An extraordinary novel about the ubiquitous mysteries of family, memory and music.
Mat Osman Books
Mat Osman is a musician whose early years were marked by the formation of musical groups. After university studies in politics, he returned to music, becoming a co-writer of rock songs that defined the sound of an era. Following the dissolution of his key band, Osman turned to writing for various media while also delving into television music production. With the reunion of his original band, Osman has returned to his role as bassist and songwriter, indicating the enduring impact of his artistic ethos.
In Elizabethan London, two worlds collide on a rooftop. Shay, a messenger-girl and hawk trainer, perceives the future through the patterns of birds. Nonesuch, a star of the city's child theatre scene, is as renowned as royalty yet as lowly as a beggar. Together, they form The Ghost Theatre, a troupe that stages magical plays in hidden corners of the city. Their hallucinatory performances ignite rebellion among outcasts, while their relationship intensifies against the backdrop of plague and a city in flames. As their fame grows, they become entangled in the dark web of the Elizabethan court, learning that soaring too high can lead to a devastating fall. This captivating tale explores the rise and tragic downfall of a dream born from love and shattered by betrayal. With a blend of fantastical elements and gritty realism, it paints a rich, evocative picture of rebellion, magic, and broken love amidst the streets and theatres of Elizabethan London. The narrative features larger-than-life heroes, child rebellions, and treacherous love affairs, creating a hauntingly beautiful and thrilling experience that lingers long after the last page.
