A Review of “The Little Girl Behind the Mirror” by Matteo Astone

Genre: Fiction
Sub-genres: Children’s literature, Magical realism, Allegorical fiction, Social-emotional learning
Themes: Self-discovery, belonging, prejudice, emotional resilience, inner strength, friendship, empathy, self-acceptance

What if a puddle could speak—and reveal your deepest truths? That’s the premise readers must grapple with in The Little Girl Behind the Mirror, a story that resists simple categorization. It’s not just a tale about a mysterious village and its quirky inhabitants, but a layered metaphor for childhood’s most silent struggles: not fitting in, not being seen, and not knowing who you are yet.

Scarlett, the main character, arrives nameless, isolated, and marked by what others see as difference—a “milky-coffee” birthmark on her cheek. Through a journey shaped by magical springs, surreal mirrors, and cryptic voices from the sea, she learns to name herself and her pain. There are no clear-cut villains or heroes. Instead, we find echoes of real-world judgment and misunderstanding: the whispered insults of villagers, the silence of adults, and the hollowness of unearned titles.

This is not a story of escape into fantasy, but of stepping through it. The mirrors here don’t flatter; they confront. Like scientific instruments reflecting back not just an image, but data we might not want to see, the spring in this tale tells characters who they are—and asks who they want to become.

Interestingly, the book also introduces a sense of layered identity. “I am a king,” one character says, only to be asked, “Yes, but who are you?” Children reading this may start to ask the same of themselves—not in fear, but in curiosity.

There’s a subtle lesson in emotional intelligence at play here. The story walks young readers through grief, exclusion, and doubt, only to land on connection, dignity, and love. When Scarlett finally sees herself clearly, the revelation is not magical but deeply human. It says: you are worthy, even when you’re unsure, even when no one else tells you.

This book is especially suited for:

Children aged 9–12 who enjoy introspective, character-driven fantasy
Parents or educators looking for discussion-rich books on emotions and identity
Readers who connect with stories that gently deconstruct prejudice and misunderstanding

It may not resonate with:

Very young readers expecting linear adventure or humor
Those seeking high action or traditional fairy tale pacing

Content Warning:

Mild emotional distress, references to social exclusion, and self-identity questioning.

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