives patronage from the king to support nationwide teaching, especially in villages. So women can have safer child-births. And along the way, revolutionizing the practice and teaching of midwifery in France and transforming the lives of women.

The story is not overwhelmed by Louis’s desires. Above all it is the very touching story of mother and daughter.

Masterfully blended with the highest quality of prose, uncovered actions, storyline that holds intrigue and captures ones attention, the tumultuous 18th century France comes alive with a remarkable pace.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

[NILTON TEIXEIRA · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great concept that started very well, but unfortunately lost in development, which was extremely slow. The storyline became disjointed, and it felt as if the author had lost direction and purpose.
This is a historical fiction based on some true facts. I suggest reading the author’s notes at the end.
The writing was good, but it felt too modern, so I never got the feeling that I was in the 18th century, France.
The setting period goes from 1755 to 1793.
When I read the synopsis it gave me the impression that the main topic was the grooming of 13 years old girls to satisfy King Louis XV’s sexual appetite or fantasies, but that was not the case. There are a couple of sex scenes between the King and the young girl (one of the main characters), but there was nothing disturbing or sordid about it (well, don’t get me wrong, the idea itself is disturbing enough).
I did enjoy half of the book, but unfortunately there was nothing remarkable.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Ultimately, I'm glad I decided to stick with reading The School of Mirrors after questioning whether to give up more than a few times. This historical fiction book provides a look into life in France in the 1700s which is partly why I decided to keep reading as it gave me the opportunity to learn something. I just wish the author had come up with a better way to tell the first half or so of the story as too many characters muddled things. Thankfully, the focus does eventually shift to one character which made for a much smoother reading experience.

King Louis XV has grown tired of his wife and mistress, at least when it comes to the bedroom. Teenage girls are selected by one of his staff members to come live in a villa in Versaille. There they receive training in things like proper etiquette. If they are deemed suitable, they will eventually spend time with the king, although the girls are told he is merely a Polish count. Veronique is one of the poor girls who has been chosen to live at the villa and she truly has no idea what is in store for her.

A really sad and disturbing premise and your heart breaks for Veronique. The author was maybe too ambitious by showing royal life, and those working for the king, in addition to Veronique. Following around the king and his minions didn't serve the story well in my opinion.

I often find one of the biggest issues when it comes to this genre is when writers cram in a lot of historical content to the point in which it overshadows the overall story. I do believe that's what happened here but at least it was only a problem for half of the book.

A bit of a bumpy reading journey but if you can exercise some patience, I still would recommend the book if you like the genre and/or are interested in French history.

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak is a historical fiction novel that is based on real world events. The story in The School of Mirrors is one that is told by changing the point of view between the characters to give all sides of the story.

This novel is one that spans several decades in 18th century France beginning in Versailles in 1755 with Veronique Roux who is still a child at thirteen years old. A man arranges for Veronique to go into service thinking she will be trained to be a maid, instead Veronique is groomed to become one of King Louis XV mistresses.

Veronique has no idea who the man is that threatens her virtue when she is sent to him but is told it is a Polish count. After Veronique is with child she is taken away to have the baby and offered a marriage when her child is taken away. The only thing Veronique knows about her little girl was she was to become Marie-Louise.

The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak is a novel that is not going to be for everyone as the events happening definitely deserve a trigger warning as in this time it is nothing but child abuse The 18th century was certainly a different time and young girls were married off at a very young age and this brought to life events that we certainly wouldn’t tolerate these days. The story spans from 1755 to 1793 and was a very slow burner which isn’t my favorite style but overall it did hold my interest more and more as it went along leaving this one at three stars for me when finished.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is France, in the eighteenth century, and Louis XV reigns. Young women are being sold by their desperate families, taken to a discreet villa in Versailles, where they are trained by the King’s mistress to be courtesans for the King. Spoiled, pampered and living a luxurious life, each girl is brought before the King in turns; some are immediately sent home in dismay and embarrassment and others are kept in the “School of Mirrors” until they grow too old or the King tires of them. One such girl is Veronique, who is brought to the “School” after her father dies, and she instantly becomes a King’s favourite.

