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Tussaud
‘Thrilling, eerie, fun, and psychologically compelling, Tussaud cleverly blurs the line between history and the fantastical to create a Gothic delight of mysterious mansions, grimy London streets, stage magicians, wax-work automatons, secrets and subterfuges. MARY SHELLEY WOULD BE PROUD.’
H.G. Parry, author of The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep
Paris, 1810. Haunted by the French Revolution, Marie Tussaud has locked herself away in her shop with the death masks she was forced to make to avoid the guillotine. Philidor, a famous magician, offers her the chance to accompany him to London to assist in creating a wax automaton that will bring them both money and success.
Following a disastrous performance on their opening night in which the wax on their prized spectacle melts, the eccentric Duke, William Cavendish, invites them to his rambling estate, Welbeck, where he suggests they take up residence, use his underground ballroom for a new show and in return create a private commission for him: a wax automaton in the likeness of Elanor, a beautiful girl who mysteriously disappeared from the estate when he was a child.
In this delicious novel of twists and turns, Welbeck, with its locked doors and rooms, is full of secrets and no-one is who they seem. There is the seductive aura of Shelley, Dickens and Du Maurier in Tussaud. Marie must fight for survival in a world dominated by male advantage and power in a mesmerising story filled with wisdom about human behaviour and motivations.
‘Lies, treasons and twists will lure and enthral the reader. At the heart of Tussaud a mysterious automaton challenges the limits of its physical body, craving for a conscience. The reader is in for wondrous ride as Belinda Lyons-Lee poignantly captures Marie Tussaud’s proud self-denial, her struggle to achieve independence in a world dominated by con-artists, and her rare talent to create the most perfect illusion of life.’
Mariano Tomatis, Italian writer and magician
H.G. Parry, author of The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep
Paris, 1810. Haunted by the French Revolution, Marie Tussaud has locked herself away in her shop with the death masks she was forced to make to avoid the guillotine. Philidor, a famous magician, offers her the chance to accompany him to London to assist in creating a wax automaton that will bring them both money and success.
Following a disastrous performance on their opening night in which the wax on their prized spectacle melts, the eccentric Duke, William Cavendish, invites them to his rambling estate, Welbeck, where he suggests they take up residence, use his underground ballroom for a new show and in return create a private commission for him: a wax automaton in the likeness of Elanor, a beautiful girl who mysteriously disappeared from the estate when he was a child.
In this delicious novel of twists and turns, Welbeck, with its locked doors and rooms, is full of secrets and no-one is who they seem. There is the seductive aura of Shelley, Dickens and Du Maurier in Tussaud. Marie must fight for survival in a world dominated by male advantage and power in a mesmerising story filled with wisdom about human behaviour and motivations.
‘Lies, treasons and twists will lure and enthral the reader. At the heart of Tussaud a mysterious automaton challenges the limits of its physical body, craving for a conscience. The reader is in for wondrous ride as Belinda Lyons-Lee poignantly captures Marie Tussaud’s proud self-denial, her struggle to achieve independence in a world dominated by con-artists, and her rare talent to create the most perfect illusion of life.’
Mariano Tomatis, Italian writer and magician
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 8, 2021
‘Touching the dead brought good luck.’
Paris, 1794. Marie Tussaud, though to be a royal sympathiser, has avoided the guillotine by agreeing to make death masks of those famous people, including Marie Antoinette, who were executed during the Reign of Terror.
‘Surely, if she could endure just a little longer, there would come a time when she could win a game of her own design.’
Sixteen years later, Philidor, a famous magician, offers her the chance to accompany him to London. His plan is that they will create a wax automaton, which will bring them both money and fame. Marie Tussaud knows he is a charlatan, but the possibilities offered by this opportunity are too good to resist.
The opening night of their performance (the Phantasmagoria) is a disaster: Philidor allows the show to go on for too long, and the wax on the automaton melts. This disaster places the pair under financial pressure, and they are being closely watched by their Baker Street landlady Mrs Druce. But then, an unlikely lifeline is offered.
William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Portland, invites them to his estate, Welbeck. In return for a private commission, he offers them accommodation and the use of his underground ballroom for a new show. He wants them to make, to his specifications, a wax automaton in the likeness of a girl named Elanor.
What a delightful gothic novel this is, full of mysterious secrets, unexpected twists and turns. Who was Elanor, and what happened to her? And why is the Duke being so secretive? Can Marie Tussaud keep one step (or more) ahead of Philidor?
Yes, I know it is fiction, but I really enjoyed Ms Lyons-Lee’s depiction of Marie Tussaud as a strong, determined woman, clear-eyed about the world she was part of and the people she was working with. Except, perhaps, for her involvement with Regington.
