Reviews

The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak

rpych2's review

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2.0

I can’t believe how slow this book was, it could’ve easily been half the length based on how descriptive it was. I did enjoy the historical time period, 18th century France is one of my favorite time periods to read about, but I do with that it was a little bit shorter.

barbtetnis's review

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2.0

Basically child sex trafficking. Caution!

devynne12's review

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adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

lyricaloutlaw's review

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dark sad medium-paced

4.25

Made me very sad about how women have been treated throughout history. 

missywinesalot's review

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Second half didn't interest me. 

gabrielleint's review

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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.

ellen_alt's review

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3.0

DNF

guylou's review

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4.0

sleepybears4237's review

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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

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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.