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Theatre of Marvels
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.
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.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
March 29, 2023
A wonderful read - hugely engaging, with such great character development and exploration of history. I loved the ending.
June 2, 2022
1.5 stars
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September 24, 2021DNF
Unfortunately, I didn’t realise this was YA and I’m definitely not the right audience. It’s pitched way too young for me- simplistic and lightly done in both character and plot. Perhaps one for those that liked Caraval.
Unfortunately, I didn’t realise this was YA and I’m definitely not the right audience. It’s pitched way too young for me- simplistic and lightly done in both character and plot. Perhaps one for those that liked Caraval.
December 16, 2021
This deliciously detailed, richly atmospheric and empowering tale of identity and morality is utterly unforgettable—Lianne Dillsworth expertly highlights issues of race and class, shedding light on the hardships women faced in 19th C England, particularly women of colour. It’s honestly breathtaking.
It centres around Zillah, a young mixed raced actress from the slums of St. Giles, whose stage persona has fooled audiences into believing she’s ‘Amazonia’ (an African Tribal Queen.) It’s an act contrived by her shady employer and one that’s seen her stardom rise—if being gawped at takes her from the slums and into the upper eschelons of society, then it’s a price she’s willing to pay.
But when a new stage act disappears, Zillah is haunted by a feeling something’s amiss. Her pursuit of the truth leads her into the underbelly of the city, as she seeks the help of notorious criminals from her past whilst being torn between two wealthy suitors.
Caught into a web of dangerous truths, will Zillah face ruin— or take charge of her own fate?
This was absolutely incredible! It’s richly detailed, emotionally thought provoking and utterly addictive, I literally sped through most of it in a single evening, a true testament to Dillsworth’s exceptional writing skills.
The really enjoyed the Victorian London setting which was spectacularly atmospheric and unapologetically gritty, there’s absolutely no sugar coating the life experiences and prejudices faced by the working classes (particularly women and people of colour) and though I was absolutely immersed in Zillah’s day to day life, I was also brought to tears by the events she has to witness—she may be fictional but Zillah is a far stronger woman than me, I can guarantee that I couldn’t handle even half of what she has to experience.
The sheer level of historical accuracy was also really phenomenal and definitely sheds a light on a huge part of British history; involving marginalised groups that society as a whole has all but forgotten (such as The Sierra Leone Resettlement Scheme) which was incredibly eye opening.
I loved Zillah, she’s a strong, empowering and utterly endearing character whose journey of self discovery was a truly remarkable one. As a mixed raced woman in Victorian England she initially struggles with her own identity but after embracing her heritage, she really grows into her own —full of confidence, compassion and a steely determination to do save lives (even if it leads her into life threatening danger.)
In fact, many of the characters are well written and full of depth with exceptionally detailed backstories but Barky, Zillah’s co-worker (and father figure) has possibly the best and most poignant of them all and the way in which it’s revealed was exceptional—I was genuinely surprised but I loved it!
As a villain, Crillick was absolutely perfect;he’s an utterly despicable human being and I must confess I found myself physically angered by his words and actions that I spent the majority of the book hoping he’d endure some form of Karma alongside Ellen (Zillah’s supposed friend) who I absolutely disliked from the beginning and thought was just as awful, though still really well written.
Overall, this was a phenomenally written and beautifully evocative story that masterfully tackles the themes of slavery, exploitation and racism to create an utterly compelling, unforgettable and unputdownable read—a must read for historical fiction lovers.
Also, thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the e-arc.
It centres around Zillah, a young mixed raced actress from the slums of St. Giles, whose stage persona has fooled audiences into believing she’s ‘Amazonia’ (an African Tribal Queen.) It’s an act contrived by her shady employer and one that’s seen her stardom rise—if being gawped at takes her from the slums and into the upper eschelons of society, then it’s a price she’s willing to pay.
But when a new stage act disappears, Zillah is haunted by a feeling something’s amiss. Her pursuit of the truth leads her into the underbelly of the city, as she seeks the help of notorious criminals from her past whilst being torn between two wealthy suitors.
Caught into a web of dangerous truths, will Zillah face ruin— or take charge of her own fate?
This was absolutely incredible! It’s richly detailed, emotionally thought provoking and utterly addictive, I literally sped through most of it in a single evening, a true testament to Dillsworth’s exceptional writing skills.
The really enjoyed the Victorian London setting which was spectacularly atmospheric and unapologetically gritty, there’s absolutely no sugar coating the life experiences and prejudices faced by the working classes (particularly women and people of colour) and though I was absolutely immersed in Zillah’s day to day life, I was also brought to tears by the events she has to witness—she may be fictional but Zillah is a far stronger woman than me, I can guarantee that I couldn’t handle even half of what she has to experience.
The sheer level of historical accuracy was also really phenomenal and definitely sheds a light on a huge part of British history; involving marginalised groups that society as a whole has all but forgotten (such as The Sierra Leone Resettlement Scheme) which was incredibly eye opening.
I loved Zillah, she’s a strong, empowering and utterly endearing character whose journey of self discovery was a truly remarkable one. As a mixed raced woman in Victorian England she initially struggles with her own identity but after embracing her heritage, she really grows into her own —full of confidence, compassion and a steely determination to do save lives (even if it leads her into life threatening danger.)
In fact, many of the characters are well written and full of depth with exceptionally detailed backstories but Barky, Zillah’s co-worker (and father figure) has possibly the best and most poignant of them all and the way in which it’s revealed was exceptional—I was genuinely surprised but I loved it!
As a villain, Crillick was absolutely perfect;he’s an utterly despicable human being and I must confess I found myself physically angered by his words and actions that I spent the majority of the book hoping he’d endure some form of Karma alongside Ellen (Zillah’s supposed friend) who I absolutely disliked from the beginning and thought was just as awful, though still really well written.
Overall, this was a phenomenally written and beautifully evocative story that masterfully tackles the themes of slavery, exploitation and racism to create an utterly compelling, unforgettable and unputdownable read—a must read for historical fiction lovers.
