I want to read this SO BADLY! Whyyyyyy is it not released in the US?

Set in Victorian England where life is cold and cruel for the poor and different, this is a story of hope and fortitude. Against all incredible odds, is the fortitude to live and love.

Excellently written, Garland takes the reader to the seemly underbelly of England. Eve is born with the very unique deformity of a lion-faced girl. With paws for hands and abundant fur, she is found by Josiah Arroner. In love with the concept of love and normalcy, Eve agrees to marry him.

Too late, she realizes he simply wanted to add her to his "palace of curiosities" where the gentrified and not-so refined can pay a fee to see wonders of the age. As she sits on stage, dressed in elaborate clothing, timidly waving a colorful fan, the audience gaps at her, at times making lewd remarks.

Abel is a man cursed with the fact that he can never die. Living over and over again, forgetting much and longing to be free, many times he attempts to kill himself. Unsuccessful in freeing himself of the chain of perpetual life, Abel resides as a curiosity in "Professor" Josiah Arroner's house of the abnormals.

Exploited by their keeper, they begin a life changing journey.

Three Stars. ( )

This debut novel has set the mark for this year's reading for me. It blew me away and I could not put it down. The author has written a superb tale that captivated me from the very beginning. Garland writes so eloquently that I felt as if I could step into the pages and become part of the story. I'm not sure what genre to put this amazing tale into so I'm calling it historical fantasy. The plot centres around two characters who find themselves in a freak show due to their unusual differences. One seems to have the gift of everlasting life, the other is a woman covered in a furry pelt. The other members of the freak show are equally as fascinating and I feel they could all have their own stories to tell. I loved the build-up to Eve and Abel's relationship and adored the way their tale ended. I never expected this to be such a heart-warming story that's also filled with hope and determination. I'll definitely be looking out for more by Rosie Garland. ( )