An assured debut novel and a very enjoyable read contained within a stunning cover, reminiscent of the toxic green wallpaper popular during the era.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Paris, 1794. Marie Tussaud, though to be a royal sympathiser, has avoided the guillotine by agreeing to make death masks of those famous people, including Marie Antoinette, who were executed during the Reign of Terror.
‘Surely, if she could endure just a little longer, there would come a time when she could win a game of her own design.’
Sixteen years later, Philidor, a famous magician, offers her the chance to accompany him to London. His plan is that they will create a wax automaton, which will bring them both money and fame. Marie Tussaud knows he is a charlatan, but the possibilities offered by this opportunity are too good to resist.
The opening night of their performance (the Phantasmagoria) is a disaster: Philidor allows the show to go on for too long, and the wax on the automaton melts. This disaster places the pair under financial pressure, and they are being closely watched by their Baker Street landlady Mrs Druce. But then, an unlikely lifeline is offered.
William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Portland, invites them to his estate, Welbeck. In return for a private commission, he offers them accommodation and the use of his underground ballroom for a new show. He wants them to make, to his specifications, a wax automaton in the likeness of a girl named Elanor.
What a delightful gothic novel this is, full of mysterious secrets, unexpected twists and turns. Who was Elanor, and what happened to her? And why is the Duke being so secretive? Can Marie Tussaud keep one step (or more) ahead of Philidor?
Yes, I know it is fiction, but I really enjoyed Ms Lyons-Lee’s depiction of Marie Tussaud as a strong, determined woman, clear-eyed about the world she was part of and the people she was working with. Except, perhaps, for her involvement with Regington.
An assured debut novel and a very enjoyable read contained within a stunning cover, reminiscent of the toxic green wallpaper popular during the era.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 26, 2023
Other than being French, I didn't know anything about the life of Madame Tussaud prior to reading this book other than the legacy of her wax museums. Australian author Belinda Lyons-Lee has changed all of that with the release of her historical fiction debut novel Tussaud.
Marie Tussaud barely managed to escape the French Revolution with her life, during which thousands were incarcerated and executed. Marie herself was accused of being a royal sympathiser, arrested and her head was shaved in preparation for execution by guillotine. Marie's release came as a shock, although it also came at a cost. In exchange for her life, Marie was forced to make death masks and wax recreations of the heads belonging to those famously executed, including Marie Antoinette.
This work would stay with Marie for life and Lyons-Lee does an amazing job of drawing from known facts to imagine her life from that point forward. Marie teams up with a famous magician by the name of Philidor and together they create a show called the Phantasmagoria. It's this show that attracts the attention of the eccentric 5th Duke of Portland, William Cavendish who will go on to make an interesting business proposal.
Tussaud is a gothic story that takes place first in Paris before shifting to London and the rambling and isolated estate of Welbeck Abbey. Peopled with characters yearning to fill a void and each with their own agenda, Tussaud is full of secrets, deception, greed, desire and exploitation with plenty of characters keen to take advantage of Marie and her creations for their own purposes. Tussaud also has a sense of 'other' that reminded me a little of the subtle supernatural elements running through The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell. If you loved that, I think you'll also love this.
The writing effectively evoked the time period and here's an example of a scene featuring Philidor in early 1800s London:
"He stood in the middle of the alleyway and lit a cigar, content to let the unseen eyes watch him further, his exposed back like a challenge. But he knew the wretches who haunted these spots were not pickpockets or murderers: they were living skeletons who crawled into the gloom of doorways and corners to curl up and waste away in soft grey clouds of rags and sighs." Page 217
Presented in a stunning green cover design, I enjoyed an interview recently in which the author shared her fascination with the toxic green wallpaper of the era and how she wanted the book cover to capture the deadly association. This is one of my favourite facts from history (covered several times here on Carpe Librum) so I was overjoyed to learn she was fascinated by it too.
Tussaud has opened my eyes to the amazing and troubling life of this household name and while the life portrayed was fictional, it was certainly entertaining. Highly recommended.
* Copy courtesy of Transit Lounge *
Marie Tussaud barely managed to escape the French Revolution with her life, during which thousands were incarcerated and executed. Marie herself was accused of being a royal sympathiser, arrested and her head was shaved in preparation for execution by guillotine. Marie's release came as a shock, although it also came at a cost. In exchange for her life, Marie was forced to make death masks and wax recreations of the heads belonging to those famously executed, including Marie Antoinette.