Also, thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for the e-arc.
May 30, 2022
Lianne Dillsworth's Theatre of Marvels is a marvel of a book. Zillah, a free black woman living in Victorian London, has climbed out of poverty playing Great Amazonia—supposedly a wild woman from the heart of Africa—in a variety show. Since she's relatively light-skinned, she has to black up her face and body for the role to become the African her working-class audience expects.
Zillah is the mistress of a member of the peerage. She's also beginning to spend time with a freed slave who has risen to become a merchant and who is active in the movement to establish a colony of free blacks in Sierra Leone. He's appalled by Zillah's act and tells her when she's ready to abandon it to come to him for support.
Not surprisingly, Zillah's life is full of questions. She's light skinned, but still still identifiably black, so what hope does she have of rising in British society? What kind of work could she find that would pay a living wage other than the work she's currently doing? What impact does her portrayal of Amazonia have on public ideas about Africa and blacks?
When her employer sets up a grisly new "act" involving kidnapped Africans, Zillah's somewhat abstract questions become very specific and very real. Theatre of Marvels follows Zillah's coming to what Paolo Freire would call critical consciousness and the choices she makes along this personal journey.
Dillsworth's depiction of Victorian London is detailed and accurate. Her character Zillah brings to the fore a part of Victorian London's population whose lives have been too little represented in historical fiction set in this era. If you're looking for an historical novel that has a gripping plot and simultaneously offers complex questions about identity and justice, Theatre of Marvels will delight you.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via EdelweissPlus; the opinions are my own.
Zillah is the mistress of a member of the peerage. She's also beginning to spend time with a freed slave who has risen to become a merchant and who is active in the movement to establish a colony of free blacks in Sierra Leone. He's appalled by Zillah's act and tells her when she's ready to abandon it to come to him for support.
Not surprisingly, Zillah's life is full of questions. She's light skinned, but still still identifiably black, so what hope does she have of rising in British society? What kind of work could she find that would pay a living wage other than the work she's currently doing? What impact does her portrayal of Amazonia have on public ideas about Africa and blacks?
When her employer sets up a grisly new "act" involving kidnapped Africans, Zillah's somewhat abstract questions become very specific and very real. Theatre of Marvels follows Zillah's coming to what Paolo Freire would call critical consciousness and the choices she makes along this personal journey.
Dillsworth's depiction of Victorian London is detailed and accurate. Her character Zillah brings to the fore a part of Victorian London's population whose lives have been too little represented in historical fiction set in this era. If you're looking for an historical novel that has a gripping plot and simultaneously offers complex questions about identity and justice, Theatre of Marvels will delight you.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via EdelweissPlus; the opinions are my own.
March 20, 2024
This book was not what I was expecting it to be at all. Based on the description I was thinking it was going to be an adventure/mystery, some content addressing racism, and a bit of a love triangle. The adventure portion was quite minimal and it mostly focused on the emotional rollercoaster that was the main character. Normally I don't have an issue with YA, in fact most of the books I read are YA, but this one definitely hit all the negative tropes of the genre.
The plot follows Zillah, a mixed race young women living in Victorian London. She works for a theatre company performing as a fake African woman. I was excited to read a book about a mixed race character, I am also mixed race and there weren't very many books like this when I was a kid. Zillah basically grew up on her own, and considering she had to fend for herself you would think she would be very mature, plus she's already 20. Unfortunately she's pretty emotionally stunted and acts more like a 14/15 year old.
Zillah is playing house with a rich viscount named Vincent who also lives with her boss Crillick. She has one female friend/rival at the theatre named Ellen who is in love with Crillick. Their relationship is quite tense and not really a friendship at all. The stage manager Barky is her only real friend at the theatre. It takes meeting Lucien, a middle class free black man, to get Zillah to realise that her act is wrong and she needs to see the plight of her people.
Meanwhile Crillick has been away on the continent and he brings back an African woman that he plans on exhibiting in a brand new show. It takes so long to get to this bit. You don't even meet the Leopard Lady until 40% in to the book. Zillah realizes that Vincent has been complicit in a lot of shady stuff and finally leaves him. Zillah decides to free the Leopard Lady with the help of Lucien and his friend Elvira. While they are planning the Leopard Lady's rescue she falls for Lucien. They plan to leave for Sierra Leone together after the rescue. Meanwhile she is staying with her friend Barky, who she eventually realizes is passing. They also keep hinting that he has another secret.
Zillah reveals herself to be a fake during her last performance and flees to rescue the Leopard Lady and the other captives with Elvira's help. Then she lays low with Barky until she is meant to leave with Lucien. She gets to the docks and is waiting waiting waiting for him. Vincent shows up to say Crillick is coming, she hugs him and of course at that moment Lucien finally arrives. He's pissed, they try to get on the boat and Ellen reveals that Zillah is pregnant with Vincent's baby... This is where the book lost me entirely. What a trope of an ending. There was no hint of this anywhere. Everyone leaves her alone at the dock, Vincent leaving in his carriage and Lucien going to Africa. Zillah ends up working with Elvira saving people and staying in London, with no consequences somehow. Also, maddeningly, you never learn what Barky's other secret was even though they mention it several times.
This book had a lot of potential. The premise was really interesting and the fact that the main character was mixed race was a really good starting point. However there were a lot of historical inconsistencies, the writing was dumbed down a lot, and the plot was full of tropes and holes. Overall I was disappointed in this book and really had to push to finish it. Might be best for a much younger audience with some discussion time around the historical information and the racial issues that are mentioned but not really addressed properly.
The plot follows Zillah, a mixed race young women living in Victorian London. She works for a theatre company performing as a fake African woman. I was excited to read a book about a mixed race character, I am also mixed race and there weren't very many books like this when I was a kid. Zillah basically grew up on her own, and considering she had to fend for herself you would think she would be very mature, plus she's already 20. Unfortunately she's pretty emotionally stunted and acts more like a 14/15 year old.
