The Wrong Reflection

by Gillian Bradshaw

Book Overview

Paul Anderson has no memory of working for Stellar Research, except flashes from a secret-and terrifying-project that threatens to tear his sanity apart...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0441010970
• ISBN13: 9780441010974
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Haunting mirror on Corporate greed and human society

A man pulled from a car wreck and revived through CPR awakens in hospital to find he cannot remember anything about himself - or much of anything . . . except for the fact that he violently resists the fact that he is the person identified by the hospital through the papers on him and in the wreckage of the car, and that he is terribly afraid of the company he supposedly worked for, and the people with whom he supposedly worked. He looks like the person they claim he is, he has the same identifying marks, he even shares the same fingerprints, but he is absolutely certain that he is not this person. The only one who believes him at first is the woman who rescued him. Gillian Bradshaw brings these characters, especially the main character, to life in a way that I haven't seen in a long time - I was fascinated and unable to put this book down until I reached the ending. At first it read like a mystery/thriller, but as the book progresses, it very gradually (and, in my opinion, in a realistic manner) enters the realm of science fiction. The more technical elements are explained in a manner that I found easy to understand and added to the story. This was a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to anyone who can get their hands on it. I hope that it will be re-released at some point, if enough people discover it.

The face in the mirror is not mine...

One of the most basic traits of our humanity is our identity. Our identity is made up of our history, our memories, our personality and our relationships. But what would happen if you woke up one day and all of that was gone? You look in the mirror and you don't recognize the face that is staring back at you? You're in a hospital but you don't know how you got there?The Wrong Reflection, by Gillian Bradshaw, is a science fiction thriller that begins dealing with this issue. Bradshaw is primarily known for writing historical fiction using her classical background. Whatever possessed her to try her hand at science fiction, I have no clue. However, she succeeds brilliantly using the talents that her previous genre no doubt taught her (I have not read any of her other books). She creates vivid characters and ties them into a tight thriller that makes you keep turning the page as you wonder what's happening. Unfortunately, the ending can't keep up the steam, and she uses a grammatical conceit that becomes increasingly aggravating. The first half of The Wrong Reflection is a brilliant mystery, with Paul knowing even less than the reader. This makes the book even more enjoyable as you try to unravel what's going on before Paul can. The tension mounts as Sir Philip keeps trying to get Paul to check into a medical facility run by Stellar, and Paul knows that something is going on. But every time he starts to remember, he doubles over in pain and has a severe bout of nausea. I found myself wanting to read "just one more chapter" when I should have been going to bed. It was engrossing, and I really felt sorry for Paul and his predicament. Sandra was an intriguing character as well, feeling obligated to find out how the man she rescued is doing, and then sensing a kindred spirit, a man who wears his logical mind as a badge, and a man who is scared of everything around him. She becomes his anchor to the world, and also his lifeline. His memory is strange as he can remember many scientific things, but he can't remember how to put on pants (I found that part a little illogical, though it's slightly explained once the secret is revealed).As the mystery is revealed, it becomes a standard "misunderstood alien is used and abused by an evil corporation for fun and profit" story with a scientific twist, lessening the impact. The villains are rather stereotypical, with Lloyd being the worst of the bunch. He believes his heart's in the right place but can't see why what he's doing is wrong. Other characters are less so, being far more interesting. There's a Michael Moore-like documentary director (though more honest) named Rod, and his lover and cameraman, Dave. Thankfully, nothing is made of the fact that they are gay, becoming just part of their characters rather than an agenda. Malcolm, the black home-nurse who is initially brought in to take care of Paul, suffers from this a little bit more. He is a well-rounded character, but his race beco

powerful amateur sleuth science fiction

Passerby Sandra Murray rescues an unconscious stranger from the river after his automobile plunges into the water after an accident. She learns from his identifications that his name is Paul Anderson and he works as an executive at Stellar Research, an R & D firm. When Paul awakens at the nearby hospital, he has no idea who he is or any memory of just about anything else.In spite of the amnesia, Paul instinctively distrusts anyone associated with Stellar Research, especially his superior Sir Philip Lloyd, but is not sure why. While he heals, his savior decides to make inquiries into his identity though she leans towards he is Paul. However, his terrorized look whenever Stellar Research is mentioned makes her determined to learn why.THE WRONG REFLECTION shows the depth of talent that highly popular historical author Gillian Bradshaw has as she deftly provides a powerful amateur sleuth science fiction. The story line focuses on Sandra's investigation that takes her where no woman has gone before. She and the hero are a delightful duo whose star-crossed romance seems to fit the adage that it must have been the wrong time and the wrong place, but feels right. Science fiction, mystery, thriller, and romance readers will appreciate this taut tale that will send everyone (including this reviewer) seeking DANGEROUS NOTES, from what I have heard as good as or better than this great novel.Harriet Klausner

AuthorZone.Com Book Review

They are going to make a movie based on this book rest assured!The book is addictive and will leave you in suspense. You will feel hurt when you are done reading it because you will wish it does not end.

and now for something completely different

Gillian Bradshaw is best known for her works of historical fiction/fantasy, and especially for novels set during the Roman Empire. For Bradshaw fans looking for more of the same, this could be a disappointment: "The Wrong Reflection" is a sci-fi thriller set in the present day. That said, the book is still one of her best -- exciting, suspenseful, and, as usual, written with grace and clarity.The novel begins with a bang -- a young woman's attempt to save the life of a man apparently seriously injured in a car wreck, and keeps on at a stimulating pace, as the man awakens in the hospital, convinced he is not the man whose identification he carries and whose reflection appears in the mirror. Aided by the young woman and a crew of characters including a British/West Indian art student and a gay investigative reporter, the mystery man attempts to discover his identity, or the cause for his amnesia.This was a page-turner from start to end. My only complaint was a rather contrived romance at the end. While the novel is radically different (sort of a Dick Francis thriller minus the horses crossed with elements of science fiction)from Ms. Bradshaw's previous works, it is every bit as good, and as enjoyable as her historical novels. Highly recommended.