Marie-Louise is the daughter of Veronique and the King, although her parentage is unknown to her and she is illegitimate. France is in upheaval and Marie-Louise has married a young man who lives a life of constant threat and danger. Marie-Louise is reconnected with the mother she never knew, but Veronique is now aging and suffering from dementia. With limited time left, and the city she loves in despair, Marie-Louise is desperate to hear Veronique’s story, and find out why she was abandoned all those years ago, and the details behind the long-kept secret of her parentage.

Eva Stachniak is a Polish-Canadian writer, living in Toronto, and has many literary awards under her belt for her previous works “The Winter Palace”, “The Chosen Maiden”, among others.

“The School of Mirrors” is rich in character development, and is an atmospheric historical fiction novel wrought with emotional turbulence. Both Veronique and Marie-Louise are admirable and brave, living as best as they can as women in a world where that is not a good thing, while their country falls apart around them. Separated at birth, Marie-Louise has spent her childhood desperate for answers, while Veronique has spent the time trying to survive, but never forgetting about the daughter she knows is out there.

“Mirrors” provides a dark look into the struggle of being a woman in eighteenth century France, where women are only as good as their looks and their upbringing, and yet Stachniak still manages to pepper her pages with hope and love, admiration and connection. I rooted for both characters from page one, desperate for them to reconnect, wanting them to find in each other what they have been missing in themselves.

The first parts of the novel are narrated by Veronique, and the latter parts by Marie-Louise. There are no chapters to speak of, although the author does provide breaks in her text at appropriate intervals. The novel is broken into parts, designated by prolific events in Paris, including the revolution and the death of Marie Antoinette and her husband. I loved the setting of this novel, and the historical aspects were well-researched and respected by Stachniak.

A unique novel, well-written and creative, “The School of Mirrors” provides a dark look at femininity in the eighteenth century, the love between a mother and daughter, and the desperation of a country under siege. Stachniak has delivered a powerful story with “Mirrors”, and it deserves all the accolades it has received.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it - but it was dark. I notice, having chosen Marie Antoinette (French Revolution) as my remarkable person of the year, that this is a dark time when all reason was lost. There is a lot of lack of humanity. I do find it difficult to read stories of any era and setting where children are treated horribly. I think I have had my full of that recently.

I feel like my recent reads have been fine, but I am anxious for the next Great Read. It feels I havne't had one in a while. Here's what I am excited about. Homecoming, The Invisible Hour, the Covenant of Water. Even a few that looked promising, weren't. I want to be knocked off my feet again by a good book. I had hopes for a few that didn't pan out.

That said, the audios have been five star runaway hits!!!! All in a row. Have been loving that.

Meanwhile, this one was on my TBR anyway, and the French Revolution/Marie Antoinette has helped me pull it off.

[Laurie • The Baking Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Trigger warning after review

2.5 STARS - I was drawn to this Historical Fiction novel by its gorgeous cover and its 18th century French setting. The story centres on two women - Veronique, a young girl who is chosen to be groomed at a young age to be a mistress of King Louis XV and Marie-Louise, Veronique's daughter, who becomes a midwife decades later.

Clearly, there was a lot of research done for this book and I appreciated the vivid descriptions of the times - particularly the discrepancies between the classes and the role of midwives. The topic of the oversexualization and blatant child sexual abuse against these young girls will be uncomfortable for some readers, but while it was very difficult to read, I respect the historical accuracy.

The story, which is broken up into two large sections, is filled with lengthy, descriptions which set the tone for the era. But it was how the story was told that detracted from my enjoyment. The pacing is extremely slow, often long-winded and I never felt an emotional attachment to the characters. And when these two story lines and characters finally come together after 400 pages, the ending felt lackluster, less emotional than expected and too abrupt.

