I don't remember much about this book, only that I really enjoyed it and it sent me looking for more Donaldson. I was in my late teens when I read it, I think. ( )

Pulled into another dimension by the good-hearted oaf, a young woman tries to navigate court politics in a kingdom on the verge of dissolution.

Oh man, this book was my jam when I was thirteen or fourteen years old, and in retrospect, it's because I hadn't yet discovered romance novels (or Internet porn), so this represented the outer limits of literary Kink for me. The Mirror of Her Dreams was, to me, what Forever Amber or Clan of the Cave Bear or Flowers in the Attic were to other thirteen-year-old readers.

So, when I read this book now and note all the BDSM elements and eighties-romance-genre tropes, I'm willing to concede that my own youthful relationship with the novel may be coloring my interpretation. But, also, I'm inclined to think that Author Donaldson is engaging pretty deeply with his personal id. I've never read Lord Foul's Bane all the way through (I think I got to the Signature Rape Scene and then bailed) or his Gap books, but The Mirror of Her Dreams feels...well, on one hand, as if Donaldson is trying to do something somewhat light and commercial (in a mid-eighties publishing universe) but also as if he's way into the kind of genre books that get read by women (in a mid-eighties publishing universe). ( )

OK fantasy novel. Did not read the sequel. ( )

Loved this when I read it as a kid -- found it an enjoyable story, couldn't wait to read the next one. Re-read on vacation and it's dreck. ( )

I loved this book. I read this way back in 1987 when I picked up a copy at the library. I wasn't reading much at that time and I had yet to discover Thomas Covenant. The blurb on the back intrigued me so I checked it out.

I loved this book! I fell in love with Terisa and Geraden. I think part of me related to Terisa or maybe part of me WANTED to relate to Terisa. And of course I was in love with Geraden. Since it's been so long since I've read it, my mind is fuzzy on some of the details but I certainly remember the mirrors. I think I kept looking in my bathroom mirror after I read this, just hoping I'd catch a glimpse of another world. (So far no luck, but still looking.)

I did not know it was the first of two. Actually, the version I read said it was the first of a trilogy. I saw the blurb on the last page. Oh, no! What happens to these people?? I went back to the library but A Man Rides Through had just come out so I had to go on a holds list.

Oh, the torture, waiting for the next book!

At last, the book came through. I could finish the story.

Once I had some money saved up, I bought the two in paperback so I could have my own copies. I loaned this one to a co-worker but didn't think to loan him the second. He comes back to work on Monday having spent all weekend reading this book.

"Why didn't you tell me there was another book??? Where's the other book??? I have to find out what happens! This is awful!!"

So I explained "How do you think I felt, when I had to actually wait for the book at the library?" I was nice and loaned him the second.

Fond memories thinking of this story. I actually haven't re-read it. I know it won't be as magical. I think I prefer my memories of coming home from work, curling up on the easy chair in the living room and reading this.

( )