The School of Mirrors

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A lush, engrossing tale of love, deception, and scandal unfolds in the 18th century French court of King Louis XV. As France faces turmoil, the king, weary of courtly intrigues, seeks innocence. At the Palace of Versailles, Deer Park serves as a hunting ground and a mansion for his young mistresses, who initially arrive under the pretense of serving a count. Among them is Veronique, who, naive and eager to improve her station, believes in the count's identity. As he showers her with affection, she becomes deeply infatuated, only to later realize the true nature of their affair and the sacrifices she must make to survive. Through vivid detail and a breathless pace, the narrative captures a rapidly changing France, where the once-admired Louis XV is losing favor, and his grandson, Dauphin Louis XVI, along with Marie Antoinette, embody the excesses that fuel discontent, leading to the impending French Revolution. Amidst this backdrop, Veronique's daughter, Marie-Louise, grows up seeking answers about her origins. With stirring insight and dazzling intrigue, the story explores the complexities of legacy and the consequences of choices made in a tumultuous era.