An irrepressibly optimistic oddball, abandoned in a theater as a baby, is thrust into the wilds of postwar New York City in this “delightful romp of a book” (Historical Novels Review).
Abandoned as an infant by his actress mother, August March was raised by an ancient laundress. Highly intelligent, a tad feral, August is a true child of the theater—able to recite Shakespeare before he knew the alphabet.
But like all productions, August’s wondrous time inside the theater comes to a close, and he finds himself in the wilds of postwar New York City, where he quickly rises from pickpocket street urchin to star student at the stuffiest boarding school in the nation.
To survive, August must rely upon the kindness of strangers, only some of whom have his best interests at heart. As he grows up, his heart begins to yearn for love—which he may or may not finally find in Penny, a clever and gifted con artist.
Aaron Jackson has crafted a brilliant, enchanting story at once profound and delightfully entertaining—a classic tale of a young innocent who finally finds his way, reminding us that everyone can find love. Even August March.
“A delirious, fantastical romp behind the curtain of New York’s theater society.” —Abbi Jacobson, New York Times–bestselling author of I Might Regret This
“The phrase ‘child of the theater’ has never been more literally or comically depicted. . . . [a] quirky coming-of-age story with a protagonist who is equal parts Benjamin Button, David Copperfield, and Don Quixote.” —Historical Novels Review
