A review by charliechorlie
Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton

adventurous emotional hopeful tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Probably my favourite Trent Dalton book. Delicately humanises and characterises the complexities of houselessness, its different forms and factors, in the distinctly Australian scene-setting Dalton is best at. However, I found the angle taken with regards to policing of the houseless community of Brisbane quite confusing- Lola’s relationship with the officers involved becomes a positive force in her life, whilst the scenes of police moving along the houseless population feel almost sanitised in order to set up the relationship development between Lola and Topping later on and position Brisbane police as politically neutral, ethically correct institution.

Beyond that, I hold so much empathy for Lola and her voice is incredibly strong and consistent throughout. The illustrations complement the way she is written in a way I rarely find with illustrations in novels. Whilst the ending to her story does feel idealistic (between Danny and no one asking questions when she pays thousands up front for art school), I can’t help but want things to stay that perfect for her, so I can’t really be mad about it.