Book Discussion: Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton

Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton is a poignant novel set in contemporary Brisbane. It follows a nameless teenage girl and her mother, who have been on the run for sixteen years, living in a dilapidated van by the Brisbane River. The girl dreams of becoming a renowned artist, often envisioning her future exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her journey is interwoven with elements of magical realism, including conversations with a mysterious figure named Lola in a cracked mirror, symbolizing her quest for identity and self-understanding. Dalton's narrative delves into themes of homelessness, domestic violence, and the resilience of the human spirit, painting a vivid picture of life on the fringes of society. The novel combines gritty realism with hopeful fantasy, offering a compelling story of survival, art, and the search for one's true self.​

Lola in the Mirror has been widely recognized in the literary community. It won…