This work would stay with Marie for life and Lyons-Lee does an amazing job of drawing from known facts to imagine her life from that point forward. Marie teams up with a famous magician by the name of Philidor and together they create a show called the Phantasmagoria. It's this show that attracts the attention of the eccentric 5th Duke of Portland, William Cavendish who will go on to make an interesting business proposal.
Tussaud is a gothic story that takes place first in Paris before shifting to London and the rambling and isolated estate of Welbeck Abbey. Peopled with characters yearning to fill a void and each with their own agenda, Tussaud is full of secrets, deception, greed, desire and exploitation with plenty of characters keen to take advantage of Marie and her creations for their own purposes. Tussaud also has a sense of 'other' that reminded me a little of the subtle supernatural elements running through The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell. If you loved that, I think you'll also love this.
The writing effectively evoked the time period and here's an example of a scene featuring Philidor in early 1800s London:
"He stood in the middle of the alleyway and lit a cigar, content to let the unseen eyes watch him further, his exposed back like a challenge. But he knew the wretches who haunted these spots were not pickpockets or murderers: they were living skeletons who crawled into the gloom of doorways and corners to curl up and waste away in soft grey clouds of rags and sighs." Page 217
Presented in a stunning green cover design, I enjoyed an interview recently in which the author shared her fascination with the toxic green wallpaper of the era and how she wanted the book cover to capture the deadly association. This is one of my favourite facts from history (covered several times here on Carpe Librum) so I was overjoyed to learn she was fascinated by it too.
Tussaud has opened my eyes to the amazing and troubling life of this household name and while the life portrayed was fictional, it was certainly entertaining. Highly recommended.
* Copy courtesy of Transit Lounge *
May 13, 2021
An interesting premise, solid prose that ranks with some of the best Australian authors of historical fiction and some very engaging twists and turns, but ultimately this book falls apart by failing to give a satisfactory bridge between each set piece. Towards the middle of the novel cause and effect are lost to the reader; there is a magician holding a top hat, then a rabbit, but without the assurance the hat is in fact empty and a wave of the wand there is no magic trick.
I hesitate to call this novel Gothic horror or even fantasy, it is dyed in the wool historical fiction with a side of melodrama. All in all it was an enjoyable read, but I have to admit I was expecting something a bit more fantastic.
I hesitate to call this novel Gothic horror or even fantasy, it is dyed in the wool historical fiction with a side of melodrama. All in all it was an enjoyable read, but I have to admit I was expecting something a bit more fantastic.
July 15, 2021
A new voice in historical fiction has arrived and an entrance she has made with a story fascinating as it is shocking.
In the dark streets of Paris France in 1810, Marie Tussaud hides from the world as she makes death masks to avoid her own death.
Philidor, a devious magician offers her a chance to escape to London to help create a wax automaton that may bring them wealth and become famous.
On opening night, it doesn’t go to plan and the duo are faced with embarrassment but in the audience a mysterious Duke watches.
The eccentric man invites them to stay at his crumbling manor, Welbeck.
In return for food, accommodation and a sizeable payment, the Duke wants them to make a automaton for him, no questions asked, of a beautiful young girl, Eleanor, who disappeared many years before.
Behind locked doors and rules set in place, secrets are in abundance and everything is not what it looks like.
A hypnotising, spooky and enthralling tale with shades of gothic and moments of madness.
The writing and storytelling is delightful, crisp, fresh and beautifully wicked.
Characters of intrigue with some villainous and deceitful all with their own agenda.
Greed, deception, deceit, manipulation and desire, Belinda has created a story not to be missed as I rub my hands together with delight and a evil laugh.
I loved it so much.
Belinda is an author that should be on everyone’s lips.
I, for one will be first in line to get a copy of this writers next venture.
In the dark streets of Paris France in 1810, Marie Tussaud hides from the world as she makes death masks to avoid her own death.
Philidor, a devious magician offers her a chance to escape to London to help create a wax automaton that may bring them wealth and become famous.
On opening night, it doesn’t go to plan and the duo are faced with embarrassment but in the audience a mysterious Duke watches.
The eccentric man invites them to stay at his crumbling manor, Welbeck.
In return for food, accommodation and a sizeable payment, the Duke wants them to make a automaton for him, no questions asked, of a beautiful young girl, Eleanor, who disappeared many years before.
Behind locked doors and rules set in place, secrets are in abundance and everything is not what it looks like.
A hypnotising, spooky and enthralling tale with shades of gothic and moments of madness.
The writing and storytelling is delightful, crisp, fresh and beautifully wicked.
Characters of intrigue with some villainous and deceitful all with their own agenda.
Greed, deception, deceit, manipulation and desire, Belinda has created a story not to be missed as I rub my hands together with delight and a evil laugh.
