Orphans of the Carnival

The dazzling new novel, evoking the strange and thrilling world of the Victorian carnival, from the Man Booker-shortlisted author of Jamrach's Menagerie.

A life in the spotlight will keep anyone hidden

Julia Pastrana is the singing and dancing marvel from Mexico, heralded on tours across nineteenth-century Europe as much for her talent as for her rather unusual appearance. Yet few can see past the thick hair that covers her: she is both the fascinating toast of a Governor's ball and the shunned, revolting, unnatural beast, to be hidden from children and pregnant women.

But what is her wonderful and terrible link to Rose, collector of lost treasures in an attic room in modern-day south London? In this haunting tale of identity, love and independence, these two lives will connect in unforgettable ways.

Noul roman orbitor, care evoca lumea ciudata si palpitanta a carnavalului victorian, de la autorul preselectionat de Man Booker al lui Menrerie Jamrach. O viata in lumina reflectoarelor va tine pe oricine ascuns Julia Pastrana este minunea care canta si danseaza din Mexic, anuntata in turnee din intreaga lume. Europa secolului al XIX-lea, atat pentru talentul ei, cat si pentru aspectul ei destul de neobisnuit.