LoveReading Says
This is a welcome reissue for Pantomime, the first volume of Laura Lam’s sparkling and original fantasy trilogy. Set in a world not unlike our own 19th century it tells the story of Gene a teenager who runs away to join the circus. Lam weaves something very special from this familiar set-up. She takes chances, embraces the point of view of the outsider, the different and is not shy of leaving mystery to the reader.
Gene comes from a wealthy and noble family but chafes at the roles open to her, for she feels herself to be an outsider. Gene is both male and female and lives in a world that isn’t ready to deal with such an ambiguity so she runs away and, posing as a boy, employs her climbing skills to join a travelling circus.
Keeping her secret she can nevertheless draw comfort from the society of others who don’t quite fit. The world of the circus is richly and warmly described by Lam, though not sentimentally - this is no escape from a wider harshness. The world the circus moves on is one of harsh class divisions and great want.
It contains relics of a lost civilisation and as Gene travels she learns more about the past, more about the possibility of an actual magic and more about the fears for a dark future. Evocative, strange and full of empathy, this is a novel about identity and the celebration of difference. It’s perfect for lovers of Angela Carter and Erin Morgenstern. ~ Simon Spanton
Reviewed by Simon SpantonSimon Spanton has been a publisher of Science Fiction and Fantasy, as well as mainstream fiction, for 25 years, the last 19 years of which has been as Associate Publisher at the…
More reviews by Simon Spanton About Pantomime
Iphigenia Laurus, or Gene, is uncomfortable in corsets and crinoline, and prefers climbing trees to debutante balls. Micah Grey, a runaway living on the streets, joins the circus as an aerialist's apprentice and soon becomes the circus's rising star. Gene and Micah have a secret in their blood that could unlock the mysteries of Ellada.
Find This Book In
| Primary Genre |
Fantasy
|
| Recommendations: |
|
Laura Lam Press Reviews
'Pantomime by Laura Lam took me to an exotic and detailed world, peopled by characters that I'd love to be friends with ... and some I'd never want to cross paths with' -- Robin Hobb
'Pantomime is a fantastical, richly drawn, poignant take on a classic coming-of-age story ... a vibrant tale told with surety and grace' -- Leigh Bardugo
'Set in a vividly imagined world with wonderful steampunk touches, Pantomime is a fable-like story as beautifully unique as its main character' -- Malinda Lo
'A lyrical, stunningly written debut novel, which set my heart racing with every lift of the trapeze. In Micah we have one of the most original - and likeable - protagonists I've read in a long time. An author to watch, without a doubt' -- Amy McCulloch
'Micah is the most wonderful, complex, brave and contemporary teenage hero I've read, facing issues of identity and responsibility that will resound with any reader who has felt like an outsider. Pantomime is loving in its detail but hints at so much scope to come, it feels like the set up for an epic sequel. I raced through this book, desperate to know what happens next' -- Bryony Pearce
'Welcome to a world of shills and showmen, fading tech and circus freaks, where nothing and no-one is what it appears. An absorbing, accomplished debut' -- Elspeth Cooper
'Who hasn't dreamed off running off and joining the circus? Laura Lam's Micah does just that, discovering a world of clowns and acrobats, con men and tricksters, corruption and incompetent doctors ... I look forward to more from this author' -- Brian Katcher
'In Pantomime, Laura Lam has created a world which will take your breath away, and characters you will never want to leave. Enchanting' -- Lou Morgan
'Ancient myths, vintage tech and living wonders abound in the riotous carnival of fancy which is Pantomime. Lam paints her world with greasepaint and stardust while exploring the notion of the circus 'freak with subtle brilliance. A spectacular and brave debut' -- Kim Lakin-Smith
About Laura Lam
Laura Lam was raised near San Francisco, California, by two former Haight-Ashbury hippies. Both of them encouraged her to finger-paint to her heart's desire, colour outside of the lines, and consider the library a second home. This led to an overabundance of daydreams. She relocated to Scotland to be with her husband, whom she met on the internet when he insulted her taste in books. She almost blocked him but is glad she didn't. At times she misses the sunshine.
Follow Laura Lam on instagram
Author photo © Elizabeth May
More About Laura Lam
