Lola in the Mirror

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of addiction.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Dalton infuses the narrative with magical realism elements, particularly through Lola’s mirror conversations. How does this compare to other works that blend fantasy with harsh reality, such as Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits? Does the magical element enhance or distract from the gritty realities Lola faces?

2. Brisbane’s housing crisis forms a crucial backdrop to Lola’s story, yet her personal journey toward self-discovery drives the narrative forward. Did you find the balance between the individual tale of one girl’s search for identity and the broader social issues affecting the unhoused community effective, or did one of these elements outweigh the other in your reading experience?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Lola’s relationship with art—her drawings and E.P. Buckle’s narration—serves as both an escape and a way to process trauma. How do you use creative outlets or hobbies to work through difficult emotions or challenging experiences?

2. Throughout the novel, Lola desperately seeks to know her real name, believing it will unlock her true identity. Have you ever felt that learning certain facts about your past would fundamentally change who you are?

3. Charlie demonstrates unwavering loyalty to Lola despite her inability to return his romantic feelings. How do you navigate relationships where feelings aren’t reciprocated but genuine care and friendship remain?

4. Erica’s love for Lola proves genuine despite being built on the lie of how they came to be together. What does this suggest about the nature of family bonds that aren’t based on blood relations?

5. Lola often feels invisible in crowds, even shouting downtown with no response from passersby. Have you experienced moments where you felt unseen or unheard by those around you?

6. When Lola finally learns her birth name is Iris Gould, she chooses instead to call herself Lola Inthemirror. How important do you think it is for people to have control over how they’re identified or addressed?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel presents a detailed picture of Brisbane’s housing crisis, showing how people create community even in unstable living situations. How does this portrayal compare to housing issues and unhoused communities in your area?

2. Flora Box operates her criminal enterprise under the cover of a legitimate seafood business, exploiting vulnerable people with addiction. What does this reveal about how criminal organizations prey on societal inequalities and desperation?

3. The upcoming 2032 Olympics threaten to displace The Well and other support services for Brisbane’s unhoused population in favor of an athlete’s village. How do major civic events often impact the most vulnerable members of a community in our world?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Dalton uses E.P. Buckle’s detached third-person narration when Lola faces particularly intense emotional or physical challenges. What does this narrative technique reveal about how people cope with trauma and overwhelming experiences?

2. The river serves as both a literal setting and a powerful symbol throughout the story, representing fate in its dual nature as life-giving and destructive. How does this symbolism mirror the complexity of destiny in Lola’s journey?

3. Lola’s artistic technique of drawing people with animal heads allows her to capture their essential characteristics, like depicting Detective Topping as a protective bear. What does this approach suggest about how art can reveal deeper truths about human nature?

4. The magic mirror reflects different versions of the woman in red depending on Lola’s emotional state, from glamorous traveler to broken and bandaged figure. How does this device illustrate Lola’s internal conflicts about identity and self-worth?

5. Danny’s immediate declaration of love when he first speaks to Lola seems impulsive, yet their connection proves genuine and transformative. How does Dalton balance the intensity of their instant bond with realistic character development?

6. Museum-style labels accompany each of Lola’s sketches, providing objective commentary on her life and art from a future perspective. How does this framing device affect your understanding of the events and Lola’s growth as both an artist and a person?

7. What significance does the magical mirror hold throughout the novel? How does it transform from a simple reflection to a complex representation of Lola’s internal struggle with identity?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. Lola dreams of having her artwork displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, complete with museum labels describing each piece. If you could curate an exhibition of your own life experiences, what three pivotal moments would you choose to display and how would you present them artistically?

2. The magic mirror shows the woman in red dress traveling to glamorous locations around the world, from Paris cafes to New York museums. If you had a magic mirror that could show you living anywhere you wanted to be, where would you choose to see yourself and what would you be doing there?

3. Throughout the novel, Lola imagines different potential names and identities for herself before settling on Lola Inthemirror. Create your own alternative identity, complete with a new name, occupation, and backstory. How would this identity reflect aspects of who you might want to become or explore about yourself?

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