Lianne Dillsworth
LM Dillsworth is represented by Juliet Mushens
Lianne Dillsworth was born and grew up in London and told her first stories at nursery school in return for jelly sweets. More recently she has shared her love of writing as visiting tutor on the MA Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London, alongside working on her third novel.
Theatre of Marvels, Lianne’s first novel, was sold in a 24-hour pre-empt in the UK to Hutchinson Heineman and in the US at auction to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Published in April 2022 and set in Victorian London, it tells the story of Zillah, a mixed race woman who grapples with her identity as the star turn in one of the so-called freak shows, that were popular in that period.
Lianne’s second novel, House of Shades, followed in May 2024, an alternative take on the gothic that sees a Black doctress caught up in a web of secrets when she takes on a role caring for a London-based slave owner in the time of abolition.
You can find Lianne on X @LianneDWrites but more often searching for her next read in one of London’s many bookshops.
Praise for Theatre of Marvels:
'Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish' — Stacey Halls, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars
'Theatre of Marvels is a fascinating, empowering story of a young woman's search for identity and justice in Victorian London, a world which Lianne Dillsworth evokes so richly' — Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne
'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
Rights sold:
Theatre of Marvels: Arrow (UK), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (US).
House of Shades: Arrow (UK), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (US).