The Astonishing Life of August March

A Novel

By: Aaron Jackson

Narrated by: Joel Froomkin

Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2020 Aaron Jackson (P)2020 HarperAudio

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.

a delightful listen through and through

the story is unique and fascinating. the way it is told and the language used is fun and as unique as the story and titular character August March. the narrator delivered it perfectly. this is an excellent book to read and/or listen to!

A pure delight

August March is lively, adventurous, and just so damn fun. Not a fan of audio books coming into this, I struggled at times to hit pause. It is one heck of a debut from Aaron Jackson and if you’re reading this review, I think you should just listen to it. I doubt you’ll be disappointed.

Very good....understatement!

'Had' to read for Book Club, and so glad I did...a weird, quirky story, which at times made me laugh out loud, a very rare occurrence. I can assure you!
Don't miss this book, plus narrated brilliantly!

Delightful!

This audiobook features a wonderful performance from narrator Joel Froomkin, but the real star of the show is August March. A thrilling, funny, sometimes poignant tale of life on Broadway, on the mean streets of New York, in a snooty boarding school, and finally home.

the perfect escape into another time

August March is a character you will never forget. You are taken into a life of hard knocks with a character who takes everything thrown at him and survives. I fell in love with , cried for and rooted for August. I have waited a long time for a book like this. All the different characters have well thought out personalities and quirks, you can't help but get drawn in. The story is so well written by Aaron Jackson and the narration by Joel Leslie that you feel like you are watching a play instead if listening to a book. I shared this with my 12 yr old grandson (there are a few parts not pg enough for the 9 yr old yet), and he loved it. I hope this is made into a play or movie. Worth the credit and your time.

Great read/listen

Very enjoyable! The narrator is FANTASTIC and the book itself is charming and funny and perfect!

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!