Little People
a novel
Jane Sullivan
‘A pure delight — I fell in love with this glorious novel from the very first page. Little People is vibrant storytelling at its charismatic best.’
Toni Jordan
When Mary Ann, an impoverished governess, rescues a child from the Yarra River, she sets in motion a train of events that she could never have foreseen. It is not a child she has saved but General Tom Thumb, star of a celebrated troupe of midgets on their 1870 tour of Australia.
From the enchanting Queen of Beauty Lavinia Stratton to the brilliant pianist Franz Richardson, it seems that Mary Ann has fallen in among friends. She soon discovers, however, that relationships within the troupe and its entourage are far from harmonious. Jealousy is rife, and there are secrets aplenty: even Mary Ann has one of her own. Relief gradually turns to fear as she realises that she may be a pawn in a more dangerous game than she imagined …
This gripping historical novel has all the colour and flair of the circus, complete with sideshows starring the little people themselves. A fantastical tale of intrigue and showtime glamour, Little People will charm and beguile you.
Reviews
‘A startling feat of the gothic imagination, made wholly convincing by lucid and controlled storytelling.’
Amanda Lohrey
‘Filled with surprises and splendidly told, Little People is a big achievement.’
Sun Herald
» All reviews for this title‘Clever … irreverent … fanciful … Sullivan’s Gothic take on the world of Barnum is very winning. The characters leap off the page, each in narrative turn running with the story baton, scattering to the wind lovely Victorianisms.’
Sydney Morning Herald
