Before the Mirror by Elizabeth Stoddard is a hauntingly beautiful novel that delves into the complexities of familial relationships and societal expectations. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Lilly and Elsie, who are forced to confront their inner demons and inner desires in the face of the strict Victorian norms that surround them.

Stoddard's writing is both eloquent and poetic, drawing the reader into the sisters' world with its vivid descriptions and evocative imagery. The character development is superb, with Lilly and Elsie coming to life on the pages as they struggle to find their own voices in a world that seeks to silence them.

The novel is a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as gender roles, class divisions, and personal freedom. Stoddard challenges the reader to question the societal constructs that limit individual expression and self-fulfillment, making Before the Mirror a compelling and engaging read.

Overall, Before the Mirror is a captivating and emotionally resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page. Stoddard's masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and literary fiction alike.

Book Description:
Elizabeth Drew Stoddard, née Barstow was a United States poet and novelist. She is most widely known today as the author of The Morgesons (1862), her first of three novels. Her other two novels are Two Men (1865) and Temple House (1867). Stoddard was also a prolific writer of short stories, children's tales, poems, essays, travel writing, and journalism pieces.