Zillah is playing house with a rich viscount named Vincent who also lives with her boss Crillick. She has one female friend/rival at the theatre named Ellen who is in love with Crillick. Their relationship is quite tense and not really a friendship at all. The stage manager Barky is her only real friend at the theatre. It takes meeting Lucien, a middle class free black man, to get Zillah to realise that her act is wrong and she needs to see the plight of her people.
Meanwhile Crillick has been away on the continent and he brings back an African woman that he plans on exhibiting in a brand new show. It takes so long to get to this bit. You don't even meet the Leopard Lady until 40% in to the book. Zillah realizes that Vincent has been complicit in a lot of shady stuff and finally leaves him. Zillah decides to free the Leopard Lady with the help of Lucien and his friend Elvira. While they are planning the Leopard Lady's rescue she falls for Lucien. They plan to leave for Sierra Leone together after the rescue. Meanwhile she is staying with her friend Barky, who she eventually realizes is passing. They also keep hinting that he has another secret.
Zillah reveals herself to be a fake during her last performance and flees to rescue the Leopard Lady and the other captives with Elvira's help. Then she lays low with Barky until she is meant to leave with Lucien. She gets to the docks and is waiting waiting waiting for him. Vincent shows up to say Crillick is coming, she hugs him and of course at that moment Lucien finally arrives. He's pissed, they try to get on the boat and Ellen reveals that Zillah is pregnant with Vincent's baby... This is where the book lost me entirely. What a trope of an ending. There was no hint of this anywhere. Everyone leaves her alone at the dock, Vincent leaving in his carriage and Lucien going to Africa. Zillah ends up working with Elvira saving people and staying in London, with no consequences somehow. Also, maddeningly, you never learn what Barky's other secret was even though they mention it several times.
This book had a lot of potential. The premise was really interesting and the fact that the main character was mixed race was a really good starting point. However there were a lot of historical inconsistencies, the writing was dumbed down a lot, and the plot was full of tropes and holes. Overall I was disappointed in this book and really had to push to finish it. Might be best for a much younger audience with some discussion time around the historical information and the racial issues that are mentioned but not really addressed properly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2022
I absolutely love the cover of this book. Theatre Of Marvels is the debut novel by Lianne Dillsworth. The author is a major new talent, the story is about a mixed race woman in the West End of Victorian London. The audio book was read by Kathryn Drysdale of Bridgerton, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, St Trinian’s and Vanity Fair.
If you love going to the theatre to see a play, or a dance performance or watching a pantomime, you will cherish the stage costumes at Crillick’s Variety Theatre.
This adorable story of Theatre Of Marvels follows red_headed Ellen and young actress Zillah with wild black curls, who is an orphan from the slums of St Giles.
Barky is the stage manager who took his job seriously to look after the performers.
In the audience is an African man in a black hat who sits tall and straight, who Zillah is about to meet.
Join Zillah on her journey across Victorian London. Behind the curtain there are no lies in theatre, only performances.
Theatre Of Marvel shines a light on the experiences of being black and British in Victorian London through one women’s journey to live life on her own terms.
This story will be loved by fans of Jessie Barton, Bridget Collins and Stacey Halls.
My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
If you love going to the theatre to see a play, or a dance performance or watching a pantomime, you will cherish the stage costumes at Crillick’s Variety Theatre.
This adorable story of Theatre Of Marvels follows red_headed Ellen and young actress Zillah with wild black curls, who is an orphan from the slums of St Giles.
Barky is the stage manager who took his job seriously to look after the performers.
In the audience is an African man in a black hat who sits tall and straight, who Zillah is about to meet.
Join Zillah on her journey across Victorian London. Behind the curtain there are no lies in theatre, only performances.
Theatre Of Marvel shines a light on the experiences of being black and British in Victorian London through one women’s journey to live life on her own terms.
This story will be loved by fans of Jessie Barton, Bridget Collins and Stacey Halls.
My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
December 5, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. This was an interesting story that was less predictable than I imagined it would be. It is a coming of age story, a search for identity,the backdrop slavery in Britain and London. The main character at the start of the tale manages to seem quite naive and unquestioning about her role in a theatre production as the Amazonian. I’m glad the story resolved in the way it did. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
March 30, 2023
(2.5) Lianne Dillsworth is a Black British author with MAs in creative writing and Victorian studies, interests she combines in this debut novel set in Victorian London. Zillah’s mother, a slave from Barbados, was forced to abandon her seven-year-old daughter. Zillah is mixed-race and grew up in St Giles slum. Too light-skinned to convince as a “savage” when she headlines Crillick’s Variety Theatre show as “Amazonia,” she has to coat herself with greasepaint and soot. As mistress to a viscount, she has access to a life of luxury, but instead chooses to try to free her fellow Black performers, including the “Leopard Lady,” who is exhibited for her skin condition and confined in conditions little better than slavery.
Through secondary characters, we glimpse other options for people of colour: one is a shopkeeper (reminding me of the title character of The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a historical figure) but intends to move to Sierra Leone via a colonisation project; another passes as white to have a higher position in the theatre world. It felt odd, though, how different heritages were conflated, such that Zillah, of Caribbean descent, learns a few words of “Zulu” to speak to the Leopard Lady, and Lucien explains Africanness to her as if it is one culture. Perhaps this was an attempt to demonstrate solidarity among oppressed peoples.
There are rivalries with fellow actresses, and well-meaning Quakers who work toward a better society. Much of the characterisation is tissue-thin, however, and a few turns of phrase felt not of the time period (describing someone as being in a “pissy mood”; “If he was in this much of a funk there’d be no getting through to him. I might as well go to bed before he killed my mood completely.”). All told, this never lived up to its first paragraph –
– which promised a much more original voice than we ever get from Zillah. It’s only worth writing in the first person if the narration is remarkable in some way, so this could easily have been in third person limited instead. This was a nicely undemanding selection to start on the ferry ride back from Spain last year, but took much effort to finish because of the 400+ page count and despite the jejune prose (some have labelled this YA for that reason). Fans of Stacey Halls may enjoy it. It’s certainly what I’d call an easy read.
Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.
Through secondary characters, we glimpse other options for people of colour: one is a shopkeeper (reminding me of the title character of The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a historical figure) but intends to move to Sierra Leone via a colonisation project; another passes as white to have a higher position in the theatre world. It felt odd, though, how different heritages were conflated, such that Zillah, of Caribbean descent, learns a few words of “Zulu” to speak to the Leopard Lady, and Lucien explains Africanness to her as if it is one culture. Perhaps this was an attempt to demonstrate solidarity among oppressed peoples.
There are rivalries with fellow actresses, and well-meaning Quakers who work toward a better society. Much of the characterisation is tissue-thin, however, and a few turns of phrase felt not of the time period (describing someone as being in a “pissy mood”; “If he was in this much of a funk there’d be no getting through to him. I might as well go to bed before he killed my mood completely.”). All told, this never lived up to its first paragraph –
Go to the theatre much? No, nor me. At least not before I became an actress. I know what you’re thinking. Actress, eh? But you can keep your dirty-minded thoughts to yourself. I trod the boards and no more. Doesn’t mean I don’t have a story or two to tell, mind. Would you be kind enough to indulge me if I talked about the old days? Hard as it was back then, I can’t say that if I had my time again I’d change it.
– which promised a much more original voice than we ever get from Zillah. It’s only worth writing in the first person if the narration is remarkable in some way, so this could easily have been in third person limited instead. This was a nicely undemanding selection to start on the ferry ride back from Spain last year, but took much effort to finish because of the 400+ page count and despite the jejune prose (some have labelled this YA for that reason). Fans of Stacey Halls may enjoy it. It’s certainly what I’d call an easy read.
Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.
November 21, 2021
The Great Amazonia! Come and see this mysterious and exotic wonder! Gasp as she devours live flesh to appease her gods! Are you strong enough to face her?
Crowds gather at Crillick’s Variety Theatre, a place which could certainly use more than just a lick of paint, where those who can spare their hard-earned coin can come and get their fill of curiosity, intrigue and fear.
Zillah is in fact Amazonia but she yearns to be more than a cheap money-spinning act with lofty dreams of much more, yet each night she repeats her performance just to get her face out there, for a mixed-race woman to be in the theatre is rare, but to dream for more? Zillah does.
A most popular show, Crillick is intent on expanding his marvels and upon the discovery of something even too depraved and sick for Crillick to certainly approve of, Zillah must work against the clock to investigate where this new act is being kept and free them before they fall victim to more than just mere scrutiny of the general public.
Caught between two men: one her wealthy white admirer and beau, and an African merchant who is more than disgusted in her act, Zillah must confront who she truly is to really be free and save those who Crillick wishes to exploit but as she dives deeper into this depraved world, just how far dare she go to discover the truth?
Showcasing the beautiful tragedy of the world of illusion, sin and the true cost of fame, Theatre of marvels will dazzle you and pull you into an emotional and devastating story.
Crowds gather at Crillick’s Variety Theatre, a place which could certainly use more than just a lick of paint, where those who can spare their hard-earned coin can come and get their fill of curiosity, intrigue and fear.
Zillah is in fact Amazonia but she yearns to be more than a cheap money-spinning act with lofty dreams of much more, yet each night she repeats her performance just to get her face out there, for a mixed-race woman to be in the theatre is rare, but to dream for more? Zillah does.
A most popular show, Crillick is intent on expanding his marvels and upon the discovery of something even too depraved and sick for Crillick to certainly approve of, Zillah must work against the clock to investigate where this new act is being kept and free them before they fall victim to more than just mere scrutiny of the general public.
Caught between two men: one her wealthy white admirer and beau, and an African merchant who is more than disgusted in her act, Zillah must confront who she truly is to really be free and save those who Crillick wishes to exploit but as she dives deeper into this depraved world, just how far dare she go to discover the truth?
Showcasing the beautiful tragedy of the world of illusion, sin and the true cost of fame, Theatre of marvels will dazzle you and pull you into an emotional and devastating story.
September 12, 2021
5 stars! Such a poignant look into the life of a mixed raced woman in Victorian London. A book that doesn't erase the Blackness of that period, but celebrates it while tackling themes of identity and morality.
March 22, 2022
I won an arc of this from a Giveaway and oh my God.
This book had me crying and heartbroken and just all around emotional.
I can't talk much since well...I am white but this book did not stray from the topics and conversations and thoughts that White Europeans (honestly westerns) had for black people after slavery had ended. It was cruel and disgusting and the fact that these thoughts continue to thrive is well even more disgusting.
As for the writing itself. There were parts where it felt clunky and off from the rest of the story. The characters while well flushed out had relationships that were either hastily developed or just not there except I will say that the relationship Zillah had with the Leopard Lady and Barky was really well fleshed out and I loved it. I also think the ending was rushed and could have been longer to truly get some messages across.
Overall I think this story delves into the world of the West after slavery was demolished in Europe and America and how prejudices and discrimination don't just end when a law is passed and that more needs to be done to fix institutionalized racism. As well as the discombobulated and sometimes painful journey of finding your identity as a mixed race individual.
This book had me crying and heartbroken and just all around emotional.
I can't talk much since well...I am white but this book did not stray from the topics and conversations and thoughts that White Europeans (honestly westerns) had for black people after slavery had ended. It was cruel and disgusting and the fact that these thoughts continue to thrive is well even more disgusting.
As for the writing itself. There were parts where it felt clunky and off from the rest of the story. The characters while well flushed out had relationships that were either hastily developed or just not there except I will say that the relationship Zillah had with the Leopard Lady and Barky was really well fleshed out and I loved it. I also think the ending was rushed and could have been longer to truly get some messages across.
