A psychiatric patient’s desperate search for answers reveals peculiar memories and unexpected connections in a twisty and mind-bending novel of love, family, betrayal, and secrets.
Eddie Asher arrives at Hudson Valley Psychiatric Hospital panicked that he may have murdered his brother’s fiancée, Lucy, with whom he shared a profound kinship. He can’t imagine doing such a terrible thing, but Eddie hasn’t been himself lately.
Eddie’s anxiety is nothing new to Pär, the one Eddie calls his Other, who protects Eddie from truths he’s too sensitive to face. Or so Pär says. Troubled by Pär’s increasing sway over his life, Eddie seeks out Dr. Richard Montgomery, a specialist in dissociative identities. The psychiatrist is Eddie’s best chance for piecing together the puzzle of what really happened to Lucy and to understanding his inexplicable memories of another man’s life. But Montgomery’s methods trigger a kaleidoscope of memories that Pär can’t contain, bringing Eddie closer to an unimaginable truth about his identity.
Lisa Williamson Rosenberg is an author and psychotherapist specializing in depression, complex trauma and racial identity. She is also a former ballet dancer, having performed with the Boston, Pennsylvania, and Pacific Northwest Ballet companies.
A born-and-raised New Yorker, Lisa now lives in Montclair, New Jersey with her husband and dog. She is the mother of two college students.
Lisa graduated from Princeton University, got her master's from Hunter College School of Social Work, her post-master's certification in family therapy from the Ackerman Institute. Before becoming a therapist, Lisa was a ballet dancer with the Pennsylvania and Pacific Northwest Ballet Companies.
All her life, Lisa has been writing – essays and attempts at novels–becoming published for the first time in 1998, when Social Work In Healthcare accepted one of her graduate school papers. Several years later, Lisa published a talk she did at a Synagogue on Multiracial Jewish Identity.
Lisa is Black, biracial (African American and Ashkenazi Jewish), the only child of her parents’ very happy interracial marriage. It was a progressive, yet strangely traditional home, where her parents created a joint cultural environment where race and politics were part of the family dialogue.
As a Black Jew – a ballerina turned shrink – dual identity is part of Lisa’s life and central to her writing.
Lisa’s debut novel, Embers on the Wind was released on 8/1/22 by Little A. Her second novel, Mirror Me, will be released on 12/1/2024 and is available for preorder now. Lisa is represented by Dr. Uwe Stender, founder of TriadaUS Literary Agency. Lisa has published articles in Longreads, Narrative.ly, Grok Nation, The Common, Social Work in Healthcare and Interfaith Families Online, New Jersey Jewish News, and The Defenders Online. A Pushcart Prize nominee, Lisa’s fiction has appeared in Literary Mama and The Piltdown Review, where she won 2nd Prize in the Winter Short Story Contest.
A wholly unique, beautifully written book about identity, race, religion, love, brotherhood, and so much more. I was obsessed by this author's beautiful and unique voice. I was entranced also by the stunning audiobook voice acting performance by Torian Brackett - who has not only a gorgeous voice but completely unique vocalizations and personalities for each distinct character. This becomes very important in a book about Disassociative Identity Disorder especially. The lyrical writing of the author combined with all this gorgeous voice acting was such a treat. I savored this book and did not want it to end.
Now, I'm a Scandinavian white lady so I don't begin at a starting point where I know much about the experience of a Black Jewish twin with Dissociative Identity Disorder. This was no matter. The author (and the voice actor, too) brought me deeply and authentically into the main character's world in an intimate and beautifully written way. I was drawn in especially by the lovely descriptions of the dance world, the kind and sensitive persona of the struggling adopted Black twin Eddie, the voice of the "other" identity Par, the questions of who and where his other twin might be. I felt enriched by this book and like I learned a lot about this character's experience in the world. It was just such a unique and beautifully written and voiced book that I struggle to do it justice, but I know this: I'm going to be looking out for everything else this author writes.
One thing I can say for sure is that I've never read anything like this before. That and the fact that it took me a while to get into it, to finally become invested. I actually considered stopping somewhere in the first quarter or so because there was no hook for me, no pull. But I persisted and eventually the draw did crop up and then I couldn't stop.
How it's written and how it unfolds were both so very idiosyncratic. The story itself was wild. Unreservedly bizarre and for me, completely unexpected. But honestly, now that I'm done, I can't help but appreciate it all. It just felt very...uhhh, avant-garde maybe...? Idk, lol...
And here I am now, just feeling perplexed, hence the rating...
