Plot Summary

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing

M.T. Anderson
Guide cover placeholder

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006

Book Brief

M.T. Anderson

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 1770s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party by M.T. Anderson follows Octavian and his mother, African princess Cassiopeia, who are enslaved in 18th-century Boston. They reside in the College of Lucidity, where Octavian receives a classical education, but he later discovers his life is a scientific experiment to assess African intellect. As political upheaval intensifies, Octavian's quest for freedom highlights the era's deep-rooted hypocrisy. The narrative vividly portrays themes of enslavement, autonomy, and societal injustice. The book includes depictions of violence and exploitation.

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.9

16,116 ratings

57%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing by M.T. Anderson is widely praised for its rich historical context and sophisticated prose. Critics commend its thought-provoking narrative and emotional depth, though some find its dense writing style challenging. Overall, it's a highly regarded, ambitious work that explores complex themes with intelligence and nuance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing?

Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson will relish the richly detailed, thought-provoking historical narrative of M.T. Anderson's The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, which explores complex themes of identity, freedom, and inequality in pre-Revolutionary America.

3.9

16,116 ratings

57%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 1770s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!