Overall I think this story delves into the world of the West after slavery was demolished in Europe and America and how prejudices and discrimination don't just end when a law is passed and that more needs to be done to fix institutionalized racism. As well as the discombobulated and sometimes painful journey of finding your identity as a mixed race individual.
April 11, 2022
Theatre of Marvels from debut author Lianne Dillsworth promises Historical Fiction, Victorian London and a theatrical variety show... what's not to love?
Here we meet Zillah, a mixed race actress and the star of Crillick's Entertainment Show performing as The Great Amazonia. Caught between two worlds, this is Zillah's story of self discovery, of cultural heritage, of corruption and ruthless ambition, and the battle to do what's right in a world full of wrongs.
While I admire the character development here, and it covering some important topics, the plot fell just a little flat for me. The pacing works well, and it does everything it sets out to achieve, I just wish it had aimed a little higher. The writing felt a little too simple for my tastes, but if that's what you're looking for, then this is a solid option.
I think this will work for plenty of readers, so if you're looking for a light and quick read then this one comes out next month!
Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me a gorgeous proof in exchange for an honest review
Here we meet Zillah, a mixed race actress and the star of Crillick's Entertainment Show performing as The Great Amazonia. Caught between two worlds, this is Zillah's story of self discovery, of cultural heritage, of corruption and ruthless ambition, and the battle to do what's right in a world full of wrongs.
While I admire the character development here, and it covering some important topics, the plot fell just a little flat for me. The pacing works well, and it does everything it sets out to achieve, I just wish it had aimed a little higher. The writing felt a little too simple for my tastes, but if that's what you're looking for, then this is a solid option.
I think this will work for plenty of readers, so if you're looking for a light and quick read then this one comes out next month!
Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me a gorgeous proof in exchange for an honest review
October 26, 2021
I had no idea that this was a YA novel, but wasn’t phased at all, as I have read and thoroughly enjoyed YA books in the past.
However, whilst this book may be a useful tool for an educator, for me it missed the mark. The writing was definitely dumbed down for the younger market, so much so that the language and experiences used were totally out of keeping for the period. The narrative was slow and the repetition spoilt the flow of the story.
When such important issues are the main focus of a story, it is important to be true to the era.
Not one for me I’m afraid. From reading other reviews it does appear that I am in the minority, so maybe it was my expectations at fault, my apologies to the author if this is so.
Thank you NetGalley.
However, whilst this book may be a useful tool for an educator, for me it missed the mark. The writing was definitely dumbed down for the younger market, so much so that the language and experiences used were totally out of keeping for the period. The narrative was slow and the repetition spoilt the flow of the story.
When such important issues are the main focus of a story, it is important to be true to the era.
Not one for me I’m afraid. From reading other reviews it does appear that I am in the minority, so maybe it was my expectations at fault, my apologies to the author if this is so.
Thank you NetGalley.
October 23, 2022
⭐️ 4 ⭐️
I occasionally like to dip my toe into historical fiction and thoroughly enjoyed my gritty journey back in time to Victorian London.
Beautifully written by Lianne Dillsworth, the detailed, well-described setting provides the perfect atmospheric backdrop to a gripping, entertaining read.
Zillah is a likeable, relatable protagonist and I loved watching her character develop as the story progressed; I totally rooted for her from beginning to end. Her supporting cast are a mixed bunch of mostly downright detestable characters.
Theatre of Marvels is a poignant, thought-provoking read and a fabulous debut novel.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
I occasionally like to dip my toe into historical fiction and thoroughly enjoyed my gritty journey back in time to Victorian London.
Beautifully written by Lianne Dillsworth, the detailed, well-described setting provides the perfect atmospheric backdrop to a gripping, entertaining read.
Zillah is a likeable, relatable protagonist and I loved watching her character develop as the story progressed; I totally rooted for her from beginning to end. Her supporting cast are a mixed bunch of mostly downright detestable characters.
Theatre of Marvels is a poignant, thought-provoking read and a fabulous debut novel.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
December 31, 2021
Discover the locations in Theatre of Marvels
An apt, one word review for now: Marvellous!
June 17, 2022
An engaging and beautifully written story, Zillah is a wonderful character, and the historical scene setting, and plot are amazing. Lianne Dillsworth is definitely a new author to follow. Can’t wait for book two.
May 2, 2022
Theatre Of Marvels is the debut novel by Lianne Dillsworth. The story is about a mixed race woman, Zillah, from the West End of Victorian London. She is an orphan and an actress trying to survive and this takes her to Crillick, and his Variety Theatre. Each night she puts on makeup and costumes to become "The Amazonian". She dances, chants and performs acts that delight the audience, quickly becoming the star of the show. She is in a relationship with a wealthy white admirer, a Lord, who she imagines spending her life with. Enter a handsome, African merchant, who makes her look at her act through different eyes, as well as forcing her to really look at her relationship. When she works at a party for Crillick and sees his new act, she knows she can no longer portray The Amazonian, nor turn a blind eye to what Crillick is doing. To right wrongs, Zillah risks everything, including coming into contact with undesirable and criminal characters from the life in the slums of her childhood that she has worked hard to leave behind.
Theatre of Marvels was not what I was expecting when I originally picked this book up. This is historical fiction, but also coming of age, racism, women's issues and finding your place in the world. The character development varied throughout the book, but Zillah was a woman we get to know and relate to. She is a mixed race woman, a daughter of a freed slave. An orphan, she needs to support herself. She is smart, talented and loyal, but does what she needs to do in her job and relationship with a weak aristocrat. Crillick is the villain in this story. He was a cruel, greedy, manipulative business man that was racist and didn't hesitate to use the prejudices of the time to line his pockets. The other character I really liked was Barky. He's the stage manager who took his job seriously and looked after the performers. He befriended Zillah and helped her figure out what she really wanted. He also has secrets and connections that come out later in the story. There were some twists, some danger and many thought provoking moments in the story. It was well paced to keep the attention of the reader. This is a YA story, that will appeal to many with its topics of race and class, the hardships women faced in Victorian England, especially women of colour, the world of illusion, exploitation and the cost of fame. Overall, I enjoyed this story, but found some parts drawn out, then the ending wrapping up way too quickly. The audiobook narrated by Kathryn Drysdale, who added much to the story. She uses her expressive voice to give Zillah and the others distinctive voice. I enjoyed the audiobook very much and recommend this format.
