“In the Palace of Mirrors” by Liv Strömquist

Have you ever wondered why we place so much importance on how others see us? And, for that matter, why do people whose jobs involve being in the public eye (models, social media influencers, artists, etc.) have such a hard time dealing with criticism of their appearance? Why do we say that inner beauty is what matters most, especially when trying to reassure someone who doesn’t like the way they look? And why do we associate beauty with youth? And why are women held to higher standards than men when it comes to conforming to beauty norms?

These are just a few of the many questions that Swedish comic book artist Liv Strömquist addresses in her fabulous graphic novel *In the Palace of Mirrors*. Thoroughly researched and skillfully crafted, this graphic novel tackles the seemingly lighthearted topic of physical appearance while exploring a host of political, social, and cultural mechanisms. It explores themes of leadership, solidarity, friendship, influence, negotiation, empathy, and kindness.