Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who is That Woman Dressed For a Ball?
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Source: Gift from Author
TYPE OF NOVEL: Time Travel/Body Swap
THE PREMISE: Modern art conservator, Ellie Gardiner, is thrilled to begin working on restoring the hidden and neglected paintings of Pemberley before it is set up to be a public museum. But there is this odd mirror in the ballroom that inexplicably changes only her appearance when she looks into it. What happens when Ellie touches this mirror and ends up in someone else’s body where she meet the handsome estate owner who’s portrait she is in the middle of restoring…
MY THOUGHTS: This premise might be every Janeite’s fantasy come to life, and I am ready to live vicariously through our sarcastic and artistic heroine! Imagine – swapping bodies with Elizabeth Bennet… How can one do this in real life??? Anyone know where to find this peculiar type of mirror???
This is such an enthralling tale! It kind of reminds me of Lost in Austen, but this time the heroine is not a devout Jane Austen fan who knows how things are “supposed to be.” What Ellie does know is that Mr. Darcy died without marrying, and due to death taxes and spendthrift descendants his grand estate eventually became property of the bank. I loved following Ellie on this fantastical adventure. I loved seeing her face all the challenges of living in a different time and not knowing the etiquette, the people who are supposed to be her family, and even the language! It was interesting to see all the subtle ways word usage has changed in 200+ years.
Ellie is quick, perceptive, and genuine. I appreciated that she wasn’t completely baffled and clueless about how to passably act as a woman living in 1811, and that her difficulties and mistakes felt realistic and plausible. In addition, I admired how Ellie was quick to take the measure and accurately sketch the characters of everyone around her. I especially loved how she triggered some alterations in the Bennet household – and how she handled Wickham was *chef’s kiss* 🤌🏼
Another aspect I loved about this tale was its masterful construction and execution. Even though we are in an extraordinary situation of time travel, body swapping, and unexplained phenomena it still felt natural. While there was maybe a part or two that was a little challenging to wrap my head around, mostly all the explanations and behaviors were rooted in reason and sense. In addition, as with L. L. Diamond’s previous novels, I greatly admired her style of writing. Her character’s display their distinct personalities swiftly, she practices excellent economy by only depicting scenes/narratives that are relevant and informative, and she is an expert at inserting wit, charm, and tension in equal measure. I’m always happy to read anything she writes.
Well-crafted, witty, and whimsical The Peculiarity of Mr. Darcy’s Mirror is perfect wish fulfillment. If you ever dreamed of trading places with Elizabeth Bennet – this is a book you must add to your reading list! An exceptionally stunning gem by L. L. Diamond!
It’s totally fabulous I agree Meredith! I do love how Ellie copes with being Elizabeth. Discovering why she’s taken her place is surprising! This is on my reread list and I’ve already read it several times. Great review.
Thank you, Glynis!!!
I don’t tend to read moderns, yet this modern/Regency book is a favourite. Well, as you say, Meredith, anything by L.L.Diamond is a favourite. I loved the twists. Great review.
You’re too good to me, Suzan! Thanks!
I loved this one! The modern vs going back to regency was well done.
Thanks, Sam!! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it 🙂
I’m so happy you enjoyed Mr. Darcy’s Mirror, Meredith! It’s great it felt natural despite a lot of the time travel subject matter, etc. Thank you for the lovely review.
I thought this was an excellent time-travel variation too. Audiobook is fabulous as well. Highly recommend both versions!
Thank you, Marie!!!!!
I loved this book! It’s definitely one worth re-reading.
Thank you, Sue!
I too enjoyed this book a great deal! I loved everything about it and will definitely reread it again!
Thank you, Nancy!
I read and enjoyed this story and also posted a review.
Thank you, Sheila, for reading and reviewing!
I really liked this book – anyone interested in time travel would find this well written and plotted. Fate (destiny) does have a remarkable way of adjusting itself and I highly recommend this book.
Thank you so much, Frankie! 🙂
I own the book! Now I have to read it because I want to know how she handles the Bennet household, especially Wickham!
I hope you enjoy it! 🙂 Thanks, jbrand3039!
This sounds like a book to put on my “to read”-list! Must look it up on amazon.
I hope you enjoy, Audny!
It sounds great, so I added it to my list 😀
I hope you enjoy, Charlotte! Thank you!
I’ve got it on my to be read list!
Thank you, Brenda!
Lovely review Meredith, and I agreed with all your praises. I loved this just as much as any of L.L. Diamond’s books, she keeps proving she can come up with original premises and plots. A reread of this has been calling to me for weeks now.
I hope your review encourages everyone to read it.
Thank you, Michelle!