"A dynamic and thought-provoking historical drama that hits all the right notes as it explores social issues, relationships, and self-identity."
This magical debut set in Victorian London is bold and profound yet somehow uncomplicated as it lays out a mosaic of vibrant themes and characters for your reading pleasure. Star theatre performer Zillah has climbed out of the slums, so while uncomfortable with the part she performs, she does what it takes to remain the headline act until one day she is faced with a life-altering and dangerous decision. Zillah tells her own story, I immediately heard her voice, so vibrant and alive. Lianne Dillsworth ensures all of the characters have an individual vital energy, they can be seen, felt, sensed. While the era throws itself around you and immerses you in all things Victorian, it feels as though the human responses are timeless. That feeling echoes through the plot as Zillah’s mixed heritage, and the fact that she was born free in London, marks her as different. All of humanities character traits are on offer from greed, selfishness, ignorance and indifference through to empathy, kindness, and courage. The mystery aspect of the plot was thrilling, yet it was Zillah’s personal journey that will stay with me and that is why I’ve chosen this novel as a Liz Pick of the Month. Vivacious, provocative, and compelling, Theatre of Marvels comes with a standing ovation stamp of approval from me.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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Behind the spectacle there are always secrets.
Unruly crowds descend on Crillick's Variety Theatre. A black, British actress, Zillah, is headlining tonight. An orphan from the slums of St Giles, her rise to stardom is her ticket out - to be gawped and gazed at is a price she's willing to pay.
Rising up the echelons of society is everything Zillah has ever dreamed of. But when a new stage act disappears, Zillah is haunted by a feeling that something is amiss. Is the woman in danger?
Her pursuit of the truth takes her into the underbelly of the city - from gas-lit streets to the sumptuous parlours of Mayfair - as she seeks the help of notorious criminals from her past and finds herself torn between two powerful admirers.
Caught in a labyrinth of dangerous truths, will Zillah face ruin - or will she be the maker of her fate?
A deliciously immersive tale, Theatre of Marvels whisks you on an unforgettable journey across Victorian London in this bold exploration of race, class and gothic spectacle.
Theatre of Marvels features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Debut Books of the Month, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Crime and Mystery, Sharing Diverse Voices, Historical romance, Historical crime and mysteries, Narrative theme: Social issues, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Narrative theme: Displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Relating to Black British African people, Fiction, Romance / Relationship Stories, Fiction: narrative themes, Relating to Black British people, Relating to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) peoples, Relating to peoples: ethnic groups, indigenous peoples, cultures and other groupings of people, Relating to specific groups and cultures or social and cultural interests, Interest qualifiers, Audiobooks of the Month
Theatre of Marvels is available in Paperback, Hardback, Audiobook, Ebook
Theatre of Marvels was written by Lianne Dillsworth and published by Hutchinson Heinemann an imprint of Cornerstone
Theatre of Marvels has 432 pages
£13.49
