Sweet Reflections, Although with Some Tarnish

I zoomed right through Mirror Mirror by Gregory Maguire. I can say that while this may not be my favorite book written by Maquire it is certainly an interesting re-telling of Snow White. I really do enjoy the way Maguire reaches back into history, grabs a glimpse of reality and weaves it into a story that is strangely familiar yet the result is entirely unexpected. After finishing this tale of Bianca de Nevada as Snow White I am intrigued by the historical characters that have a inkling of truth.

I found Mirror Mirror to take some time for me to feel engaged in the story and the compulsion to continue wasn't fueled so much by a compelling story, but by the anxiousness to find the connection to the fairy tale that I had been fed through storybooks and the Disney movie. There was a shift half way through the book that placed the intrigue on this story rather than the fairy tale and I wanted to have so much more information about the characters. I can only imagine an editor dissuaded Maguire from over-writing the story which is a shame. At least I hope this is the case since I think Maguire is fully capable of creating intricate characters with in an intricate story.

For all that I feel that Mirror Mirror lacked, there is so much that I enjoyed about this story. My particular favorites are the descriptions of the stone-like creatures which are the dwarfs and there evolution through the story. A story just about the dwarfs would have been strong all on its own! I love the Bianca sees what she expects or knows of a house come into view the longer she spends with the dwarfs. It is almost like her will creates the details Bianca sees.

This book is definitely worth reading, but if it is your first book by Maguire and you do not feel a connection to the story do not turn away from his other books. There is something special in each of his books for different readers so try another!

Next on my night stand is Ancestors of Avalon, which is Diana Paxson's release of Marion Zimmer Bradley's story. I believe this was published after Bradley's death and I have no idea to what extent Paxson has used Bradley's work. I get the sense that there may have been story notes, perhaps some development of the story but I am having trouble finding the voice of Bradley in the story. I am a passionate Bradley fan starting with my first exposure to her classic Mists of Avalon. I have read her other mystical tales that relate to Avalon and Atlantis and while Mists is the most powerful, I am having difficulty finding the power that the other stories had over me.

Perhaps it is too early to pass judgement. All I can say for now is that Paxson is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Bradley's Avalon which is admirable, but I doubt she can recreate the voice that held so much magic. We shall see...