# Theatre of Marvels by Lianne Dillsworth (Paperback)

**'Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish'** STACEY HALLS, _Sunday Times_ bestselling author of _The Familiars_

**'_Theatre of Marvels_ is a fascinating, empowering story of a young woman's search for identity and justice in Victorian London, a world which Lianne Dillsworth evokes so richly'** JENNIFER SAINT, author of _Ariadne_  
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**Behind the spectacle there are always secrets.**

Unruly crowds descend on Crillick's Variety Theatre. A black, British actress, Zillah, is headlining tonight. An orphan from the slums of St Giles, her rise to stardom is her ticket out - to be gawped and gazed at is a price she's willing to pay.

Rising up the echelons of society is everything Zillah has ever dreamed of. But when a new stage act disappears, Zillah is haunted by a feeling that something is amiss. Is the woman in danger?

Her pursuit of the truth takes her into the underbelly of the city - from gas-lit streets to the sumptuous parlours of Mayfair - as she seeks the help of notorious criminals from her past and finds herself torn between two powerful admirers.

Caught in a labyrinth of dangerous truths, will Zillah face ruin - or will she be the maker of her fate?

**A deliciously immersive tale, _Theatre of Marvels_ whisks you on an unforgettable journey across Victorian London in this bold exploration of race, class and gothic spectacle.**

**AVAILABLE FOR NOW**  
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**'Zillah is a memorable heroine'** _Sunday Times_

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

**'A thought-provoking, atmospheric debut'** _Daily Express_

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

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

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

**'Thrilling, eye-opening and absorbing'** LIZZIE POOK, author of _Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter_

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

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

**'Loved Lianne Dillsworth's Theatre of Marvels. A gripping story about identity and belonging with a strong sense of place. Can't wait for everybody to meet Zillah who is such strong and nuanced heroine.'** LAURE VAN RENSBURG, author of _Nobody But Us_

## Details

- **Price:** 8.99 GBP
- **Vendor:** Penguin Random House
- **Tags:** All Books, Romance

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 8.99 GBP | In stock |

## Images

- Theatre of Marvels book cover

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> Source: [Somiibooks](https://somiibooks.com/products/theatre-of-marvels-lianne-dillsworth-9781529158595)
> Updated: 2026-09-23