🎩 Book Review: The Conjurer’s Wife by Sarah Penner (Kindle Edition)
A lush, atmospheric short story of illusion, betrayal, and female agency—Sarah Penner transports readers to 1820s Venice for a tale where the greatest magic trick is reclaiming one’s own power.
🧠 Overview
Published in January 2025, The Conjurer’s Wife is a 40-page historical fantasy set in the glittering yet shadowy world of 19th-century Venetian theatre. It follows Olivia Van Hoff, the beautiful wife and stage assistant of world-renowned illusionist Oscar Van Hoff. Onstage, she plays the perfect partner—smiling, reciting her lines, and helping Oscar dazzle sold-out crowds with seemingly impossible feats. Offstage, she’s expected to maintain the same polished façade in society.
But Olivia’s patience is wearing thin. On the eve of Oscar’s most ambitious performance yet, she uncovers a dangerous secret—one that could destroy his career, his reputation, and their marriage. With the truth in her hands, Olivia must decide whether to remain the silent assistant or take control of the finale herself.
🎭 Key Themes & Highlights
- 🪄 Illusion vs. reality: The story plays with the blurred lines between stagecraft and deception in relationships
- 👩 Female empowerment: Olivia’s arc is about stepping out of the shadows and seizing her own agency
- 🎭 Theatre as metaphor: The grandeur of 1820s Venetian magic acts mirrors the social performances of marriage
- 🌊 Venetian atmosphere: Penner’s prose evokes canals, candlelit theatres, and the opulence of a city built on spectacle
- ⚡ Twist of fate: The climax delivers a satisfying reversal, giving Olivia the last word—literally and figuratively
“On the eve of what promises to be Oscar’s greatest performance yet, Olivia uncovers a secret with the power to shatter all her husband’s illusions”.
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.84/5 from over 8,600 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the rich setting, feminist undertones, and cinematic pacing
- 💬 “A perfect little bite of historical fiction—gorgeous imagery, a dash of magic, and a heroine worth rooting for.”
- 🧾 Some note that the short format leaves them wanting more backstory, but most agree it works as a self-contained tale
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 40 pages, it’s a quick, one-sitting read—best approached as a vignette rather than a full novel
- 📚 Standalone: Not connected to Penner’s other works (The Lost Apothecary, The London Séance Society), but shares her signature blend of history and mystery
- 🧠 Light fantasy: The magical elements are subtle, more theatrical than supernatural
🏁 Final Verdict
The Conjurer’s Wife is a gorgeously staged, tightly written short story that delivers historical intrigue, a touch of magic, and a heroine who refuses to be anyone’s silent assistant. Perfect for fans of The Night Circus, The Lost Apothecary, or any reader who loves a quick hit of atmospheric, feminist historical fiction.