I loved it so much.
Belinda is an author that should be on everyone’s lips.
I, for one will be first in line to get a copy of this writers next venture.
April 20, 2021
Gothic historical novels are not usually my thing, but there's a lot to like about Tussaud, the debut novel of Belinda Lyons-Lee.
As you can tell from the cleverly designed cover art, the title alludes to Marie Tussaud who was famous for making death masks of victims of the guillotine in revolutionary France. I first read about her in one of those children's annuals that I used to receive at Christmastime. I loved reading them... brief snippets about all sorts of topics but often about heroic women. I read about Marie Curie, Nurse Cavell, Florence Nightingale, and yes, Marie Tussaud—who made a career out of creating wax portraits of celebrities such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin and Voltaire, and was then forced to immortalise the dead during the Reign of Terror.
Belinda Lyons-Lee's story which is based on these real events begins in the aftermath. Still traumatised by her own brush with death because she'd been judged a royalist, Marie agrees to go to London with Philidor as side-kick to his automaton shows. She knows he is a charlatan, but it's a chance to make a fresh start in safety and to make a home for herself and her two boys. It is her job to make the wax models, and Philidor's to automate them, bringing the dead back to life. But from the start they have very different perceptions about who will have control: creative control; control of the money; control of the publicity, and control of managing the show itself. Philidor's refusal to listen to Marie results in catastrophe on their first night because he doesn't understand that wax can't be exposed to light and heat for too long. 'Marie Antoinette' melts because the show goes for longer than the stipulated hour.
This disaster, however, is the catalyst for the Gothic elements to enter the story. The eccentric Duke of Cavendish hires the pair, stipulating bizarre conditions and a contract which compels them to create an automaton to his strict instructions. In return, he provides the venue for their new show underneath his mansion at Welbeck Abbey, amid fifteen miles of tunnels and rooms, including a ballroom. Before long, Marie is doing the things that characters do in Gothic novels, which is not to say that these things are clichés, it's to say that the author has the atmospherics right.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2021/04/20/t...
As you can tell from the cleverly designed cover art, the title alludes to Marie Tussaud who was famous for making death masks of victims of the guillotine in revolutionary France. I first read about her in one of those children's annuals that I used to receive at Christmastime. I loved reading them... brief snippets about all sorts of topics but often about heroic women. I read about Marie Curie, Nurse Cavell, Florence Nightingale, and yes, Marie Tussaud—who made a career out of creating wax portraits of celebrities such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin and Voltaire, and was then forced to immortalise the dead during the Reign of Terror.
Belinda Lyons-Lee's story which is based on these real events begins in the aftermath. Still traumatised by her own brush with death because she'd been judged a royalist, Marie agrees to go to London with Philidor as side-kick to his automaton shows. She knows he is a charlatan, but it's a chance to make a fresh start in safety and to make a home for herself and her two boys. It is her job to make the wax models, and Philidor's to automate them, bringing the dead back to life. But from the start they have very different perceptions about who will have control: creative control; control of the money; control of the publicity, and control of managing the show itself. Philidor's refusal to listen to Marie results in catastrophe on their first night because he doesn't understand that wax can't be exposed to light and heat for too long. 'Marie Antoinette' melts because the show goes for longer than the stipulated hour.
This disaster, however, is the catalyst for the Gothic elements to enter the story. The eccentric Duke of Cavendish hires the pair, stipulating bizarre conditions and a contract which compels them to create an automaton to his strict instructions. In return, he provides the venue for their new show underneath his mansion at Welbeck Abbey, amid fifteen miles of tunnels and rooms, including a ballroom. Before long, Marie is doing the things that characters do in Gothic novels, which is not to say that these things are clichés, it's to say that the author has the atmospherics right.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2021/04/20/t...
May 10, 2021
A gothic historical fiction confection with a hint of steampunk (wax figure automatons!) which re imagines some of the lesser known parts of Madame Tussaud's life. The setting is very well-evoked and the writing is very good. I'd have ranked this even higher if it wasn't that the characters were all quite unlikeable which made it harder for me to root for anyone to succeed in their plans and double crossings. Still, this is an interesting novel and I'd read more by this author.
May 7, 2021
A decent historical urban fantasy with Gothic mystery elements. Started off well but kinda lost me in the middle. It became a little long winded and slow. The ending was a little anticlimactic
April 25, 2021
A really interesting Gothic read. The start of the book was fantastic, but I felt it ended with an unsatisfying climax and far too much epistolary exposition.
