Erin Kelly’s novel The Poison Tree explored the generational impact of trauma in a dark thriller, taking its name from a William Blake poem on the same subject. Her new novel, The House of Mirrors, reintroduces readers to a familiar face. But instead of offering a direct sequel, Kelly weaves a companion tale that skilfully explores the passage of time and the complex web of identity, loss, and generational impact. At the heart of the story is Karen, a character whose journey mirrors Kelly’s own experiences as she transitions through pivotal stages of life, offering a narrative blend that is as personal as it is captivating.
A Personal Connection
In The Poison Tree, Karen is a young woman navigating tumultuous relationships and emotional complexities. In The House of Mirrors, however, she is older than we last saw her. Kelly’s personal connection to Karen is strikingly intimate. “Karen is at the stage of life where I am at all times,” Kelly reveals. ‘I never had to think twice about how she’s going to respond to something, because I feel like, physically, I really embody her.” When Kelly first wrote The Poison Tree, she was a young mother. In contrast, while writing The House of Mirrors, she was in her 40s reflecting on the challenges and revelations that accompany raising a daughter in a fast-changing world. Karen’s character is perhaps less of a creation and more of an extension of Kelly herself.
Karen’s age and perspective act as a mirror to the reader, as she navigates the complexities of motherhood, ageing, and the consequence of past decisions. As a woman in her 40s, Karen is at a stage where loss is not an abstract concept, but a lived experience. She’s come to terms with the passage of time, while also grappling with the regret of things left behind.
For Kelly, the act of writing Karen was a way to reflect on her own life experiences, but it also opened a window into understanding. “Generational trauma and how some people are able to undo the problems they inherited, while others perpetuate them, is something I’m deeply interested in,” says Kelly. The interplay between past and present becomes a central theme in The House of Mirrors, as Karen’s character is forced to confront the legacies of the past.
The Thriller’s Themes
Karen’s journey is not just about reconciling with the choices she’s made but also understanding the weight of her family’s history. Meanwhile, her daughter Alice is on her own search for answers. Alice is a character who will resonate with younger readers – impulsive, quick-tempered, and unafraid to challenge the expectations set upon her. Her search for answers is a reflection of a younger generation’s struggle to understand the world they’ve inherited from those who came before them.
Kelly captures this generational divide brilliantly through Karen’s evolving relationship with Alice. “By the time you’re in your 40s, you’ve experienced loss, and you understand what it’s like to long for your youth, while also being glad you never have to be young again,” Kelly says. This dichotomy is central to the emotional weight of The House of Mirrors, as Karen’s perspective on motherhood contrasts sharply with Alice’s youthful idealism.
The House of Mirrors offers a thrilling yet reflective look at how we navigate the ever-changing landscape of our own lives. It is a tale not only of murder, mystery, and suspense, but also of identity, motherhood, and the inescapable truths we must all face as we move through life. Kelly does not simply craft a story about characters haunted by their pasts. She invites readers to see themselves within those characters – struggling with their own generational legacies and searching for meaning in their own lives. By grounding Karen’s journey in Kelly’s own experiences, the novel serves as both a mirror and a window, offering a deep, introspective exploration of the personal and the universal.
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