The School of Mirrors gives readers an interesting look at the lives and roles of women in 18th century France as the French Revolution plays in the background. Readers will easily imagine the rumblings and turmoil between the classes - from the greedy and entitled to the have-nothings who demand reform. This story was too slow burn for my tastes and felt like it was longer than it had to be, but it is a story that should appeal to Historical Fiction fans who like a slower paced story who want to be immersed in the lives of two women who are at the mercy of societal rules and the limited resources given to women at the time.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to DoubleDay Canada for providing me with a complimentary paperback of this title in exchange for my honest review.

Trigger Warning: Child sexual abuse

[Tittirossa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stelle solo perchè non è colpa sua se in attacco di insonnia l'ho iniziato, fossi stata cosciente non ci sarei cascata in questo inutile romanzo con pretese storiche e stilistiche.
E' pure noioso .... e scrivere noiosamente del 700 francese, la prima parte alla corte del re, la seconda in piena rivoluzione, è imperdonabile.
E' un po' il genere "neripozzata", mi ha fregato l'editore Beat, che non ha una brutta produzione.

[Mary Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this story to be interesting, but far too long in the telling. By the final quarter, I was frustrated and ready for it to end and tie up the loose ends. The first quarter seemed overplayed (and was about what I believed the blurb promised), in the story of the Louis XV mistress and the "Deer Park Girls" while the story of one of their daughters dragged on before reintroducing the mother's connection. It'll be hard for me to recommend it.

[Allison Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The School of Mirrors is riveting and sincere — absolutely historical fiction at its finest. By not shying away from the realities of life in Versailles in the late 1700s, Eva gives agency to the women who lived in the shadow of the king, showing us the true nature of their bravery and strength. I’m completely blown away by her ability to so naturally incorporate distant historical detail into the sensory experiences of her characters. And I gasped at the beauty and brilliance of her words many many times while reading. I hope you’ll pick up this book, because I’m certain you’ll be amazed by it too. It’s a masterpiece.

[Desiree Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

OVERVIEW:
Excellently and evocatively written - a book that tugs at the heartstrings, and definitely leaves the reader with that bittersweet “bookover “.
Rather than being a tale of Veronique (one of King Louis’ numerous “little birds”), it is more the story of Marie-Louise (the orphan): Her sense of being unwanted, her rotating (and sometimes cruel) caretakers throughout her childhood, finally finding acceptance and a happy life with her adopted midwife aunt.
Veronique’s story centers almost exclusively in Part One (pages 5 through 172 of 399) and is told from a rotating cast of characters’ points of view. Parts Two through Seven (pages 173 through 399) are all from Marie-Louise’s perspective. (Marie-Louise and Veronica finally meet in Part IV.)
The novel gives the impression of three separate stories: Veronique as a “little bird”, Marie-Louise struggling to grow up an orphan and find her way in the world, and lastly the French Revolution through Marie-Louise’s eyes, as she witnesses both her husband’s political involvement as well as city’s radically changing social climate.

OF NOTE:
Obviously, we already know from the book synopsis, about the king’s concubines in training. While not overly graphic, this can be uncomfortable at times.
Also included are an attempted rape scene and an implied same-sex reference of a major character in Part One.
A sprinkling of f-bombs (roughly three).

CONCLUSION:
Recommend. Will be a favorite of historical fiction and book club fiction lovers. Well-done Behind the Book and Reading Group guides at the end of the book.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 Hello Book Friends! THE SCHOOL OF MIRRORS by Eva Stachniak was such an emotional read. The novel takes place in France in the 17th century and depicted times when women were used, abused, and silenced. The story of Véronique becoming Louis XV’s courtesan at the age of thirteen was shocking. Her rejection by the King once she became pregnant was troubling. The separation of Véronique and her daughter Marie-Louise was heartbreaking. The narrative is sincere and does not hide the ugliness of those unsettled times. I said recently that I wanted to read more novels set in during the French revolution and this one was perfect for that. It has a “Les Misérables” feel to it but stood out as unique. If you love historical novels that have complex and emotional family tragedies, this one is for you.