May 8, 2022
During the French Revolution, Marie Tussaud narrowly escapes the guillotine when she is commissioned to make death masks. Ten years later, the charlatan Philidor finds her in a small atelier surrounded by the death masks. He makes her a business proposal for an automaton show with the wax figure of Marie Antoinette. Although the show is not a success, they are asked by the eccentric Duke Cavendish to make a wax automaton figure in the likeness of Elanor, a girl who disappeared from his estate sixteen years ago.
Although this story has the right ingredients, and the plot is well put together, I was not thrilled with it. This must have something to do with the cold characters and because the story was too long-winded at times.
All in all an alright book.
Although this story has the right ingredients, and the plot is well put together, I was not thrilled with it. This must have something to do with the cold characters and because the story was too long-winded at times.
All in all an alright book.
September 12, 2022
was it good? yeah!! was it amazing? maybe no
i really really liked baddie marie tussaud and loved the way that she was always one step ahead (but then sometimes i lowkey believed she was insane which was also fun) and i think the unreliable narrator aspect of the book was really well done
3.5 stars if i could- wouldn't read again but i did enjoy it
i really really liked baddie marie tussaud and loved the way that she was always one step ahead (but then sometimes i lowkey believed she was insane which was also fun) and i think the unreliable narrator aspect of the book was really well done
3.5 stars if i could- wouldn't read again but i did enjoy it
June 18, 2021
A cool historical drama with a risque element. I like an author that uses the word quim!
The cross & double-cross washed over me a bit but a great narration by Louise Amos.
The cross & double-cross washed over me a bit but a great narration by Louise Amos.
did-not-finish
October 10, 2023This has been sitting in my reading pile for literal months without being picked up. Time to officially DNF and stop feeling guilty about it.
It just wasn't doing it for me.
It just wasn't doing it for me.
July 17, 2021
I got this book for free, and I still feel like I’ve wasted money on it.
I’ve never encountered a book like this that promised something so interesting and delivered on that promise so poorly. “Mary Shelley would be proud” - how fucking dare you.
I’ve never encountered a book like this that promised something so interesting and delivered on that promise so poorly. “Mary Shelley would be proud” - how fucking dare you.
July 18, 2021
I’ve been in a real gothic horror mood lately and have had some cracking reads with this theme in Mexican Gothic and The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings. Sadly Tussaud broke my streak.
There are some really excellent ideas in this book, but the execution was lacking. So many things just didn’t make sense and the plot never felt cohesive, nor were there any “aha!” or “oh shit!” moments when I figured out what was happening or the mystery. It needed to be way more creepy and much less character backstory that really didn’t add anything. The setting also felt trite. The creepy house was never that creepy.
I think with more experience this author will deliver some great books, but this one definitely felt like a debut.
There are some really excellent ideas in this book, but the execution was lacking. So many things just didn’t make sense and the plot never felt cohesive, nor were there any “aha!” or “oh shit!” moments when I figured out what was happening or the mystery. It needed to be way more creepy and much less character backstory that really didn’t add anything. The setting also felt trite. The creepy house was never that creepy.
I think with more experience this author will deliver some great books, but this one definitely felt like a debut.
Read
December 11, 2021This review was first published in the Underground Writers zine issue 36: Revenge/Haunted: http://underground-writers.org/produc...
A gothic historical fiction novel with steampunk elements set in Paris with sprinklings of the murky atmosphere of the unhygienic and seedy backstreets of London? Say less!
Tussaud is the debut novel of Australian author Belinda Lyons-Lee. Set in the early 1800s, the people (the titular character is unmistakably Madame Tussaud of wax work renown), places, and certain events are all true, but Lyons-Lee has crafted an interesting and enigmatic narrative fusing fact and fiction.
The major plot revolves around Philidor, a self-centred magician who uses Tussaud to make a wax case for a human automaton for his performance, The Phantasmagoria. When the first show fails miserably, a mystery benefactor comes to their aid while also seeking a specially commissioned piece of work.
When the 5th Duke of Portland William Cavendish invites them to his estate, Welbeck, he offers them lodging and the use of his cavernous ballroom for a new show in exchange for a private commission. He wants them to create a wax automaton in the form of a girl called Elanor, according to his instructions.
This narrative itself provides a gloomy, atmospheric, and dramatic but empathetic insight into the numerous obstacles that creative women like Tussaud faced in the early-mid nineteenth century. The writing style lives up to its word, and the whole book has a Mary Shelley-esque classic gothic air surrounding it.
