Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
A luminous and bewitching debut novel that is perfect for fans of Angela Carter. Set in Victorian London, it follows the fortunes of Eve, the Lion-Faced Girl and Abel, the Flayed Man. A magical realism delight.
The palace of curiosities: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This Victorian-set magical realism novel explores themes of exploitation and otherness through characters displayed in a freak show. Expect moderate violence, social cruelty, and mature themes around bodily difference and Victorian-era attitudes.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include ableism, body image issues, and class struggle (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers will appreciate the atmospheric Victorian setting and complex exploration of identity through outsider characters.