Theatre of Marvels was not what I was expecting when I originally picked this book up. This is historical fiction, but also coming of age, racism, women's issues and finding your place in the world. The character development varied throughout the book, but Zillah was a woman we get to know and relate to. She is a mixed race woman, a daughter of a freed slave. An orphan, she needs to support herself. She is smart, talented and loyal, but does what she needs to do in her job and relationship with a weak aristocrat. Crillick is the villain in this story. He was a cruel, greedy, manipulative business man that was racist and didn't hesitate to use the prejudices of the time to line his pockets. The other character I really liked was Barky. He's the stage manager who took his job seriously and looked after the performers. He befriended Zillah and helped her figure out what she really wanted. He also has secrets and connections that come out later in the story. There were some twists, some danger and many thought provoking moments in the story. It was well paced to keep the attention of the reader. This is a YA story, that will appeal to many with its topics of race and class, the hardships women faced in Victorian England, especially women of colour, the world of illusion, exploitation and the cost of fame. Overall, I enjoyed this story, but found some parts drawn out, then the ending wrapping up way too quickly. The audiobook narrated by Kathryn Drysdale, who added much to the story. She uses her expressive voice to give Zillah and the others distinctive voice. I enjoyed the audiobook very much and recommend this format.
November 5, 2022
Zillah is "The great Amazonia" at Crillick's Variety Theatre where she performs her show as a dangerous savage from Africa. She is however a British girl of mixed race rising up in society out of the slums of St. Giles. She makes a reasonable living and is loving a soft natured Viscount. He however lives in the house of the ambitious Crillick and it is where she comes face to face with the horrors of The Victoria society's fascination with anybody that looks different than the norm. When the harsh reality of the lives of these curiosities is thrown before Zillah, she forms a personal connection with one and her life changes forever. The charming African Lucien Winter seem to be the connection she was looking for. This all leads to question her place in the world she lives in.
"Theatre of Marvels" by Lianne Dillsworth portraits London in the late 1700 with incredible atmosphere and richness. A map in the front of the book helps to lend colour and structure to the story. It has a line of tension that runs throughout the book and picks up pace towards the middle and end of the book. It is clear that a lot of research was done to make London during this era as realistic as possible. I also learned quite a bit in the process about the Sierra Leone Resettlement Scheme of 1787 for instance.
I love some of the characters in the book and equally feel total unease towards others. The amicable Barky being a particular favorite. The writer is very successful in evoking your emotions towards most of the characters while the duality and complexity of the characters are beautifully portrayed. Zillah is a great character equally vulnerable and strong at times as she questions her own place in society.
I was slightly irritated by the first person narration in the book but it is purely a person choice. It does however in this particular book give us the insight into Zillah's thinking and development.
"Theatre of Marvels" is a great atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Although targeted at the adult market the relative simplicity of language and Victoria values makes it an excellent Young Adult read too.
"Theatre of Marvels" by Lianne Dillsworth portraits London in the late 1700 with incredible atmosphere and richness. A map in the front of the book helps to lend colour and structure to the story. It has a line of tension that runs throughout the book and picks up pace towards the middle and end of the book. It is clear that a lot of research was done to make London during this era as realistic as possible. I also learned quite a bit in the process about the Sierra Leone Resettlement Scheme of 1787 for instance.
I love some of the characters in the book and equally feel total unease towards others. The amicable Barky being a particular favorite. The writer is very successful in evoking your emotions towards most of the characters while the duality and complexity of the characters are beautifully portrayed. Zillah is a great character equally vulnerable and strong at times as she questions her own place in society.
I was slightly irritated by the first person narration in the book but it is purely a person choice. It does however in this particular book give us the insight into Zillah's thinking and development.
"Theatre of Marvels" is a great atmospheric read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Although targeted at the adult market the relative simplicity of language and Victoria values makes it an excellent Young Adult read too.
December 28, 2022
I was immediately drawn to this stunning cover. I really enjoyed Dillworth's writing style as well; not overly descriptive but a great job setting the environment and character development. Zillah's coming of age story was enjoyable and easy to read. Her physical and mental struggles made for great character growth. Crillick is a realistic villan and easy to despise. The pace of the story seemed pretty steady and sometimes slow-building...but the last few chapters were exciting and wrapped up the story nicely. Overall, it was probably 3.5 stars for me but rounded to 4.
This book was given as a Goodreads giveaway ARC which did not influence my review.
This book was given as a Goodreads giveaway ARC which did not influence my review.
April 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this historical fiction about Zillah, a young black woman who works in a rather seedy theatre in Victorian London where she appears regularly in a headlining dance act. She never quite feels as though she fits in despite being courted by a member of the aristocracy.
When she discovers a terrible scandal going on practically under her nose, she is appalled and determined to stop it continuing, but this puts her own life under scrutiny and brigs her into contact with undesirable and criminal characters from the life in the slums of her childhood she has worked hard to escape from.
This unusual and twisty and thought provoking novel, entertained me and tugged at my heart. Zillah is a great heroine and her story makes for fascinating reading.
When she discovers a terrible scandal going on practically under her nose, she is appalled and determined to stop it continuing, but this puts her own life under scrutiny and brigs her into contact with undesirable and criminal characters from the life in the slums of her childhood she has worked hard to escape from.
This unusual and twisty and thought provoking novel, entertained me and tugged at my heart. Zillah is a great heroine and her story makes for fascinating reading.
