Do you like reading about lesser-known female historical figures? Eva Stachniak’s The School of Mirrors is a great look at the juxtaposition of classes in eighteenth-century Versailles France. We are shown a woman living in poverty, Veronique, a middle-class woman Marie-Louise, and royalty Queen Marie. The book starts with Louis XV and his fetish for underage girls. The King’s favorite mistress, Madame de Pompadour starts the Hall of Mirrors where a Polish count is visiting Deer Park. Lebel aka Monsieur Durand takes thirteen-year-old Veronique “for a better life” which she thinks will be working in a fancy house. Instead, she’s to be schooled for the Hall of Mirrors to service Louis aka the Polish count. Veronique is impressed with the luxurious silk gowns, exquisite meals, and opulent soft beds. Things go well for Veronique but then she discovers Louis's identity and she is taken away. She is pregnant and gives birth to a daughter. ...