I would rec this though, because of the uniqueness of both the writing and subject matter. Especially for readers looking for a fresh, offbeat experience.
I received an advanced reader copy of Mirror Me from the author. This book had me hooked from the first chapter, and held me in its grip until the final few unexpected twists and turns. Mirror Me is a slow burning thriller, building the suspense steadily and deliberately in a way that keeps you turning the pages to find out what’s next. But really it is so much more than that. It’s also an exploration of the concept of “self”: who we think we are, how other people see us, and the truth that lies somewhere in between. Connecting themes of racial identity, childhood trauma, and family dynamics, the book explores how one’s sense of self is shaped, for better or for worse, and how that shaping can impact a person’s entire life story. Mirror Me walks a fine line between what is real and what is imagined, often blurring the lines between truth and fiction and keeping the reader on their toes with each passing chapter. I truly couldn’t put it down. You’re definitely going to want to add this book on your list!
I picked this as part of my Amazon first reads and I really wanted to love this book.
From the start I found it really difficult to get into and it quickly became clear it was close to being my first DNF, but I stuck it out and I am glad I did.
What did I enjoy?- well the story was unique in its own right, I liked the idea and the concept the author tried to convey, despite me not loving it-I could also appreciate why some people might really enjoy this book.
What didn’t I like- for me, the style of writing just wasn’t for me. But that’s not to say it’s not for others. I also have a degree in psychology and a masters in psychotherapy hence why I wanted to love this book- but I actually found the portrayal unrealistic to those i have treated. It was a slow start and not one that pulls you to pick it up until about half way through.
Overall I would say I’m neutral on this one- it was ok. I can see why some love it and some would DNF. In gernally though I really do think the author has thought outside the box-it’s a unique story in its own right and has a good ending. I give it between a 2 and 2.5/5 for me
I'm sorry to say that ultimately I didn't enjoy this book very much. It was boring and generally forgettable. It's unfortunate, because I was really down with the idea of the book. The concept was cool (even if it seems like it wouldn't be good for those with DID), and I enjoyed the general topics explored in the book. Themes of racial identity and adoption and family were very prevalent, and it was interesting to explore them through Eddie, a biracial adoptee in the '80s/'90s. But really, nothing else in the book held up enough.
The book got off to a very slow start, and I never felt like it picked up. There were two main "timelines" throughout: Eddie's past (mostly told by Pär) and Eddie's present (told by both). After establishing where we are and what we're doing in the present time, we spend a significant portion of the book in the former, which is ultimately just a retelling of events. Sure, we're gradually uncovering truths, but that's what novels are. I was interested in this section, but I couldn't get past the fact that it was ultimately just context meant to bring us to the main conflict of the novel: what happened to Lucy. Especially since the present timeline went forgotten for so long. This made it hard to engage with the story as a whole, as I felt like I was just waiting for The Point to come instead of being able to enjoy the story as is.
I also just wasn't a big fan of this writing style. I understand that the premise was meant to be confusing, and that part of the book was piecing together The Truth between Eddie and Pär's memories. But there are two problems with this. First, Pär just felt like a liar. I understand why he isn't telling Eddie the full truth, but me? The reader? It had the same vibe as mystery books where they need to lie to the reader to create an engaging story instead of learning how to gracefully withhold information. Second, the writing was sometimes felt like it was trying too hard to be artsy, meaning we prioritized sounding poetic over clarity. If the whole plot is about uncovering secrets, the secrets should be pretty clear once they are actually uncovered. As it was, I'd often have to reread sections to make sure I was following whatever was being hinted at.
All of the characters, other than Pär, also just felt very bland. They all had unique personalities, sure, but generally it felt like they were just there to react to Eddie as needed. And there were a lot of them. The worst part of the whole thing was Eddie and Lucy's relationship. As it was so central to the plot, this really soured my opinion on the whole thing.
As an Amazon First Reads book, Mirror Me was fine. I was at least interested enough to finish it. But if you ask me in a week, I doubt I'll be able to tell you anything about this book other than the fact that it was bizarre.
