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The Illusions

The most captivating feminist historical fiction novel of the year

Liz Hyder author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bonnier Books Ltd

Published:22nd Jun '23

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

The Illusions cover

In The Illusions, a young assistant discovers her hidden powers while navigating the worlds of magic and early filmmaking in 1896 Bristol.

Set in Bristol in 1896, The Illusions weaves a mesmerizing tale inspired by real-life illusionists and early film pioneers. The story follows Cecily Marsden, a young assistant to a con artist whose life takes a dramatic turn after her master’s unexpected death. Struggling with guilt and self-doubt, Cec discovers a latent power within herself that she barely understands. This newfound ability sets her on a path filled with magic and possibilities, challenging her understanding of reality and her own potential.

Parallel to Cec's journey, we meet Eadie Carleton, a pioneering filmmaker striving to gain recognition in a male-dominated industry. Eadie's passion for storytelling through moving pictures collides with the ambitions of George Perris, a talented magician who sees the revolutionary potential of cinema. As Eadie and George navigate their respective challenges, their lives intertwine with Cec's, leading to a grand spectacle that could change everything.

As the trio prepares for a performance that promises to dazzle, they must confront external threats and internal struggles. Cec’s fight to save the show becomes a quest to harness the real magic within her, ultimately revealing the strength of creativity, collaboration, and the power of belief. The Illusions is a rich tapestry of historical fiction that enchants readers, inviting them into a world where magic and reality blur beautifully.

After her glorious first novel, The Gifts, Hyder has returned with another beautiful slice of historical fiction.The Illusions is charming and intriguing, sparkling with magic and romance. * Jennifer Saint *
Spellbinding storytelling, wonderfully drawn characters and the thrill of the theatre make this book unputdownable. * Louise Hare *
For a truly immersive, can't-put-it-down read, The Illusions will whisk you to the late Victorian age with this story of two young women, Cecily, a con artist's assistant and Eadie, a photographer and early film maker trying to make it in a man's world. Cecily and Eadie's paths will soon collide in a kaleidoscope of magic, theatrics, illusion and love. * Red magazine *
Filled with wonders in all forms, in real life and in the theatre, this is a story that will mesmerise and cast its spell. I loved it. * Essie Fox *
Hyder is a wonderfully accomplished storyteller. The Illusions is a magical tale of innovation, darkness and delight. A book to disappear into - I devoured it greedily. * Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure *
With clever storytelling and a magpie's eye for shine and enchantment, Hyder takes us to a world where magic, moving pictures and illusion mix - and where all are made better by human kindness. * Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily *
Enchanting in every sense. A seductive, glimmering tale of magic and movies. * Freya Berry, The Dictator's Wife *
Set in Victorian Bristol with a cast of characters that are a feast for the senses. It is in every way quite magical. * Julie Owen Moylan, author of That Green Eyed Girl *
Captivating and fascinating . . . A fabulous second novel (for adults), firmly cementing Liz Hyder as an author to watch. Beautifully crafted, The Illusions steps into a world of trickery and deception, while shining a light on the importance of friendship and love. * Lovereading Star Book *
An utter delight! The novel is an illusion in itself . . . it's such a page-turner and the building of the plot and the denouement is glorious. It is filled with light and optimism and joy and feels like a book we need right now. * Caryl Lewis *

ISBN: 9781786581860

Dimensions: 240mm x 162mm x 41mm

Weight: 704g

448 pages