May 4, 2022
A wonderful tale of knowing who we are and our place in the world we live in. Zillah is a brave woman, fighting for her place in a world where women and especially black women are disregarded as having no place in society. Her character as Amazonia is her journey out of the poverty, but she isn’t happy with the price she has to pay. I really enjoyed some of the secondary characters in this story, Barky and Elvira with Ethel are great additions to Zillah’s world and provide huge comfort to her in times of need. A wonderful mix of historical fiction and tale of morality.
October 14, 2021
This dramatic, pacy glimpse into the backstage lives of small-theatre performers in Victorian London shines a light on issues of race, class, identity and the importance of action.
It centres on Zillah, a mixed-race actress who, at the request of her sketchy employer, has been fooling audiences into thinking she is 'The Great Amazonia', a tribal African queen. Her act is a gross distortion of the African culture, and yet she is led to believe it is merely entertainment, harming no one.
Zillah is strong willed and defiant, yet her ambition has driven her straight into the arms of the society's elite, who exploit her differences and turn a blind eye when she voices her discomfort. It takes bumping into Lucien Winters, an ex-slave who now runs his own business and spends his time helping other, less fortunate people, for Zillah to begin to learn more about her heritage and form her own opinions.
I enjoyed Zillah's character development as she faced numerous shocks and realisations, and I liked that the characters had to actively work to understand each other if they had any hope of moving forward. The narrative voice is chatty and engaging, and the Victorian setting is also well-researched, highlighting the stark differences between classes and races at that time.
All in all, this is a quick, powerful read with a strong message and memorable characters.
It centres on Zillah, a mixed-race actress who, at the request of her sketchy employer, has been fooling audiences into thinking she is 'The Great Amazonia', a tribal African queen. Her act is a gross distortion of the African culture, and yet she is led to believe it is merely entertainment, harming no one.
Zillah is strong willed and defiant, yet her ambition has driven her straight into the arms of the society's elite, who exploit her differences and turn a blind eye when she voices her discomfort. It takes bumping into Lucien Winters, an ex-slave who now runs his own business and spends his time helping other, less fortunate people, for Zillah to begin to learn more about her heritage and form her own opinions.
I enjoyed Zillah's character development as she faced numerous shocks and realisations, and I liked that the characters had to actively work to understand each other if they had any hope of moving forward. The narrative voice is chatty and engaging, and the Victorian setting is also well-researched, highlighting the stark differences between classes and races at that time.
All in all, this is a quick, powerful read with a strong message and memorable characters.
August 12, 2023
Not bad for a debut but could be way better. Being labelled as YA is not an excuse for the clumsiness and clunkiness of it.
September 6, 2022
"𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙧 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙩 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙖, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙚."
Theatre of Marvels is the debut novel of Lianne Dillsworth, set in Victorian London. We are given a glimpse behind the curtain of Crillick's Variety Theatre and meet a cast of characters, one in particular Zillah, also known as Amazonia. The reader immediately falls in love with Zillah's character; she has this unspoken presence. Amazonia is Zillah's act, chosen by Crillick himself. Honed into a headliner act, Zillah has the audience at her feet, but one audience member catches her eye and their paths cross in an unexpected way.
Being a young woman in a time and place where race, gender and class determined a person's worth, Zillah discovers a cruelty among people; while she tries to find herself and fight for a place among everyone, she fights for others whose voice is taken away. She doesn't turn a blind eye to injustice unlike other characters in the book and she's not afraid to voice her thoughts. Zillah is a warrior in her own right.
Different acts were described and certain characters have a lingering effect on Zillah. This story is character driven and has a steady pace. It's easy to be swept up in Victorian London and hear the chime of Big Ben or smell the different foods described. Dillsworth did a wonderful job to make this story come to life and captivating the reader.
*BIPOC female protagonist
* Theatre background
* Fight for justice
* Rich imagery
"𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩. 𝙄 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙑𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙩, 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚'𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡."
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Theatre of Marvels is the debut novel of Lianne Dillsworth, set in Victorian London. We are given a glimpse behind the curtain of Crillick's Variety Theatre and meet a cast of characters, one in particular Zillah, also known as Amazonia. The reader immediately falls in love with Zillah's character; she has this unspoken presence. Amazonia is Zillah's act, chosen by Crillick himself. Honed into a headliner act, Zillah has the audience at her feet, but one audience member catches her eye and their paths cross in an unexpected way.
Being a young woman in a time and place where race, gender and class determined a person's worth, Zillah discovers a cruelty among people; while she tries to find herself and fight for a place among everyone, she fights for others whose voice is taken away. She doesn't turn a blind eye to injustice unlike other characters in the book and she's not afraid to voice her thoughts. Zillah is a warrior in her own right.
Different acts were described and certain characters have a lingering effect on Zillah. This story is character driven and has a steady pace. It's easy to be swept up in Victorian London and hear the chime of Big Ben or smell the different foods described. Dillsworth did a wonderful job to make this story come to life and captivating the reader.
*BIPOC female protagonist
* Theatre background
* Fight for justice
* Rich imagery
"𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩. 𝙄 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙢. 𝙑𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙠𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙩, 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙢 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙬𝙚'𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡, 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡."
Thank you to Penguin Random House SA for gifting me this copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2024
3.5 stars. I'm a bit torn about this book--the premise caught my eye immediately, a mixed black woman in a circus/freak show posing as an 'exotic' African queen. The prose is nice, the setting and main character have compelling elements, the moral view of the book critiques power dynamics and cruelties that deserve to be critiqued. There's a cast of characters that allow for different perspectives and relationships to racial power structures to be represented, and at least two of those characters feel quite satisfying in their secrets and loyalties and imperfections. And yet. I don't know that I ever got wholly onside with the book as a book, and I'm not sure if this is taste, and perhaps elitist taste, or thoughtful critique (likely both, in good measure).
