The Astonishing Life of August March

A Novel

By: Aaron Jackson

Narrated by: Joel Froomkin

In this enchanting first novel, an irrepressibly optimistic oddball orphan is thrust into the wilds of postwar New York City after an extraordinary childhood in a theater—Candide by way of John Irving, with a hint of Charles Dickens

Abandoned as an infant by his actress mother in her theater dressing room, 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. Like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The World According to Garp, and Be Frank with Me, this razor-sharp debut—a classic tale of a young innocent who finally finds his way, reminds us that everyone can find love. Even August March.

What a great book!

You will enjoy this immensely! The narrator is works as if he wrote the words himself.

Delightful and silly with some heart

This is pure fun! The specific details of the world and characters are so clear and nuanced, you’ll love the imagery and laugh at the weird specifics. Along with smiling and laughing while listening, there were a couple of moments I caught myself audibly “Aaaawww” in empathy, which is a good sign for me. If you want to forget everything right now, this is a delightful and adventurous escape.

Engaging and well-written

I was lost in this wonderful novel, and the actor reading was just fantastic. Aaron Jackson wrote a truly engaging masterpiece. Highly recommend!

Listening was like being in the theater

A silly book that is perfect to escape from the woes and stresses of life. Hearing it on Audible is like listening to a theatrical performance, which I appreciated since theaters are all closed at this time. August March did have an astonishing life!

A Most Enjoyable Experience!

Smashing performance by the Narrator and the writing was nothing short of brilliant! I love a great book that keeps me laughing and this had so many moments I laughed so hard I squealed! Joel was absolutely riveting! Had we not been driving when the book ended we would have given it a standing ovation for sure!