The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing

This unusual book tells the dark, often harrowing story of Octavian, a boy in the care of a house of rational philosophers in revolutionary Boston.

Octavian is given the best classical education, while his actions and reactions are continuously observed and recorded by the philosophers.

However, as Octavian grows up it becomes apparent that he, and his African Princess mother, are being kept as living experiments and that there is no prospect of freedom.

As questions about his circumstances begin to form in Octavian's mind, events both inside and outside the house become increasingly dangerous and he wonders how he can escape for good.

This is a powerful book about slavery and revolution, told in a chillingly authentic tone, which is certain to inspire questions and discussion among all who read it.