#bookstadog #poodles #poodlestagram #poodlesofinstagram #furbabies #dogsofinstagram #bookstagram #dogsandbooks #bookishlife #bookishlove #bookstagrammer #books #booklover #bookish #bookaholic #reading #readersofinstagram #instaread #ilovebooks #bookishcanadians #canadianbookstagram #bookreviewer #bookcommunity #bibliophile #theschoolofmirrors #evastachniak #doubledayca #penguincanada #bookreview

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking two items she found while researching, Eve Stachniak has created a fascinating story set in 18th century France, during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI.

Stachniak follows two people, young Véronique who's sold into service, and years later Marie-Louise, a midwife.

Véronique is taken to a special school set up by Madame de Pompadour, where girls are groomed for the King to have sex with. When Véronique becomes pregnant, she's kicked out, her baby taken from her, then married to a stranger. Years later, young Marie-Louise lives with abusive adoptive parents, and is eventually and fortuitously adopted by a midwife who has the King's permission to train midwives all over the country. Unbeknownst to Marie-Louise, she's actually Véronique's daughter, and over her life she sees how events in France get increasingly dangerous for anyone with a connection to its royalty.

Stachniak has created a book that deals with the precariousness of women's lives, and how susceptible they are to misogyny-fueled manipulation and abuse. The book is also an examination of unchecked power and how easy it is for those with it to abuse those without it.

I learned a little more about French history during this read in this interesting book, which did have a tendency to drag a little. I still enjoyed this read, and was impressed with all the details which brought the period to life, and was impressed with the author's evident knowledge of her subject.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

How ironic that it should be published on a mirror date day! Today is a full 8-digit palindrome as well as an ambigram. The date can be read the same forward, backward and upside down!

Lured away from home under false pretences, 13-year-old pauper, Veronique Roux, believes with excitement that she’s gained employment in the home of a Polish count. She’s taken to Deer Park on the grounds of Versailles and, along with a couple of other girls, groomed under the watchful eye of Madame de Pompadour, King Louis XV’s mistress. Veronique becomes a “little bird” for her ‘Polish count’ and is called upon to serve his needs at ‘his room’ in the palace. It doesn’t take long before she believes she’s in love with him and eagerly anticipates his nightly invitation. It all comes crashing down around her when it’s discovered that she’s pregnant at 14 years old.

Marie-Louise has been raised locally and has access to the palace at Versailles, but despite all her efforts, never discovers the truth about her parents’ identity. Taken under the tutelage of a Parisian midwife, Marie-Louise is offered a tremendous opportunity and works tirelessly to improve birthing during the tumultuous French Revolution. Her path crosses that of Veronique Roux and in possession of the very thing she searched for her whole life, she’s forced to keep it to herself as exposing the secret will endanger both of their lives.

Wonderfully imagined and beautifully written, this tale will envelop readers and allow them to experience the whole range of emotions from disgust to excitement as Veronique and Marie-Louise forge a path for themselves in uncertain times. Readers will be reminded that people in every era in history have had secrets and losses to bear; the Roux family is no different. A visceral and meticulously researched novel, this needs to be on every historical fiction lover’s reading list.

Inspired by a few pages from Madame de Pompadour’s diary and a real-life heroine, Madame Angelique du Coudray, Polish Canadian historical novelist, Eva Stanchniak, has written a beautiful novel exposing 18th-century heroines; the Deer Park girls, the midwives of Paris, and the revolutionary citizens. She sets this against the backdrop of revolutionary France.

I was gifted this advance copy by Eva Stanchniak, Penguin Random House Canada, Doubleday Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set in 18th Century VERSAILLES and PARIS



The author came across the lively account of court life, written by the maid to Madame de Pompadour. It alluded to the quarters kept at the palace by a certain Polish nobleman, who entertained young women (girls, really) who were quartered at the Deer Park – Parc-aux-Cerfs. The fact that this man was Polish, drew her to him as a character, as the author is of Polish heritage.