The prose, for one, seems too modern--not only in style, but in the mode of thought the protagonist operates under. This is not to say that the human elements of her experience are greatly misrepresented... only that I get a strong sense of current day understanding of race, nation, and politics intruding a bit on the past. The book also, meanwhile, seems torn between a character exploration--and there is interesting growth there--and genre plot elements. At times, the moral center of the book--the representation of actual African people enslaved for a freak show, a la the Venus but worse still--reads as horrific as it is meant to, and at times it reads as an adventure plot, which isn't helped by the fact that the primary example disappears after the climax of the book and so essentially serves as a plot device for the main character's story. The resolution is a couple plot twists in one that, as plot and implication for character, have potential, but they resolve in maximum five pages at the end. That cast of characters ends up feeling slightly like a checklist. It's not simplistic, but does feel a touch over simplified, the horrific conflicts at the heart of it all too easily resolved.
Overall, while a bit torn and not wholly able to surrender to it, I am glad I read it, and, it seems more like a modern fantasy grounded in some historical realities with some loving insight, rather than a deep historical fiction.
The prose, for one, seems too modern--not only in style, but in the mode of thought the protagonist operates under. This is not to say that the human elements of her experience are greatly misrepresented... only that I get a strong sense of current day understanding of race, nation, and politics intruding a bit on the past. The book also, meanwhile, seems torn between a character exploration--and there is interesting growth there--and genre plot elements. At times, the moral center of the book--the representation of actual African people enslaved for a freak show, a la the Venus but worse still--reads as horrific as it is meant to, and at times it reads as an adventure plot, which isn't helped by the fact that the primary example disappears after the climax of the book and so essentially serves as a plot device for the main character's story. The resolution is a couple plot twists in one that, as plot and implication for character, have potential, but they resolve in maximum five pages at the end. That cast of characters ends up feeling slightly like a checklist. It's not simplistic, but does feel a touch over simplified, the horrific conflicts at the heart of it all too easily resolved.
Overall, while a bit torn and not wholly able to surrender to it, I am glad I read it, and, it seems more like a modern fantasy grounded in some historical realities with some loving insight, rather than a deep historical fiction.
August 24, 2022
Theatre of Marvels is a historical fiction novel set in Victorian London, and the debut of Lianne Dillsworth. The novel's protagonist, Zillah, is a mixed race woman working in the theatre as 'The Great Amazonia' painted to appear blacker and scantily clad as though she is a feral, tribal woman. Her act involves playing up to stereotypes about Black people in the Victorian era, presenting herself as wild and terrifying whilst participating in fearsome dances and pretend animal slaughter.
When a smartly dressed Black man comes to watch her perform, and then questions her decision to be a part of such an act, she is affronted at his lack of understanding of her difficult position. It is hard enough for people like them to find work in a city like London - why should he judge her participation in what is essentially a freak show to earn her living? She learns that he is a philanthropist working to bring freedom and prosperity to Black people just like her by sending them to a better life overseas.
Zillah feigns disinterest and maintains her pride, but the man's shock towards her profession makes her think long and hard about her position in society. And when the theatre's owner introduces an even more shocking act into his troupe, Zillah is horrified to stand by and watch - particularly when the new act mysteriously disappears.
This novel is full of atmosphere and I absolutely love the depictions of the dingy, smog-filled London streets in contrast with the brightly painted actors and theatre sets. Moreover, the themes of identity, race and class set against the backdrop of such an apparently glamorous world really highlights the issues all the more. This was a fantastic debut and I will keep an eye out for Dillsworth's future writing!
When a smartly dressed Black man comes to watch her perform, and then questions her decision to be a part of such an act, she is affronted at his lack of understanding of her difficult position. It is hard enough for people like them to find work in a city like London - why should he judge her participation in what is essentially a freak show to earn her living? She learns that he is a philanthropist working to bring freedom and prosperity to Black people just like her by sending them to a better life overseas.
Zillah feigns disinterest and maintains her pride, but the man's shock towards her profession makes her think long and hard about her position in society. And when the theatre's owner introduces an even more shocking act into his troupe, Zillah is horrified to stand by and watch - particularly when the new act mysteriously disappears.
This novel is full of atmosphere and I absolutely love the depictions of the dingy, smog-filled London streets in contrast with the brightly painted actors and theatre sets. Moreover, the themes of identity, race and class set against the backdrop of such an apparently glamorous world really highlights the issues all the more. This was a fantastic debut and I will keep an eye out for Dillsworth's future writing!
April 9, 2022
Set in Victorian London, Zillah, a black British performer, has become the headline act at Crillick's Variety Theatre, performing each night as a wild woman, playing into the stereotypes of the colour of her skin. She thinks she's doing well; she's come from the slums of St Giles into the theatre and the warm and luxurious bed of an aristocrat. But something horrible is going on. Crillick is experimenting on captured Africans and Zillah is determined to free them. Her world begins to crumble and she must confront her own part in promoting stereotypes. She realises that she can't rely on her lover and she's increasingly swayed towards another admirer, but in the end who can she trust? This book is about identity, class and colour in the underbelly of Victorian London.
October 3, 2024
A good read but an uncomfortable story line. Zillah a free mixed race woman working in a theatre as a black African woman. The story is set in Victorian times. It looks at racism and slavery and of people who are born with differences and how they were exploited as “freaks”
Zillah meets Nosizwe and knows she has to help her and her son. This is a story of good over bad. Of standing up for others knowing there will be repercussions. I read it was classed as a YA book but I felt it is a book for all adults, the story may be a little diluted in some ways but reading between the lines it’s a story about history and how we have so much to learn from the mistakes humans made and how we must never go back to treating fellows humans that way.
Zillah meets Nosizwe and knows she has to help her and her son. This is a story of good over bad. Of standing up for others knowing there will be repercussions. I read it was classed as a YA book but I felt it is a book for all adults, the story may be a little diluted in some ways but reading between the lines it’s a story about history and how we have so much to learn from the mistakes humans made and how we must never go back to treating fellows humans that way.
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