THE ASTONISHING LIFE OF AUGUST MARCH

What's really astonishing is Joel Froomkin's spectacular performance of this outstanding debut novel. During intermission, a Broadway leading lady gives birth, coolly deposits the newborn into a laundry basket, finishes her play, and never looks back. Aged laundress Eugenia Butler finds the baby and quenches his first thirst with champagne. Froomkin is attuned to Jackson's tongue-in-cheek humor, offering bravura characterizations that fit the story perfectly. August's existence remains a secret, and he grows up backstage, educating himself by watching Shakespeare from the wings. He is befriended by actor Sir Reginald Percyfoot, but a "normal" life is not in the cards for August. Froomkin doesn't miss a note or nuance. He fully channels the quirky cast and highlights the author's wonderful, literate imagination. Truly delightful listening. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2020]