Description

‘Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish’ STACEY HALLS
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Crowds gather at Crillick’s Variety Theatre, where curiosity is satisfied with displays of intrigue and fear. They’re here for the star of the show – the Great Amazonia warrior. They needn’t know this warrior is in fact Zillah, a mixed-race actress from the East End fooling them each night with her thrilling performance.

But something is amiss, and when Crillick’s new act goes missing Zillah feels compelled to investigate, knowing the fates that can befall women in Victorian London.

From the bustle of the West India Docks to the coffee houses of Fleet Street to the parlours of Mayfair, Zillah’s journey for answers will find her caught between both sides of her own identity, and between two men: her wealthy white admirer, and an African merchant appalled by her act.

Will Zillah be forced to confront the price of her own performance? And in risking everything can she also save herself?

Featuring a defiant heroine for our times and a theatrical world of fragile dreams and ruthless ambition, THEATRE OF MARVELS shines a light on the experience of being Black and British in Victorian London through one woman’s journey to live her life on her own terms.
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‘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

Publisher Review

Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish -- Stacey Halls 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, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne * 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 * 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 * Startling, original and an utterly compelling novel which subtly navigates the core issues of race, gender and class . . . I'm absolutely spellbound by Zillah! * Mary Chamberlain *