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gabrielleint's review against another edition
4.0
This was a pretty good book about Versailles during the reign of Louis XV and the French revolution. I liked the characters and this is the first novel I've read about Versailles (and I've read quite a few) that has a character's point of view while being a Deer Park girl. This is a good novel for people who like novels about Versailles and who are interested in Deer Park.
sleepybears4237's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
amberlinn's review against another edition
3.0
Won an ARC of this book and am so grateful for the opportunity!
2.5 stars rounded to 3. A heavy historical fiction that felt lengthier than necessary.
As in most historical fiction, the beginning of the story was spent introducing various characters and story lines and I had the expectation that, as with all historical fiction, the storylines would weave together. I found that they overwhelming just continued to run parallel.
There was no magical moment where I felt “aha! That’s what all this buildup was for!” except, perhaps, the last paragraph of the book.
My biggest challenge in reading this book was stylistically. The writing itself felt very clinical and sections of chapters felt abrupt. I prefer more prose that flows more naturally, however I can see how this would appeal stylistically to other types of readers.
Overall, I was underwhelmed when I wanted so badly to be swept away, though the historical elements of the book were very enlightening to me and I am certain I have learned much about the French Revolution just from reading it.
2.5 stars rounded to 3. A heavy historical fiction that felt lengthier than necessary.
As in most historical fiction, the beginning of the story was spent introducing various characters and story lines and I had the expectation that, as with all historical fiction, the storylines would weave together. I found that they overwhelming just continued to run parallel.
There was no magical moment where I felt “aha! That’s what all this buildup was for!” except, perhaps, the last paragraph of the book.
My biggest challenge in reading this book was stylistically. The writing itself felt very clinical and sections of chapters felt abrupt. I prefer more prose that flows more naturally, however I can see how this would appeal stylistically to other types of readers.
Overall, I was underwhelmed when I wanted so badly to be swept away, though the historical elements of the book were very enlightening to me and I am certain I have learned much about the French Revolution just from reading it.
mybooksandkidsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak
This story takes place in 18th century France, first is Veronique’s story and then her daughters. Veronique is chosen at 13 to be one of King Louis’ mistresses. She is brought into a world where no one cares about what she thinks or feels and she is taught to always be polite and not to ask questions. Years later her daughter is brought up in a home where no one wants her and then has to face the terror of the French Revolution.
This book was fascinating and terrifying. The sexualization of such young girls gave me the chills, but I do think it was written well and was historically accurate. I really liked Veronique and her story was my favourite. The second half of the book jumped around and a lot more happened. I loved learning more about the French Revolution and how so many different lives were effected.
After seeing some other reviews I have to say I enjoyed this one more than I was expecting to! But I think you definitely have to have an interest in history. The format of the book was different, with giant chapters at the start and then small parts at the end. But that didn’t matter much to me although I did read this book quickly over just a couple days!
Thank you to @doubledayca and @penguinrandomca for sending me this book! It is out on Feb 22nd!
#theschoolofmirrors #evastachniak #doubleday #penguinrandomca #gifted #bookreview #bookrecommendations #mybooks #thankyoupublishers #reading #readmore #books #historicalfiction #read #bookishthoughts #bookish
This story takes place in 18th century France, first is Veronique’s story and then her daughters. Veronique is chosen at 13 to be one of King Louis’ mistresses. She is brought into a world where no one cares about what she thinks or feels and she is taught to always be polite and not to ask questions. Years later her daughter is brought up in a home where no one wants her and then has to face the terror of the French Revolution.
This book was fascinating and terrifying. The sexualization of such young girls gave me the chills, but I do think it was written well and was historically accurate. I really liked Veronique and her story was my favourite. The second half of the book jumped around and a lot more happened. I loved learning more about the French Revolution and how so many different lives were effected.
After seeing some other reviews I have to say I enjoyed this one more than I was expecting to! But I think you definitely have to have an interest in history. The format of the book was different, with giant chapters at the start and then small parts at the end. But that didn’t matter much to me although I did read this book quickly over just a couple days!
Thank you to @doubledayca and @penguinrandomca for sending me this book! It is out on Feb 22nd!
#theschoolofmirrors #evastachniak #doubleday #penguinrandomca #gifted #bookreview #bookrecommendations #mybooks #thankyoupublishers #reading #readmore #books #historicalfiction #read #bookishthoughts #bookish
marshaskrypuch's review against another edition
5.0
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
#netgalley #evastachniak
rosiealya's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lostinrevelry's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 ★ Thank you Netgalley for this ebook in exchange for a review.
While I did enjoy parts of the story and found myself invested at certain parts, there were a lot of areas I felt like I was just forcing myself to read through. This is likely personal preference as I am sure these sections were what others really enjoyed. I found that I was wanting for more of the story and less of the lengthy descriptions at times. That being said, this book was very clearly well researched and well written for anyone interested in this type of historical fiction. I was hoping for a bit more of the story of Veronique but also understand that maybe wasn't the only focus of this book.
While I did enjoy parts of the story and found myself invested at certain parts, there were a lot of areas I felt like I was just forcing myself to read through. This is likely personal preference as I am sure these sections were what others really enjoyed. I found that I was wanting for more of the story and less of the lengthy descriptions at times. That being said, this book was very clearly well researched and well written for anyone interested in this type of historical fiction. I was hoping for a bit more of the story of Veronique but also understand that maybe wasn't the only focus of this book.