King of the Armadillos

Discover a "transcendent" and deeply moving debut novel about family loyalty, forbidden freedom, and the enduring power of community.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of the author's father, King of the Armadillos follows the journey of Victor Chin, a young man whose world is completely upended in the 1950s. Just as he is finding his footing working in his father's laundry business in the Bronx after emigrating from China, Victor receives a life-altering diagnosis: Hansen’s disease (historically known as leprosy).

Forced to leave everything he knows behind, he is sent to a federal quarantine institution in Carville, Louisiana. What begins as a terrifying exile in an isolated facility transforms into a poignant journey of self-discovery. Surrounded by an unforgettable cast of characters from all walks of life, Victor experiences the highs and lows of first love, jealousy, betrayal, and tragedy. Far from the crushing weight of family obligations, he unexpectedly finds a fierce new sense of freedom and belonging within a forgotten, radical community.

Beautifully written and rich with emotional depth, this captivating coming-of-age story is a brilliant testament to the power of human connection and the strength of the spirit to heal from the inside out.

Praise for King of the Armadillos: "Engrossing, rich with emotion, and loaded with unforgettable characters... a mesmerizing work of historical fiction." — Alex Segura, bestselling author of Secret Identity