One of Us: Part 1

Join us for the first half of *One of Us*, a macabre and gritty tale about orphaned twins on the run from their murderous "uncle" who find refuge in a bizarre traveling carnival, penned by master of literary horror Dan Chaon. It's 1915 and the world is transforming, but for thirteen-year-old Bolt and Eleanor--twins eerily attuned enough to one another read each other's minds--the future is dark. After their mother dies, they are taken into the care of a vicious con man who claims to be their long-lost uncle Charlie, after he unexpectedly turns up claiming to be kin. During a late-night poker game, when one of his rages ends in murder, they decide to flee. They are sold into the keeping of Mr. Jengling, founder of the Emporium of Wonders and father to its members. Bolt and Eleanor travel by train across the vast, sometimes brutal American frontier with their new family, watching as the exhibitions spark amazement wherever they go. There's Minnie, the three-legged lady, and Dr. Chui, who stands over seven feet tall; Thistle Britches, the clown with no nose, and Rosalie, who can foretell the death of anyone she meets. But as Bolt falls in deeper with the clan of traveling show people, Eleanor pulls further away from him. Meanwhile, Uncle Charlie remains hot on their trail, forcing the twins find themselves to face a strange and terriflying peril which will forever alter the course of their lives. An ode to the misfits and the marginalized, *One of Us* is a riotous and singularly creepy celebration of this strange and spectacular family of final resort. Location at Jess White's home in Rogers Park near the Jarvis Red Line stop. "Yes" RSVPs will receive event location details 24 hours before the event. PLEASE MESSAGE JESS ON DISCORD (@inopportunist/Jess) IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE ADDRESS. Feel free to bring any food, drinks, or snacks to share. Jess has three cats for anyone with allergies and you have to walk up a short flight of stairs.