book cover of The School of Mirrors
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The School of Mirrors

(2022)
A novel by

 
 
“A riveting epic, keenly observed and shining with lush historical detail. You’ll never forget this journey.”--Cara Black, New York Times bestselling author of Three Hours in Paris

“A sweeping tale of tumult and tragedy— intricate, absorbing, and impeccably depicted, The School of Mirrors will linger in your imagination long after you turn the last page.”--Ann Mah, bestselling author of Jacqueline in Paris

A scintillating, gorgeously written historical novel about a mother and a daughter in eighteenth-century France, beginning with decadence and palace intrigue at Versailles and ending in an explosive new era of revolution.

During the reign of Louis XV, impoverished but lovely teenage girls from all over France are sent to a discreet villa in the town of Versailles. Overseen by the King’s favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour, they will be trained as potential courtesans for the King. When the time is right, each girl is smuggled into the palace of Versailles, with its legendary Hall of Mirrors. There they meet a mysterious but splendidly dressed man who they’re told is merely a Polish count, a cousin of the Queen. Living an indulgent life of silk gowns, delicious meals, and soft beds, the students at this “school of mirrors” rarely ask questions, and when Louis tires of them, they are married off to minor aristocrats or allowed to retire to one of the more luxurious nunneries. 

Beautiful and canny Veronique arrives at the school of mirrors and quickly becomes a favorite of the King. But when she discovers her lover’s true identity, she is whisked away, sent to give birth to a daughter in secret, and then to marry a wealthy Breton merchant. There is no return to the School of Mirrors.

This is also the story of the King’s daughter by Veronique—Marie-Louise. Well-provided for in a comfortable home, Marie-Louise has never known her mother, let alone her father. Capable and intelligent, she discovers a passion for healing and science, and becomes an accredited midwife, one of the few reputable careers for women like her. But eventually Veronique comes back into her daughter’s life, bringing with her the secret of Marie-Louise’s birth. But the new King—Louis XVI—is teetering on his throne and it’s a volatile time in France…and those with royal relatives must mind their step very carefully.




Genre: Historical

Praise for this book

"A riveting epic shining with lush historical detail. . . . Stachniak's story of a young woman's life struggle and journey is set against the Versailles court intrigue and French Revolution. The School of Mirrors illuminates the early feminism of midwives through the guillotine to the New World. You'll never forget this journey." - Cara Black

"With beautiful prose, Eva Stachniak brings to life the lush detail of Versailles, weaving together the stories of women who dare to step out in defiance of their fate against the backdrop of the French Revolution. I was captivated by this book." - Shilpi Somaya Gowda

"A sweeping tale of tumult and tragedy set against the backdrop of revolutionary France - intricate, absorbing, and impeccably depicted, The School of Mirrors will linger in your imagination long after you turn the last page." - Ann Mah

"Exquisitely realized, Eva Stachniak's women - courtesans, midwives and revolutionary citizens - mirror a country's anguish as they bear royal betrayal and heartbreaking secrets. Haunting, illuminating." - Beth Powning


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