This was, in fact, the disguise of King Louis XV, who loved a bit of variety in the bedroom – apparently. One girl Véronqiue, was plucked from her family and schooled in understanding that she was ‘to show gratitude for the generosity’ she received from her benefactor. He was quite taken with her and the inevitable happened. She got pregnant and gave birth to Marie-Louise who was taken away and brought up far from court.

This is both her story and the story of her daughter during a tumultuous period of French history. There are familiar names aplenty. Of course when Louis XV dies, he is succeeded by Louis XVI whose reign is associated with Marie Antoinette. Then, of course, the French Revolution ensued and life for everyone changed.

The author’s particular gift is creating a rich setting that transports the reader back to this period in France. It is viscerally decadent, exploitative and full of colour, luxuriating in materials, food and carnal desire. She looks at midwifery as part of the fabric of the era, a career to which Marie-Louise is drawn. Changes in that field were underway, initiated by Angélique de Coudray, an actual pioneer in neonatal health and birthing practices (odd notions had crept into pregnancy and birthing practices – women were not supposed to raise their arms above their heads when pregnant!).

The novel feels very evocative of place and period.

[Kelly (The Happiest Little Book Club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.25/5

I am SO glad that I listened to the audio for this one as I feel it enhanced my overall enjoyment of the story. The narration was pure perfection and the narrator's voice was soothing and easy to listen to.

I do also have a physical copy of this book and enjoyed cross-referencing names of people and places on the written page vs. what I was hearing.

While I found the subject matter interesting and the novel to be really well researched, it moves at a snail's pace. It is a book you have to pack your patience for. I don't say this to turn future readers off (as I think it's worth the read), but do know what you are getting into.

France was not an overall "happy place" in the late 1700's. There was a lot of death, sadness, disease, etc. King Louis XV had young girls from all across France sent to a private villa in Versailles to be trained as possible Courtesans for him. When the King asks for the girls to be sent to him at the Palace, the girls are lead to believe the man they are meeting is the Queen's cousin and not the King himself. 'The Real Courtesans of Versailles' would have made for a great reality TV show back in the day. Historical Fiction readers will enjoy this one.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magnificent book is a must-read for everyone who enjoys well-written, meticulously researched historical fiction. Many novels have been set in 18th century Versailles, but only Eva Stachniak could do something as refreshing and original as The School of Mirrors. She writes from the perspective of two women. The first is Veronique, an impoverished girl who thinks she's got a job as a maid for a Polish count but in reality has been brought to Versailles to be groomed to pleasure Louis XV. The second part of the novel is seen from the eyes of Marie-Louise, Veronique's daughter with the king, who is taken from her at birth and raised at Versailles without knowing who her parents are. This novel is very much about the lives of women during the last days of the French monarchy and during the throes of the French Revolution. An absorbing masterpiece.
#netgalley #evastachniak

[Cass · Rating 2 out of 5]

[spongebob narrator voice] 5 years later…

i really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, it just didn’t do it for me :( it took me just under three weeks to finish it (which is a LONG time by my standards) because it dragged so. damn. much. the beginning was slow, then it sort of picked up in the middle, and then it became slow again. at this point, i’m just glad that i managed to finish it because now i can move on to something else.

i WILL say though, stachniak’s prose is beautiful. her writing is very poetic and sophisticated, it’s just a shame that the book and its pacing fell flat.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it possible to write a tedious novel around one of the most dynamic events in history? Is it possible to make one’s reader lack empathy for those exploited in said novel, because of how clinically their life events are described? Apparently- yes.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Versailles in 1755 under the rule of King Louis. The rise and fall of France. A wretched story of 3 generation of women caught in the oppression of that time. A mother who sold her daughter to the Kings court at the age of 13 and who had a daughter of her own at the age of 15.

Their stories are each individual and unique. There is no judgment because there is so much pain for each of these women.