Okay. Finally a chance to leave a review! I have made a commitment to read more books from Black writers, especially in celebration of Black History Month. I thought Mirror Me, perfectly titled, was not only insightful and intelligent, but it was so different from anything else I've ever read. Rosenberg is a beautiful writer. I would read her books for their sense of poetic writing alone. She dabbles in magical realism, which when done well can really change a person's perspective of the world. Her plot lines are always unique and keep the reader guessing, not necessarily about what the true twist is (though that's a whopper), but guessing about the direction in which the story will go. You think it is headed one way, but it veers off its trajectory, keeping the reader in suspense from beginning to end. I loved the idea of dissociative disorder (aka multiple personality disorder) being at the crux, and it is clear the writer has psychology in her background. I am wholly convinced that the mind can "split" and I often wonder why it isn't used in books more often, as it is such a disarming topic. I fell in love with the protagonist, even with all his faults (and there are many), but I found myself really rooting for him. I want to say more about the plot, but 1) it's way too difficult to explain clearly, and 2) I fear I will give something away. Just read the book. At the very least, you'll be immersing yourself in one of the most original stories you've ever laid your hands on; one that will stay with you for a long time. BTW, I have read Rosenberg's earlier novel, Embers on the Wind, and loved it just as much.
this was... interesting, to say the least. lisa williamson rosenberg is a psychotherapist, and while that’s clear in the writing, i don’t know how much i liked her portrayal of DID. some of it was correct, but some of it was just odd. granted, DID is extremely complex and can be different for everyone that has it, but it’s never quite the way it is in this book. other than that, i did enjoy it. things came together well in the end and i liked her writing. as much as i read for the vibes, i’m not very good at letting inaccurate portrayals of mental illness in books.
This was so unique and fresh. It gripped me from the very start. This is a wild story that delves into every aspect of who we are, who we believe ourselves to be, and how others see us. The good, the bad, and the ugly. It's one of those stories you'll want to go back and read a second time because you'll see so !ugh more that you didn't the first time. A brilliant and perplexing novel.
Reading the summary, this book sounded amazing. However, it did not last more than 10 minutes. Within the first few pages, I was completely drawn out of the world. The sudden switch from a 3rd person to 1st person pov immediately took me out. The way Pär begins to speak just does not work for me. I would much rather be shown this first scene instead of being told what is happening. Pär's narration feels very instruction booklet-esque. I wish I was more into Eddie's head and the chaos there. I feel as if better word choice and more proof-reading could also improve the experience. If you can get past these things, this might be the book for you. I would love to give it a second chance in the future.
This book has potential, it just does not work for me.
I completely devoured this book. Seriously could not put it down.
It’s dual POV, sharing the perspectives of the main character and his other personality.
It started a bit confusing, but I was intrigued and wanted to know where it was going. So glad I stuck with it because this was one of my favorites.
It kind of reminds me of The Silent Patient, although the storyline was unique. It can be predictable at times, but it’s creative and thought provoking.
Dnf. I could not get through this book. It is so contrived and just stupid. I can tell it is building up to a story that might be interesting but the characters are annoying and unrealistic. It just made me mad.
Wow! As a nurse working and teaching in the field of Mental Health, this book was an eye opener for me! I have sought to imagine the intricacies of the illness of DID, but this brought it to life! This is one of those reads that will stay with me long term.
2.5 "Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a mental health condition that causes people to experience two or more distinct identities, or "personality states". These identities, also known as "alters," can have different names, genders, behaviors, memories, and thought patterns. People with DID may feel like different parts of their identity are in control of their thoughts and actions at different times"
I found the first part of the book to be very slow and plodding. While it did pick up a bit after that, I was hoping that the focus would be a good story about DID and its impact on the main character. Unfortunately, it was confusing and left me wanting more. While the author does inform the reader that she became a therapist and has dealt with DID in her scope of work, I felt that the storyline needed tightening and clarity .
This was genuinely the most fascinating, crazy and surprising book I’ve ever read. The blurb doesn’t do it justice! I need someone to read this book so I can talk about it with them.
2.5 stars. I really enjoyed it initially and had high hopes, but the lack of continuity in the plot and the erratic writing style felt both incomplete and unsatisfying. Not the worst book I’ve read, but just felt very blah to me. A little boring and the characters were unlikeable. I had to force myself to finish it and I’m glad it’s finally done.
