Theatre of Marvels

Jan 15, 2025 6:00 PM

Author:Lianne Dillsworth

Theatre of Marvels

'Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish' STACEY HALLS, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars

'Theatre of Marvels is a fascinating, empowering story of a young woman's search for identity and justice in Victorian London, a world which Lianne Dillsworth evokes so richly' JENNIFER SAINT, author of Ariadne

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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.

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW

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'Zillah is a memorable heroine' Sunday Times

'Exploitation and empowerment, race and class are all explored in this gripping historical novel. Dillsworth is a class act' Woman & Home

'A thought-provoking, atmospheric debut' Daily Express

'Very much enjoyed Theatre of Marvels. Zillah is a brilliant character who leads us through a Victorian London little spoken of, making for an illuminating, page-turning tale of self-actualisation. Loved it' KATE SAWYER

'A tale steeped in Victorian London, I fell in love with Zillah and her theatre world. I was gripped from the opening pages - highly recommended for anyone who loves mystery, drama and Victorian London' LOUISE HARE, author of This Lovely City

'A startling, original and utterly compelling novel which subtly navigates the core issues of race, gender and class' MARY CHAMBERLAIN, author of The Dressmaker of Dachau

'Thrilling, eye-opening and absorbing' LIZZIE POOK, author of Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter

'Fresh, original and full of atmosphere - a compelling story with a heroine I'll remember for a long time' FRANCES QUINN, author of The Smallest Man

'A story that shines a spotlight into the shadows of the 19th century, while also exploring very relevant themes of identity. So fantastic to read a novel that centres POC in the Victorian era. Loved it!' SAARA EL-ARIFI, author of The Final Strife

'Loved Lianne Dillsworth's Theatre of Marvels. A gripping story about identity and belonging with a strong sense of place. Can't wait for everybody to meet Zillah who is such strong and nuanced heroine.' LAURE VAN RENSBURG, author of Nobody But Us

Reviews

I can't get enough of her writing. Her books are my romantic comedy happy place

—— A Novel Glimpse

Meghan is an absolute QUEEN when it comes to writing stories that are not only funny but have a lot of heart in them too

—— Elle's Book Blog

Full of with, charm and Big Firefighter Energy

—— Lynn Painter on Set on You

My newest automatic-buy author

—— Jodi Picoult, WISH YOU WERE HERE

The ultimate seaside escape story

—— Woman and Home

A delicious and touching summery read in a beautiful setting that Jo's fans will simply adore

—— Phillipa Ashley

We love the way Jo's glorious novels always transport you to somewhere beautiful, and [Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe] is no exception . . . This touching novel, full of love and hope, is an uplifting summer read.

—— My Weekly

A warm-hearted treat

—— Best magazine

Picking up a Jo Thomas book is a treat for the senses. With sumptuous food and a romantic outcome, Summer at the Ice Cream Cafe is another winner to satisfy your appetite this summer.

—— People's Friend

An uplifting, summery comfort read that will tug on your heartstrings and leave you with a big smile

—— Rebecca Raisin

A feel-good story about finding your place in the community

—— Coast magazine

This warm-hearted, uplifting story is filled with happiness, summer sun and ice cream. It's the perfect holiday read.

—— Daily Record

The perfect summer romance novel to give you butterflies, celebrating all things sunshine, the seaside and ice cream - yes please!

—— Chat magazine

The perfect summer read to pack in your suitcase

—— Candis

A lovely, heart-warming read

—— Culturefly

A perfect read for your holiday

—— That's Life!

This is the ultimate summer seaside getaway read

—— Woman

For the last two days I have done nothing but read this book or think longingly about when I can return to reading this book. It's sad, and confronting, and comforting, and life-affirming all at the same time. Congrats, Catherine Newman, on an astonishing debut.

—— KATIE BISHOP, author of THE GIRLS OF SUMMER

Catherine Newman sees the heartbreak and comedy of life with wisdom and unflinching compassion. The way she finds the extraordinary in the everyday is nothing short of poetry. She's a writer's writer-and a human's human.

—— KATHERINE CENTER , New York Times bestselling author

An absolute heartbreaker of a novel. Catherine Newman's book... is a celebration of life. For anyone who has prepared a hole in their heart for loss, We All Want Impossible Things is a reminder that, in time, that hollowed hallowed space is also there for when the light and love pour back in.

