King of the Armadillos

In her transcendental debut novel King of the Armadillos, Wendy Chin-Tanner crafts a poignant story of family, love, and belonging, set in 1950s New York City and a leprosarium in Louisiana. The narrative follows 15-year-old Victor Chin as he navigates life after being diagnosed with Hansen’s disease, transitioning from the familiarity of his father’s laundry business to the isolation of a federal institution in Carville. Amidst the challenges he faces, including first love and personal loss, Victor discovers a new sense of freedom and the transformative power of art. Inspired by the author's father's real-life experiences, this groundbreaking historical fiction offers a compelling exploration of resilience and identity.