The morally grey characters add a touch of hard reality to the book. To say the characters are not necessarily endearing would mean the author created complex individuals who are in turn toughened up by their own trauma combined with the trials and tribulations of living where they lived, when they lived. It’s not easy to take sides, but that’s how it’s meant to be. The author’s story further emphasises how the class hierarchy was seen not only from a sort of early Downton Abbey viewpoint, but also from a gender perspective, where women were only there to be seen and not heard.
‘Surely, if she could endure just a little longer, there would come a time when she could win a game of her own design.’
Tussaud is filled with secrets, deception, greed, desire, manipulation, and exploitation, with plenty of characters eager to take advantage of an independent woman and her inventions for their own ends. The novel also has a feeling of the ‘other’ — a classic gothic element — which reminded me of the subtle disturbing supernatural aspects that run through works like The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton and The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell. If you enjoyed those books, I believe you’ll enjoy this as well.
A gothic historical fiction novel with steampunk elements set in Paris with sprinklings of the murky atmosphere of the unhygienic and seedy backstreets of London? Say less!
Tussaud is the debut novel of Australian author Belinda Lyons-Lee. Set in the early 1800s, the people (the titular character is unmistakably Madame Tussaud of wax work renown), places, and certain events are all true, but Lyons-Lee has crafted an interesting and enigmatic narrative fusing fact and fiction.
The major plot revolves around Philidor, a self-centred magician who uses Tussaud to make a wax case for a human automaton for his performance, The Phantasmagoria. When the first show fails miserably, a mystery benefactor comes to their aid while also seeking a specially commissioned piece of work.
When the 5th Duke of Portland William Cavendish invites them to his estate, Welbeck, he offers them lodging and the use of his cavernous ballroom for a new show in exchange for a private commission. He wants them to create a wax automaton in the form of a girl called Elanor, according to his instructions.
This narrative itself provides a gloomy, atmospheric, and dramatic but empathetic insight into the numerous obstacles that creative women like Tussaud faced in the early-mid nineteenth century. The writing style lives up to its word, and the whole book has a Mary Shelley-esque classic gothic air surrounding it.
The morally grey characters add a touch of hard reality to the book. To say the characters are not necessarily endearing would mean the author created complex individuals who are in turn toughened up by their own trauma combined with the trials and tribulations of living where they lived, when they lived. It’s not easy to take sides, but that’s how it’s meant to be. The author’s story further emphasises how the class hierarchy was seen not only from a sort of early Downton Abbey viewpoint, but also from a gender perspective, where women were only there to be seen and not heard.
‘Surely, if she could endure just a little longer, there would come a time when she could win a game of her own design.’
Tussaud is filled with secrets, deception, greed, desire, manipulation, and exploitation, with plenty of characters eager to take advantage of an independent woman and her inventions for their own ends. The novel also has a feeling of the ‘other’ — a classic gothic element — which reminded me of the subtle disturbing supernatural aspects that run through works like The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton and The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell. If you enjoyed those books, I believe you’ll enjoy this as well.
August 5, 2021
“Tussaud” is the debut novel of Australian author Belinda Lyons-Lee.
Set in the early 1800’s the characters (the title character is obviously Madame Marie Tussaud of wax work fame), settings, and some events are all real but with a huge amount of licence Lyons-Lee has woven an intriguing and mysterious tale blending fact and fiction.
The main story is about a self centred magician, Philidor, using Tussaud to create a wax casing for a human automaton for his show - The Phantasmagoria. When the first show ends disastrously a mysterious benefactor comes to their assistance but also requesting a uniquely commissioned piece of work. From there “Tussaud” heads down a plot line that is full of twists and turns, of secrets and misdirection, of alliances and betrayals.
Using the backdrop of the Welbeck Estate the book has a distinctly gothic feel, as well the murky atmosphere of the unhygienic and seedy backstreets of London.
Many of the characters are all despicable in their own way and each have traits that are unlikable. But that said there are some genuine tragic figures as well as those focussed on their own survival. Lyons-Lee has also highlighted in the narrative of how the class system was not only apparent from an “Upstairs-Downstairs” angle but also from a gender perspective where women were only there to be seen and not heard.
As with any new author it took me a while to get the flow of Lyons-Lee’s writing style but “Tussaud” wasn’t a difficult book to read. That said, there were a few points when I had to re-read some sections to follow subtle changes from a character’s recollection to present action. After a brisk start the book does lose a little bit of momentum in the middle but ramps up nicely at the end as the plots and subplots all start to come together.
“Tussaud” is a good first cab off the rank for Lyons-Lee and I’ll be interested to see what she comes up with next.
“Tussaud” gets 3.5 freshly guillotined heads out of 5.
