Little Girl in the Mirror

Ever since she could remember, little Cathy Barron loved living with her grandparents on Cape Breton Island, and  every summer she looked forward to the day her mother would step off the train from Ontario in her fancy outfit and her red lipstick to visit with her for two weeks.

But in the summer of 1955, her mother demanded that Cathy come to Ontario to live with her for good. Cathy reluctantly said good bye to the only life she ever knew. She was promised a new and exciting life full of love and happiness, but what Cathy got was the exact opposite.

The only way to survive in her new empty world was to draw strength from her only friend, the little girl in the mirror…

Based on a true story, Tara Mondou artistically recreates the heartbreaking account of her mother's early childhood.

"Little Girl in the Mirror, a book of creative non-fiction, has the feel of a novel; is a masterful glimpse of history, and a loving memoir." 

—Sheldon Currie, Author, Playwright

"A bildungsroman, this simple compassionate tale sticks with you long after reading the final words on the page. You come away affected by Cathy's story—wishing you could reach inside the pages and give the lonely girl a hug."

—David McPherson, Author of The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern: A Complete History

"Tara Mondou weaves various threads from her family's past—faded photographs, oft-told tales, intimate revelations— into Little Girl in the Mirror, Cathy's Story: a poignant telling of her mother's resilience during a childhood filled with cruelty and neglect."

—Martin de Groot, Program Editor, Promenade Community Radio Magazine, CKWR 98.5 & Former Arts and Culture columnist for the Waterloo Region Record 

"An intricate tapestry among women is weaved and rooted in resilience and determination. Desperation, betrayal and isolation are veiled on tumultuous journeys of endurance and endless courage."

—Silvana Sangiuliano, Author, Poet

"Little Girl in the Mirror tells the tale of courage, disappointment, strife and love; a story that reminds us of the legacy of parenting and how one generation's experience indelibly colours the next."

—Theresa Albert, Author, Innkeeper, Communications Consultant, Nutritionist

"Evoking a true sense of place and character through rich descriptions, Mondou invites readers deep into this moving story about taking risks, learning to forgive, and having the courage to move on." 

— Jennifer Dinsmore, Freelance Editor

"Little Girl in the Mirror was a book that I just couldn't put down. I was so drawn to the characters and their settings; what a flood of emotions they created!"

 —Marilyn Helmer, Author of Fog Cat

"This book is about the complex relationships between mothers and daughters; a story about love, loneliness, yearning, neglect, and second chances. By drawing the reader back through the rich tapestry of a family's history, Mondou presents a heartwarming and sad yet beautiful tale of strong women."

—Mark Leslie (Lefebvre), Author, Professional Speaker, Bookseller

"An incredible book and a fabulous story! One minute I was smiling, the next I was crying."

—Leslie Gordon Christie, Health & Lifestyle Specialist, Host The Buff Mom TV

"This is a book that will haunt long after the covers are closed."

—Jockie Loomer-Kruger, Author/Illustrator of Valley Child - A Memoir