Veronique at her young age held on to the memories of her late father and sister. She had no ill will with her mother sending her away. Being sent to Deer Park with other young girls, she was told to know her manners. How to have conversation. A lesson in coyness. Veronique was given food, beauty treatment, and clothes. She was groomed for a Polish count but was really the King of France. Veronique played her part well. She went thru all the emotions of being fearful and ultimately falling for the "count". At a young age, she was manipulated. It was the birth of her daughter and her knowledge of the true identity that she was whisked away, never to be seen again. She was in aguish and lost her soul the day she lost her daughter.

Marie-Louise was given to the care of servants to the King. Not knowing who her real parents were, she longed for them always. She did not get along well with her caretakers and it seemed that her time with them was a cat and mouse game. When she came under a single midwife, she learned the trade, and her life seemed to take more meaning. She later wed and had a child of her own.

I loved the characters of this story. Their heartbreak and how they overcame all that was against them. Marie Louise was my favorite- she did not succumb to the evil that was brought against her but saw the good and made a way thru her lot in life. This was well written and one that will stay with you the reader.

A special thank you to William Morrow and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[James Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The School of Mirrors" takes an immersive look into the backstairs court life of King Louis XVI and the upheaval that was France prior to, during, and in the days following the revolution. The novel succeeds spectacularly in dropping the reader into a milieu of the vanity and corruption of the rich set against the struggles and hopelessness of the poor and abused. Think "A Tale of Two Cities." So much depends here on birth and identity, themes illustrated by midwifery and mirrors. Secrets—whether they are good or bad in consequence—play a big part, too, as the child of mid-teen Véronique, sired by the king, is taken from her, prompting heartbreak over a daughter Marie-Louise, who will spend her life seeking knowledge of her parentage. Thus, the story excels in its rendering of main and secondary characters, a lively and redolent mélange of women (and men) caught up in a monumentally historical time that is hard, unrelenting, and treacherous, with death lying in wait, yet a time spiced with pinches of sweetness, births, and new beginnings. Highly Recommended.

[Jennifer Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Eva Stachniak's Catherine the Great novels, so I was excited to read this one!

I was a bit confused with the perspectives changing at the beginning of the novel--however, once I figured out what was going on, I was enveloped into the story. If you like rich details in your historical fiction, this is an author you need to read!

I thought Marie-Louise's story was the highlight; would love to see a sequel or companion novel!

Many thanks to William Morrow/Custom House and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Audrey Sue Lavoie · Rating 1 out of 5]

She glosses over and practically glorifies rape and acts as of the trauma faced by these girls is nothing much. This book makes me so angry. Also there are some glaring historical inaccuracies.

[MsMoxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The School of Mirrors, set in 18th century France, is an extraordinary look at courtly intrigues and life in France mostly told from the perspectives of two young women. What makes this read so captivating is the innocence of these young girls who are constantly being manipulated and exploited first by the monarchy, the French Revolution and finally the French First Republic.

The first half of the book follows the life of Veronique, an élève at Deer Park. While this is mostly told from her perspective, there are a few key characters who also provide insight into palace life. Veronique is sweet and so childlike. She wants to please everyone and impress upon others that she is talented and well skilled. In many ways she is driven to be successful and impress upon the Polish count that she is deserving of his attention. Much of this drives comes from the fear of being rejected and thrown out of Deer Park, because where would she go after that? The fear is crippling. While I loved this part of the book, I did find the many perspectives a bit confusing in the beginning as I was trying to settle into the flow of the book. But what kept me glued to the pages of this book was Veronique, from beginning to end.

In the second half of the book we meet Marie-Louise, Veronique’s daughter. She is a spirited child who creates the most fantastical stories of her parents and where they might be and why haven’t they come for her yet.

The driving force behind this story is if the mother and daughter will ever meet and how will this reunion look like during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution where anyone could be an enemy.

Marie-Louise is a funny and clever girl, who is trained to be a midwife by her Aunt Margot. Marie Louise lives a fascinating life and seeing the fall of the last king of France and the rule of the First French Republic from her eyes and how it has impacted life in France is what makes this a spectacular read.

The House of Mirrors brings to life court secrets of exploiting young girls during a time of poverty and high mortality rates in 18th century France. It gives voice to the voiceless and yet concludes with the kind of hope and optimism that is needed for a story set in such times of devastation.

