2013*Signed 1st* The Palace Of Curiosities - Rosie Garland(Borough Press)

Rare signed paperback. Rare signature no others listed. Book good condition.

“The Palace of Curiosities” is a historical novel by Rosie Garland, first published in 2013. The book is a blend of gothic fiction, magical realism, and historical narrative, set in 19th-century London. It explores the lives of two unique protagonists within the world of a Victorian freak show.

Plot Summary

The story is told from alternating perspectives:

1. Eve - A woman born with a full coat of hair on her body, she is labeled a “freak” from birth. Her mother hides her away until her death, after which Eve is taken in by a traveling circus. Eventually, she becomes a part of the “Palace of Curiosities,” a freak show run by the manipulative Mr. Arroner. Eve is known as the “Lion-Faced Girl” and is objectified as an exotic, wild creature. Despite her unique appearance, Eve grapples with her identity and yearns for love and understanding.

2. Abel - A mysterious man with no memory of his past and an apparent inability to die. Abel arrives at the freak show seeking a sense of belonging and a chance to understand who or what he is. He takes on the role of a strongman in the troupe but remains haunted by his past experiences and his immortality. His memories come in fragmented visions, adding an element of suspense as he tries to piece together his origins.

Themes

The novel explores several key themes:

• Identity and Self-Acceptance: Both protagonists struggle with societal perceptions of their appearance and their search for self-worth. Eve must come to terms with her uniqueness, while Abel seeks to uncover his origins and purpose.

• Exploitation and Humanity: The freak show serves as a metaphor for the exploitation of individuals who don’t fit into societal norms. The characters are treated as spectacles rather than human beings, highlighting issues of exploitation and objectification.

• Loneliness and Companionship: Eve and Abel’s stories intersect as they find solace in each other’s presence, navigating their shared experiences of isolation and otherness.

Style and Tone

Rosie Garland’s writing is poetic and atmospheric, with a lush, descriptive style that vividly brings the Victorian setting to life. The novel has a dark, gothic undertone, reflective of the grim realities of the freak show environment and the often bleak lives of its characters. The dual narrative structure allows readers to delve into the inner worlds of both protagonists, creating a rich, layered story.

Critical Reception

“The Palace of Curiosities” was praised for its originality, lush prose, and the depth of its characters. It was longlisted for the Desmond Elliott Prize, highlighting it as a notable debut novel. Readers appreciated Garland’s ability to weave magical realism with historical fiction, creating a compelling narrative that challenges traditional notions of beauty, identity, and belonging.

About the Author

Rosie Garland is a British writer, poet, and performer. Known for her versatility, she has worked across various genres, including poetry, novels, and performance art. “The Palace of Curiosities” was her debut novel, and it established her as a distinct voice in historical fiction with a flair for the gothic and the unusual.

Overall, “The Palace of Curiosities” is a haunting, thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be different and the lengths people go to find acceptance and love.