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The School of Mirrors by Eva Stachniak is a historical novel set in 18th-century France, exploring themes of power, secrecy, and resilience.

Key Plot Points:

• The Courtesan Training: Young, impoverished girls are sent to a discreet villa near Versailles, overseen by Madame de Pompadour, to be trained as potential courtesans for King Louis XV.
• Veronique’s Journey: One such girl, Veronique, becomes a favorite of the King but is later sent away to give birth in secret and marry a wealthy merchant.
• Marie-Louise’s Story: Veronique’s daughter, Marie-Louise, grows up unaware of her origins and pursues a career as a midwife, one of the few respectable professions for women at the time.
• The French Revolution: As Louis XVI’s reign becomes unstable, Marie-Louise must navigate the dangers of having royal connections.

This novel offers a richly detailed look at Versailles, court intrigue, and the struggles of women in a changing society. You can explore more details here. Let me know if you’d like additional insights!