Many thanks to NetGalley for my digital review copy of this book.

[SaraFair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A testy time period with varying ideas of morality, 1700’s France caused its citizens to be survivors. The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak is a detailed novel about how two such survivors lived through their time there. Dealt living conditions and circumstances of the time they were born in, Veronique and Marie Louise looked at a future that was bleak. Therefore, all their decisions for life were a roll of the dice to make it better. Stachniak sets us in the pre-Revolutionary palace, with those in poverty and later with middle class Parisians of the day. This novel was the first I have read which showed how the middle class of the time negotiated the Revolution, showing how their thoughts would sway daily based on the local news and happenings. I enjoyed the detailed food, clothing, expectations of the time left in a lot of french nomenclature. It was even interesting to see how the classes of the time reared their children and ran a household. That research is part of why I read historical fiction, and it made the writing beautiful. The first portion narrating Veronique’s life was quite predictable and could have been shortened quite a bit, as we knew where it was going. Marie Louise’s life was much more surprising and fresh in the way it was written. Her internship and establishment of becoming a midwife opened a curtain to her visiting all types of people, the medical breakthroughs at the time, and the creation of a true career for her. I would have enjoyed even more midwifery anecdotes. Other than shortening the first half, I would have loved to see Marie Louise wrap up two relationships toward the end of the book. I enjoyed this novel and will add Eva Stachniak to my authors to watch. Thank you to NetGalley for this free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Alex Z (azeebooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Tandem Collective and Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Paperback out today! Jan 31, 2023

5 stars

Wow. Eva Stachniak has done something wonderful with this book. We get to see the time of Louis XV and the French Revolution through a feminist lens and it is extremely heartbreaking.

Although we start our story with Veronique, chosen to go to Deer Park as a secret courtesan to the King, this novel ultimately centers around women, motherhood and loss throughout generations. Even with that, these characters have so much hope and resilience.

I really loved the information about Madame du Coudray and her “machine” to teach midwives about childbirth. I immediately did my own research on her and find the whole thing fascinating. I couldn’t help but think about all the lives she saved through education. A truly remarkable woman.

The amount of research that went into this book made you feel transported, the characters were so well fleshed out and I was completely swept away.

[Colleen Earle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third new historical fiction I've read this year that is about revolution.
I was a bit confused at the beginning about what Louis was being talked about, so the terror didn't start as early in the story as I thought.
This was a really beautiful book. I really loved both of the characters that it followed. It was really cool to learn about the history of midwifery in France at this time, something that I wasn't expecting going into it.
I'll definitely be picking up this authors book about Catherine the Great.
Big thanks to Penguin Random House Canada for giving me early access to this book through my work #indigoemployee

[Margarita Ibbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved reading Eva Stachniak for years. Our book club has read The Winter Palace, The Empress of the Night and The Chosen Maiden. The author was gracious enough to join us on Skype long before people had Zoom book club meetings. We loved asking her about the background and inspiration for her novel.

The School of Mirrors was just as well written with attention to detail. I loved that she found out about the Deer Park girls and how they really existed for the pleasure of the king. Disturbing yet intriguing at the same time.

Great character development and storyline. You feel like you are right there in Versailles just before the fall of the French monarchy. Highly recommend this book.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The School of Mirrors starts strong but quickly loses steam. The story felt disjointed and lacked depth.

The begining of the novel was promising: we read about Véronique, one of the king’s Deer Park girls. I was hooked. But then the story abruptly switched to Véronique’s daughter, with Véronique completely absent—and the reader somewhat perplexed!

The storytelling then becomes mechanical and very superficial. It seems the author was not able to decide between telling a story or relating historical events.

Véronique does reappear towards the end, in a very unsatisfactory manner. Sigh.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finally finished it! Sooooo the beginning was definitely a lot better than the middle/end unfortunately. I also feel like I haven't been enjoying serious books at the moment...definitely will give it a re-read some other time