Title: The Portrait of a Mirror
Author: A. Natasha Joukovsky
First published June 1, 2021
320 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781419752162 (ISBN10: 1419752162)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
A. Natasha Joukovsky’s debut novel, The Portrait of a Mirror, is a contemporary retelling of the Narcissus myth, following the intertwined lives of two affluent couples over the course of a summer.
Wes and Diana are a power couple in New York City, with Wes’s good looks and recent tech startup success and Diana’s cunning charm. Vivien and Dale, living in Philadelphia, are also part of the same elite circles as Wes and Diana.
As their lives become more entangled, desire and self-delusion threaten to upend their carefully crafted lives. Joukovsky’s witty and sharp observations of modern romance make for a captivating and entertaining read, while also exploring themes of narcissism, love, and self-deception.
About the Author
Natasha Joukovsky has a degree in English from the University of Virginia and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. She has experience working in the art industry for five years, including stints at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Later, she transitioned into management consulting. Her debut novel, The Portrait of a Mirror, is now available.
Natasha can be found on Instagram @joukovsky and on Twitter @natashajouk. She currently calls Washington, DC home.
Editoral Review
A. Natasha Joukovsky’s debut novel, The Portrait of a Mirror, is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the complex nature of relationships.
Published on June 1, 2021, the book is a work of literary fiction that deftly blends romance, suspense, and drama. Joukovsky’s writing style is nuanced and evocative, and she manages to create a vivid sense of time and place that transports the reader to the glamorous world of high society New York.
Set in present-day New York City, the story centers around three main characters: Nina, a beautiful and ambitious aspiring actress; Lenny, a successful surgeon with a hidden past; and Max, a talented and enigmatic artist. The three are brought together by a shared fascination with a painting that appears to have a magical hold on those who gaze upon it.
As they become more deeply connected, they are forced to confront the secrets and desires that lie beneath the surface of their lives. The Portrait of a Mirror is a novel that is rich in themes and ideas.
Joukovsky explores the interplay between image and reality, the struggle for self-acceptance, and the complex nature of human relationships. She also touches on issues of class, wealth, and power, and the impact that these factors can have on personal identity.
One of the strengths of the novel is its beautifully drawn characters. Each is given a fully realized backstory and a distinct voice, and the interactions between them are both fascinating and unpredictable.
Joukovsky is particularly adept at capturing the tension and uncertainty that exists between people who are attracted to each other but are unsure of how to proceed. The pacing of the novel is also very well done.
Joukovsky seamlessly weaves together multiple storylines and timeframes, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the outcome. The portrait at the heart of the novel serves as a unifying thread, and the mystery surrounding its origin and significance adds an extra layer of intrigue.
However, there are some limitations to the novel. Some readers may find the writing style to be overly ornate or flowery, and there are moments when the plot becomes somewhat convoluted.
Additionally, the resolution of certain conflicts may be unsatisfying to some readers. Overall, The Portrait of a Mirror is a compelling and beautifully written novel that is sure to resonate with readers who enjoy complex character-driven stories.
It is an impressive debut from a promising new voice in contemporary literature. Readers who enjoy the work of authors like Donna Tartt, Emma Cline, or Zadie Smith are sure to appreciate Joukovsky’s skillful storytelling and nuanced exploration of human relationships.
Rating: 4/5 Stars.
