David Cale Books

Harry Clarke is the story of a shy midwestern man who feels more himself when adopting the persona of cocky Londoner Harry Clarke. Moving to New York and presenting himself as an Englishman, he charms his way into a wealthy family’s life, romancing two family members as the seductive and sexually precocious Harry, with more on his mind than love. With his spellbinding and emotionally nuanced storytelling, Cale has created a riveting story of a man leading an outrageous double life.

The story follows Lillian, a middle-aged British woman who reinvents her life by marrying Jimmy, a much younger man. In pursuit of his dream to be a gardener, she opens a flower shop after divorcing her husband. However, Lillian is unaware of Jimmy's heart condition, which adds a poignant layer to their relationship as his youthful exuberance masks a limited time left to live. This narrative explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of age-gap relationships.

The collection features four lyrical solo works by acclaimed writer and performer David Cale, showcasing his mastery in solo theater. Each piece—DEEP IN A DREAM OF YOU, LILLIAN, PALOMINO, and THE HISTORY OF KISSES—highlights Cale's emotional depth, vivid scene-setting, sharp humor, and profound understanding of the inner lives of ordinary individuals. Through these performances, readers can expect a rich exploration of human experiences and emotions, reflecting Cale's unique artistic voice.