Set in the early 1800’s the characters (the title character is obviously Madame Marie Tussaud of wax work fame), settings, and some events are all real but with a huge amount of licence Lyons-Lee has woven an intriguing and mysterious tale blending fact and fiction.
The main story is about a self centred magician, Philidor, using Tussaud to create a wax casing for a human automaton for his show - The Phantasmagoria. When the first show ends disastrously a mysterious benefactor comes to their assistance but also requesting a uniquely commissioned piece of work. From there “Tussaud” heads down a plot line that is full of twists and turns, of secrets and misdirection, of alliances and betrayals.
Using the backdrop of the Welbeck Estate the book has a distinctly gothic feel, as well the murky atmosphere of the unhygienic and seedy backstreets of London.
Many of the characters are all despicable in their own way and each have traits that are unlikable. But that said there are some genuine tragic figures as well as those focussed on their own survival. Lyons-Lee has also highlighted in the narrative of how the class system was not only apparent from an “Upstairs-Downstairs” angle but also from a gender perspective where women were only there to be seen and not heard.
As with any new author it took me a while to get the flow of Lyons-Lee’s writing style but “Tussaud” wasn’t a difficult book to read. That said, there were a few points when I had to re-read some sections to follow subtle changes from a character’s recollection to present action. After a brisk start the book does lose a little bit of momentum in the middle but ramps up nicely at the end as the plots and subplots all start to come together.
“Tussaud” is a good first cab off the rank for Lyons-Lee and I’ll be interested to see what she comes up with next.
“Tussaud” gets 3.5 freshly guillotined heads out of 5.
June 19, 2021
This book is a fictional retelling of the life of Madame Marie Tussaud - wax artist. The author adds in interesting traits for Marie - superstitiousness, cunning and a little madness, which are endearing to her character and exciting to read about. The author puts the reader in Marie's mind, telling her story through the French Revolution, which is grotesque - the theme of death carries throughout the book. I found this book a little slow to get started, the first few chapters were interesting and fast paced and then the story recedes into the characters backgrounds; how they came to be and how the story has gotten to the present day in the chapters before. This is a little dry to get through, with not much action, I got a little bored, but it does a great job at slowly unravelling the story. Once you reach the present day, the story gets more fast paced again and more interesting. I did tire of the middle section more quickly than I would've liked. The end was also an interesting twist, emphasising Marie's cunningness and planning, but did not have the sort of satisfying, weird ending that I thought the book would have, based on the amount of build up and tension the author was so good at creating. Overall, the story was interesting, weird, unique and unusual - I enjoyed this book a lot. I think the idea of creating a story behind Tussaud is very clever - because she was so involved in the grotesque act of creating wax replicas of humans - dead or alive. It's eerie, creepy and keeps you wanting to read more to see where the story is heading. I'm glad I picked this up to read for something different.
May 24, 2021
3.5 stars, but whacking it up to 4 because I liked reading 'Tussaud' a lot.
Morally complex characters, a plot with as much fiction as reality and prose not bogged down by unnecessary details. This was an easy and enjoyable read. I am not familiar with this particular part of history, so it was an added bonus to learn a little more about these people as I felt compelled to internet 'research' them upon reading the epilogue.
The characters are not endearing in any typical sense, but are hardened by various traumas and the age in which they exist. It was difficult to be on anyone's 'side'; I just found myself disliking certain characters more than others. However, I found them all intriguing.
The only (and quite significant) problem: the pace and plot sort of sputtered and died at the end. I felt as though the information uncovered in the final few chapters of the book were intended as a crescendo, a big reveal akin to a magic trick, but, by that point, it became too easy to guess where the conclusion was headed. So it just felt like an obligatory wrapping up.
An unexpected ending would have made this book phenomenal.
Morally complex characters, a plot with as much fiction as reality and prose not bogged down by unnecessary details. This was an easy and enjoyable read. I am not familiar with this particular part of history, so it was an added bonus to learn a little more about these people as I felt compelled to internet 'research' them upon reading the epilogue.
The characters are not endearing in any typical sense, but are hardened by various traumas and the age in which they exist. It was difficult to be on anyone's 'side'; I just found myself disliking certain characters more than others. However, I found them all intriguing.
The only (and quite significant) problem: the pace and plot sort of sputtered and died at the end. I felt as though the information uncovered in the final few chapters of the book were intended as a crescendo, a big reveal akin to a magic trick, but, by that point, it became too easy to guess where the conclusion was headed. So it just felt like an obligatory wrapping up.
An unexpected ending would have made this book phenomenal.
