Lola in the Mirror

Trent Dalton! Always a pleasure!

Lola in the mirror is controversial. Some say Dalton’s romanticising domestic abuse, others see it treading the recognition of the Tyrannosaurus Waltz, the dance between mothers and their monsters!
Some say Dalton’s looking down on the homeless (The girl with no name, the artist figures she’s not of that elk. She’s houseless. There’s a difference! She lives in Brisbane’s West end near the river, in a scrapyard, in a Toyota van without wheels.)
Her mother’s running away from a crime she committed. Hence her daughter without a name. Because no one can trace them. When the artist turns eighteen her mother’s going to turn herself in. That’s two months away. A lot can happen in that time.
The show more artist has dreams of becoming another Picasso, of hanging work in the MET!
Quirky, fascinating, bringing the underbelly of Brisbane’s forgotten to the fore, this is Dalton at his universal best.
Another gritty, magical tale from Dalton you’ll either love or hate. I loved it despite the attendant problems.

A Harper ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher. show less

Book Review: Lola In The Mirror
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Trent Dalton @trentdaltonauthor
Publisher: Harper Perrenial @harperperennial @harperbooks

Thank you Harper Perennial and the Author for my gifted book.

Lola in the Mirror is a raw, moving, and utterly unforgettable tale that beautifully explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of relentless adversity. Set against the evocative backdrop of Brisbane, Australia, this novel tells the story of a seventeen-year-old girl and her mother, who have spent sixteen years on the run, living in a stationary van in a scrapyard near the swollen Brisbane River. While the girl dreams of becoming a famous artist, her life is shadowed by homelessness, survival, and the ever-looming show more presence of Flora Box, a ruthless underworld drug queen.

This novel is a striking blend of harsh realities and luminous hope, capturing the pain of violence and homelessness while showing how love, friendship, and creativity can light even the darkest paths. The protagonist’s journey is as much one of survival as it is of self-discovery, offering readers a powerful exploration of transformation and empowerment. The multifaceted characters are intricately developed, making their struggles and triumphs profoundly relatable, while the Brisbane River serves as a vivid metaphor for the beauty and resilience that persist even in hardship.

The story is further elevated by @pheppell’s stunning illustrations, which add an emotional depth and visual richness to the narrative, making the reading experience even more immersive. The artwork brilliantly complements the story’s themes, giving readers a deeper connection to the characters’ journeys.

Lola in the Mirror is more than a book—it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit. With unflinching honesty, heart-stirring creativity, and a message of hope that resonates deeply, this novel has the potential to change perspectives and linger in readers’ minds long after the final page. A must-read masterpiece that inspires and uplifts in equal measure.

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The book everyone is raving about.

Dalton has done a wealth of research in the creation of this, but it felt too much like a cleverly written, albeit entertaining, never-ending essay on the social welfare and housing crisis in Brisbane. There is a lot of info dumping initially, and it got exhausting.

The second half reeled me in more securely, and I began to enjoy it. The info dumping seemed to peter out. The story, however, seesaws between sentimentality and brutality repeatedly. The ending, specifically the chase through the streets of Brisbane, once again left me exhausted. Some editing was probably needed here.

Ultimately, though, this urban fairytale upholds Dalton’s reputation as a writer who stitches his stories together with show more hope. I loved Boy Swallows Universe, but Lola in the Mirror didn’t quite stir my heart strings in the same way, but it’s still a great read.

The artwork prefacing each chapter deserves a special mention. It was excellent and did much to set the scene for each chapter and the story overall. show less

This is a well executed mystery/thriller that is totally engaging. Dalton manages his plot elements well, maintaining suspense throughout with foreshadowing, twists and a totally satisfying conclusion. The characters are believable and interesting, especially the unnamed protagonist. One becomes fully involved in her backstory and environment. His handling of the setting in Brisbane is granular enough to give one a strong sense of place.

This is the best fiction I have read in a very long time.
The character development is excellent, the mystery surrounding the main character, the window into worlds that many people never see, the empathy the author has for his characters, good and bad...I could go on and on.
Also, being set in Brisbane, and using many places I am familiar with made for interesting reading on another level. (I wonder how many readers will notice the fictional sites included in the book?).
Trent Dalton is the writer of the internationally acclaimed Netflix series 'Boy Swallows Universe', which was, of course, a novel first. He is quickly becoming one of Australia's foremost writers.

Really enjoyed. Not as good as "Boy Swallows…" but I like his style. Clever story that ropes you in.

If I read a better book this year it will be a very good year indeed