—— LAURA ZIGMAN, author of SEPARATION ANXIETY

How did Catherine Neman write a book about dying that is so luminously alive? Earthy, funny, and terrifyingly honest - this is a book with heart and guts and all the other goopy gravt we need to stay among the living. A radical delight.

—— RUFI THORPE

Newman perfectly captures the beauty and burden of caring for someone in their final moments while showing the gift of Edi and Ash's once-in-a-lifetime friendship. A warm and remarkably funny book that will make readers laugh through their tears.

—— KIRKUS

This is a proper laugh-out-loud tale of friendship that will utterly win your heart ... A truly special book - prepare to read this, fall in love and then hector everyone you know into reading it.

—— STYLIST

Devastatingly funny ... handled with compassion and courage in elegant prose lightened by honest humour.

—— MAIL ON SUNDAY

We All Want Impossible Things is a thing of rare beauty: sweet and sharp, to be devoured, then remembered and loved life-long.

—— i

A celebration of friendship and family

—— FABULOUS

Book of the month

—— GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

Utterly life-affirming and joyful

—— RED

Full of humour, warmth and eye-popping honesty ... a beautiful, candid and uplifting testament to female friendship that will make you laugh and cry

—— WOMAN & HOME

Beautiful and emotional ... heartbreakingly sad, but also full of humour and ultimately about living and love. I will recommend this to everyone.

—— PRIMA

Funny, bitter and life-affirming

—— GRAZIA

This is a story about holding on, the power of creating memories and, ultimately, letting go. Tissues at the ready.

—— THE HANDBOOK

Smart dialogue and cutting wit ... an accomplished writer

—— IRISH TIMES

A profound study of grief, love and friendship that will resonate with anyone who has lost someone special ... there are plenty of funny and touching moments in this beautiful novel that will make your heart soar.

—— HEAT

In Newman's hands... this tale of love and friendship is tender, funny, life-affirming joy.

—— MARIE CLAIRE, 'Best Books of 2023'

The most wonderful book in the way it celebrates friendship. I highly recommend it.

—— MARIELLA FROSTRUP, TIMES RADIO

Impossible not to weep. Yet, we also find ourselves laughing out loud through the tears ... For all the sense of tragedy and loss, we see Ash develop renewed gratitude for the beauty and humour in even the most mundane moments of life.

—— DAILY EXPRESS

Full of humour, warmth, and raw honesty ... a beautiful, uplifting testament to female friendship that will make you laugh and cry

—— WOMAN

5 stars

—— SUNDAY EXPRESS

Unique, touching and immersive

—— NB Magazine

Straub writes beautifully and amusingly . . . hard to beat for sheer charm and gentle wit

—— Daily Mail

Smart and entertaining

—— Stylist

Hugely talented . . . intelligent holiday reading

—— Woman's Hour, BBC Radio 4

Warm and big-hearted . . . leaves you smiling for days

—— Maria Semple, bestselling author of Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Straub writes with such verve and sympathetic understanding of her characters . . . Reading this novel has all the pleasures of reading one of Anne Tyler's compelling family portraits

—— New York Times

It's the beautifully drawn, vibrant characters that make this smart, compelling novel so irresistible

—— Liane Moriarty

A funny and insightful look at love and relationships

—— Good Housekeeping

A smart, cool sensibility

—— Elle

Lovely, satisfying

—— EW.com

Smart and fresh, offering new insights into the lives of people all around us

—— Brooklyn Magazine

Thoughtful and hilarious

—— Real Simple

It would be easy to compare Straub to other masters of the genre like Meg Wolitzer or Jennifer Egan, but she's already a master in her own right

—— The Millions

Emma Straub is such a funny and brilliant writer and this time-travelling tale is a charming exploration of what it would be like to find yourself younger and surrounded by the people you love when they're still at the height of their power

—— Stylist

Wise and often hilarious

—— Buzzfeed

Readers will devour this witty and warmly satisfying novel

—— Publishers Weekly

A precise and observant writer whose supple prose carries the story along without a snag. Straub's characters are a quirky and interesting bunch . . . it's a pleasure spending time with them

—— Starred Review, Kirkus

Devilishly observed

—— Starred Review, Booklist

Sprinkled with humour and insight

—— Starred Review, Library Journal

Straub is consistently excellent

—— Book Riot

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