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The School of Mirrors: A Novel

Eva Stachniak

$16.99 $7.98

Publication Date: February 22nd, 2022

Publisher:

William Morrow Paperbacks

ISBN:

9780063119604

Pages:

416

WinterRiver Books & Gallery

3 on hand, as of Apr 25 12:27pm

(Historical Fiction)

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Description

“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.

About the Author

Eva Stachniak was born in Wroclaw, Poland. She moved to Canada in 1981 and has worked for Radio Canada International and Sheridan College, where she taught English and humanities. Her first novel of Catherine the Great, The Winter Palace was a #1 international bestseller and was followed by another Catherine the Great novel Empress of the Night, also a bestseller. She lives in Toronto.

Praise for The School of Mirrors: A Novel

"With beautiful prose, Eva Stachniak brings to life the lush detail of Versailles, weaving together the stories of women who dare to step out against their fate against the backdrop of the French Revolution. I was captivated by this book." — Shipli Somaya Gowda, author of The Shape of Family

“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, bestselling author of The Lost Vintage and Jacqueline in Paris

“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

"Riveting! The School of Mirrors is historical fiction at its finest. Eva Stachniak gives agency to women who lived in the shadow of the king, showing us the true nature of their bravery and strength. — Allison Larkin, author of The People We Keep

"A riveting story of two incredible women living in a tumultuous, dynamic era of revolution...a scintillating and vibrant addition to literature on the French Revolution, and a reminder that women --- even when silenced and hidden --- have always been brave, powerful and important parts of history." — Bookreporter.com

"Boldly sweeps the reader to 18th century France. Exquisitely realized, 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, bestselling author of The Sister’s Tale

“At the same time baroque and intimate, worldly and domestic, wildly strange and soulfully familiar, The Winter Palace offers a flickering glimpse of history through the gauze of deft entertainment.” — Washington Post

“A thrilling point of view . . . Readers are treated to a firsthand account of the young princess’s slow ascent to the throne, a path deliciously strewn with discarded lovers and sanguine court intrigues.” — Minneapolis Star-Tribune on The Winter Palace

“[A] brilliant, bold historical novel . . . This superb biographical epic proves the Tudors don’t have a monopoly on marital scandal, royal intrigue, or feminine triumph.” — Booklist (starred review) on The Winter Palace