March 14, 2022
Tussaud was an intriguing and alluring read that sustained a gripping game of cat and mouse all through the novel. Philidor, a famous magician whose interest lay solely with himself and how he could move up the ladder of society. Tussaud, a women of little means but a talented artist, desperately trying to make her way in a world dominated by men. The two form a business arrangement but each keeps their playing cards close for fear the other will discover their true intention.
As a debut author, Lyons-Lee writes with confidence and her research and passion for this era comes through easily in her elegant writing style. As the novel unfolded this reader was desperate to learn what would happen next. Each character carefully crafted to play a role, yet each character clearly had their own agenda to maintain.
A complex series of twists and turns that kept the pages turning, hoping for the triumph of Madame Tussaud even with the odds stacked against her. Her wit, character and careful planning, all designed to ensure success but might ultimately guarantee her demise.
A fabulous read that will keep you wondering and guessing until the very end.
As a debut author, Lyons-Lee writes with confidence and her research and passion for this era comes through easily in her elegant writing style. As the novel unfolded this reader was desperate to learn what would happen next. Each character carefully crafted to play a role, yet each character clearly had their own agenda to maintain.
A complex series of twists and turns that kept the pages turning, hoping for the triumph of Madame Tussaud even with the odds stacked against her. Her wit, character and careful planning, all designed to ensure success but might ultimately guarantee her demise.
A fabulous read that will keep you wondering and guessing until the very end.
May 4, 2021
I love stories that take me beyond the everyday to a time and place that I wouldn't otherwise inhabit. And debut novelist Belinda Lyons-Lee has crafted one such story based on Madame Tussaud's hectic life before she became a household name. This story gives us a smoky, atmospheric and drama-charged yet empathetic glimpse into the many challenges facing creative women like Tussaud in the early-mid nineteenth century. Not only was I thoroughly intrigued by the plot, I learnt plenty about death masks, wax models and automatons. That said - it's the spooky twists and turns - the double dealings, deceit and the supernatural elements - that kept me turning the page till the very end. A great piece of gothic entertainment, woven with thoughtful, timeless sub -themes touching on women's rights and mental health.
May 9, 2021
I usually enjoy a Gothic novel but these characters made me feel unclean. Horrid people made for unappealing reading. Just read it as quickly as I could to get onto something more entertaining. I thought about putting it aside but as I’d paid for it I was going to finish it. Perhaps it is too realistic for my taste. I have read unpleasant books before and have had to put them down for a while for a break and then return (I’m thinking of ‘for the term of his natural life’) but I was glad I read those ones. This one, I wish I’d given it a miss.
June 30, 2021
What an interesting read. From the start where the magician comes to Madame Tussaud to ask for her assistance for his show in London she sets her path towards her future.
A story that has manipulative people and a loner with wealth but is so well written.
I am not giving you much detail for you really need to read the book. It kept me wanting more all the time.
A story that has manipulative people and a loner with wealth but is so well written.
I am not giving you much detail for you really need to read the book. It kept me wanting more all the time.
June 13, 2025
Could have been good but the story is told in the least compelling way possible, being both long winded and spoiling reveals far too early. Whole chapters could probably be removed/combined and leave the book improved. A good story that is well themed, just poorly told. Characters are a bit dull but the setting and prose are nice.
January 12, 2026
As a fan of gothic literature, some of the themes and scenes were beautifully put together. The descriptions of the creation of the automatons and the shows put on were fascinating.
Unfortunately, I found some male characters a little too on the nose, almost a caricature of comic villains, and the story was a bit lengthy with some unnecessary repetition.
Unfortunately, I found some male characters a little too on the nose, almost a caricature of comic villains, and the story was a bit lengthy with some unnecessary repetition.
April 9, 2022
I did enjoy this book about Madame Tussaud of the wax museum fame. Definitely gothic in style, which fits the subject matter. But I found it sagged a bit in the middle and the male characters were too stereotypical for my liking. But a good read all the same.
August 13, 2022
Do not start this book if you have anything else to do for the rest of the day. It is a wonderful blend of steam-punk and historical fiction. The research that went into this book is phenomenal. It is also beautifully written - deliciously crafted descriptions, suspense and mystery. I loved it.
May 6, 2021
Fabulously fun story, we paced, with delightful and dastardly characters!
June 27, 2021
Enjoyable book that got me intrigued with automatons (and sent me down a rabbit Warren exploring those). The middle didn’t have the same pace as the beginning which was intriguing. Nevertheless a good read.
Here’s my video review
https://youtu.be/uXjepDhzpus
Here’s my video review
https://youtu.be/uXjepDhzpus
November 18, 2021
Intriguing but i got lost near the end
November 10, 2022
Lots of blackmail and double crossing here, with a strong and gutsy female lead.
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