I "accidentally" (God put it there!) started reading this book not knowing it had a character with MPD (now referred to as DID) but discerning it right away as MS Rosenberg writes stream of consciousness very well. I'm A retired psychotherapist who lived in the Pacific Northwest for many years & had the privilege of seeing Swan Lake at The Seattle Center back in the day. I became a therapist in Seattle; pursuing the field to find out what was "wrong" with me. I was diagnosed MPD back then too and had 17 yrs of God-guided intensive therapy. My grandmother revealed that there was, "A squaw in the woodpile" (A nod to my offended readers) but until my mother's death broke the keeping of secrets, I did not learn the huge differences in my American, white intelligentsia, liberal snobbery versus my Native and Jewish roots. She brought us up to believe we were oh-so-not-prejudiced but the discrepancy was glaring by our Black maid and my mother's efforts to discourage my dating a Black man. Like Eddie, when I learned of my Blackfoot tribe, I made an effort to learn a bit of the lingo. And of my Jewishness, to attend Messianic Churches. I was convinced before all the pieces came together at the end of the story; that Pear (I have no umlaut) was a conjoined triplet who lost his body during gestation and separation and that Lucy was part of the same birth as an unheard of conception with quadruplets with some parts attached and not others. The story had enough authenticity to be believable although Pear's moving from one 'bathtubbed' boy to another though miles apart doesn't make much sense even with a belief in trans migration of souls or past lives or trauma splitting. Some stiltedness in describing Puget Sound and outdoor picnic spots and the utter lack of God consciousness type inner dialog made me have some doubt though. I seek to read more truth through the struggle one might expect from the conjoining of Black and Jewish culture in the minds of children who often ask, wonder, or fret about the American culturally taboo topics of sex, God, money, & why am I different than them. There were hints of some of that in Ms. Rosenberg's characters but not nearly to the depths I've seen in my clients or myself. I found this book, gripping, pithy, intriguing, and satisfying. I have already recommended it to others.
Slight spoilers- I could see the main twists coming and the doctors conclusion on further study is interesting, however, there were too many random people introduced that had no meaning to the story, it seemed like they just wanted everyone related, and the ending was disappointing.
This was a great psychological thriller. The dual POV and the many back and forth between present and past brought so much intrigue. The intrigue and questioning kept me reading. At the end, the last chapter, was something, my jaw dropped. I reread it twice to make sure I had read it correctly. All in all, a great story, very well written, and with twist and turns.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Mirror Me” is an excellent psychological book that covers the extremely interesting topic of Multiple Personality Disorders, if you are a fan of this subject definitely give this book a try!
The plot follows Eddie who checks himself into a psychiatric ward under the belief that he murdered his brothers girlfriend, Lucy, somebody who he cares about deeply.
The book is narrated in the POV of both Eddie and his alter ego Par. It is clear there is ongoing conflict between them as they both battle for control over the physical body.
I enjoyed the narration style for each character, their personalities where wildly different and although Par was an ethically questionable character it was clear that his goal was to always protect and care for Eddie. I also enjoyed both of them giving their versions of the past and events leading up to this mental crisis, they both had very different memories and pictures of how things went down and it is unclear who’s recollection is the most accurate.
I found this a very interesting book as I love all things psychological.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and Lisa Williamson Rosenberg for the ALC!
A slow building suspense pulls in the reader. This is a unique story that encompasses so many topics. It is well written in a way to reveal information. Some of the revelations are quite obvious, but in the end it leaves you thinking.
Mirror Me is a riveting, thought-provoking, and intricately plotted story of a man trying to decipher his identity. Her prose and details are beautiful, and her characters interesting and complex. I love books that switch between multiple perspectives, and I’ve never read a multi-perspective book quite like this!
I love books written in different POV, but this book just didn’t cut it for me. I couldn’t really connect with the characters and the story didn’t seem to flow.
This book was totally crazy. I think I liked it a lot, but I think it will stay with me for awhile. I am writing this as I finished it, but the last 50 pages haven’t hit me yet. It takes a TURN.
Eddie is a young man with Dissociative Identity Disorder. He is also adopted. He is also bi-racial, his biological father was black and biological mother was Swedish. This has a heavy theme and symbolism about identity. I listened to the audiobook which I thought may be difficult to follow but it was not, at all. The audiobook narrator did a wonderful job of voicing his different personalities and inner dialogue.
He also has kind of thing for his brother’s fiancé, Lucy. I didn’t love the narrator’s voice for Lucy. Side note: As a woman I absolutely HATE when the men in my life repeat what I said back to them in a “mocking” tone, I find it completely unnecessary and misogynistic. And because of this I usually have a hard time with male narrators switching voice to a female character. But honestly, what are you going to do. But I digress.
The story is fascinating; it’s the definition of unreliable narrator.
But the last few turns- wow. I wasn’t even close. I guarantee it will surprise you.
Thanks to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for the audio ARC. Opinions are my own.
I have "special interests" in psychology, personality development, and DID. At first, I was confused by how the author decided to describe the strange connections between the protagonists. I finally decided to simply enjoy the story, and quit trying to fit it into my understanding of DID. After that, I did just that. I thoroughly enjoyed the story.