AustLit

'You look into the mirror. There are a number around the house every now and then one of them becomes an attraction. Your skin is clear. Your hair is thick. The face looking back at you is as it should be when you are about to step outside. A bit serious perhaps. You think, while somehow entranced by the enigma of yourself in reverse image, that you'd better get a move on - but you don't think, in this, the twentieth year of your life, goodness, don't I look young. That's one thing, in front of a mirror, you have never thought and, personal history suggests, vanity notwithstanding, won't ever.' (Introduction)