Lola in the Mirror

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, death by suicide, and sexual violence and harassment.

“My mother danced the Tyrannosaurus Waltz. It is the dance of mothers and their monsters. The Tyrannosaurus Waltz is traditionally performed in the kitchen of any ordinary home, anywhere in Australia. The dance requires a young mother to hold her baby to her chest and stand before the monster who pretends to love them.”

The opening lines present a metaphor that sets the tone for the novel. The protagonist, Lola, describes a “dance” between her parents. The dance is a metaphor for domestic violence against women, for the monster is the father who “pretends” to love his family. By indicating that this interaction is “traditionally performed” in “any ordinary home,” Lola highlights the widespread problem of domestic violence. This is an ominous beginning, for despite the artistry of dancing a waltz, there is implied violence.

“Mum never told me where she was born or how, or who her parents were. The past is dangerous for girls on the lam.”

Lola lacks the basic facts of her life, like her name or family history, but the one thing she knows is how to live on the run. Knowing too much about the past is dangerous because the police are looking for them. However, this moment also contains foreshadowing because later, Lola learns about a past much darker than she anticipated.

“‘Of course you can be so honest,’ Mum said. ‘How do we ever understand the truth if no one’s willing to show it to us?’”

Lola and her mom are talking about Picasso’s painting of his friend Casagemas, a piece of art that depicts the friend’s death by suicide. Before this, Lola did not realize an artist could depict something so honest. As someone who experiences