The School Of Mirrors
Nonconsensual sexual encounters and child abuse
The School Of Mirrors
Eva Stachniak
408 pages
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 Kingโs favourite 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 theyโre 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 โschool of mirrorsโ rarely ask questions, andwhen Louis tires of them, they are married off to minor aristocrats or allowed to retire to one of the more luxurious nunneries.
Beautiful and impressionable Vรฉronique arrives and quickly becomes a favourite of the King. But when she discovers her loverโs true identity, she is whisked away, sent to give birth to a daughter in secret, and then to marry a wealthy Breton merchant.
This is also the story of the Kingโs daughter by VรฉroniqueโMarie-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. Eventually Vรฉronique comes back into her daughterโs life, bringing with her the secret of Marie-Louiseโs birth. But itโs a volatile time in France . . . and those with royal relatives must mind their step very carefully.
โAn emotional rollercoaster, rich in historical detail - Eva Stachniak brings to life all the heartbreakingly difficult facets of women's lives in 18th century France, and does a beautiful job of showcasing their resilience, with some cameos by little known, yet incredibly important real historical figures. Not to mention, a beautiful family saga full of twists and turns!โ
Zuzanna, Campaign manager
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