Girl in the Mirror

Girl in the Mirror is a novel about Muriel, a young girl growing up in Manchester during World War II. She dreams of becoming a movie star and finds love in the streets of Manchester, but her fragile mind struggles to find balance in her fractured life. She marries Jim and moves to Canada, but the isolation of the family farm is a shock. When the war declares, she must return to England and choose to settle or fly.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Girl in the Mirror is a captivating tale that follows the life of Muriel, a young girl with an unwavering desire to become a movie star. Despite coming from an ordinary background, Muriel possesses extraordinary dreams and a relentless spirit that refuses to be tamed. Growing up during the tumultuous years of World War II, she navigates the challenges of a family that treats love as a scarce resource. However, amidst the chaos, Muriel finds solace in the streets of Manchester, where she encounters a love that sets her heart ablaze. Through her passion for dance and art, Muriel unleashes her vibrant energy, captivating those around her. Yet, her journey is not without its struggles. Muriel battles with a fragile mind, constantly teetering between sanity and madness. Her lifelong quest is to find the delicate balance that sustains her fractured existence, held together by the threads of love.

At the tender age of ten, Muriel is brimming with dreams and ambition. Her passion for dance ignites a fire within her, and she is determined to create a life that surpasses her humble beginnings. Inspired by the paintings of Ford Madox Brown, Muriel embraces the mantle of family responsibility, even though it often hinders her pursuit of the spotlight. As a teenager, she finds solace on a street corner in Moss Side, where she meets Jim. He offers her a glimpse of love that is lacking in her family, and she eagerly embraces the opportunity to mold him into her own. However, her journey is not without its obstacles. Mickey, Jim's best friend, continues to lurk in the shadows, waiting patiently for Muriel's affection. Despite her defiance against societal expectations, Muriel finds happiness as a dance instructor and dressmaker, creating exquisite silk gowns for wealthy ladies.

In the summer of 1939, Muriel embarks on a new chapter of her life when she marries Jim. With excitement and anticipation, she plans to embark on a journey to Canada, where she dreams of starting a new life in a new country. She eagerly showcases her city sophistication, hoping to impress the Canadians with her refined taste. However, the long and arduous journey takes its toll, and upon arriving at the family farm, Muriel is struck by the stark isolation. Undeterred, she rallies and uses her talents to win over the locals. Her moment in the spotlight is briefly interrupted when World War II is declared, forcing Muriel and her family to return to England. Jim is called up to serve in the military, leaving Muriel behind to face the challenges of a new wartime reality.

Muriel must navigate the complexities of a society in upheaval. She finds solace in her art, using it as a means to express her emotions and cope with the trials of her life. Despite the hardships, Muriel's spirit remains resilient, and she continues to pursue her dreams, never losing sight of the love that has shaped her existence. Girl in the Mirror is a poignant portrayal of a young woman's journey to self-discovery and the enduring power of love. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future, and that the human spirit can overcome any obstacle.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803130873