Mirror Mirror

In Gregory Maguire's "Mirror Mirror," the timeless tale of Snow White is reimagined against the opulent yet treacherous backdrop of Renaissance Italy in 1502. Seven-year-old Bianca de Nevada enjoys a idyllic life at Montefiore, her father Don Vicente's farm in Tuscany. However, this innocence is shattered with the arrival of the notorious Borgia siblings: the formidable Cesare and his alluring, vain sister, Lucrezia. When Don Vicente is sent on a lengthy quest, Bianca is left under Lucrezia's 'care.' Known for her ruthlessness and dark beauty, Lucrezia quickly becomes obsessed with the young girl's burgeoning beauty, mirroring the original fairy tale's wicked queen. As Lucrezia plots Bianca's demise in the dark, enchanting woods below the farm, the young protagonist must navigate a world brimming with political intrigue, sensuality, and hidden magic. Maguire expertly weaves historical figures and a vivid setting into a dark, lyrical retelling that explores themes of envy, innocence, and the transformative power of nature, offering a fresh and sophisticated take on a beloved classic.