The story is about Beatrice Hunsdorfer, a middle-aged widowed eccentric, and her two daughters, Ruth and Matilda, as they navigate life's challenges. Beatrice, who is poorly equipped to survive modern life, has learned to muddle through, while Ruth struggles with epilepsy and adolescence, and Matilda finds solace in her animals and schoolwork. The title, "A Thousand Clowns", is the subject of Matilda's science project and serves as a metaphor for how life affects each person differently, with some finding opportunities in adversity and others succumbing to its burdens.

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
A mother navigates the challenges of raising two daughters with unique personalities and passions, while also finding a balance between her own desires and their diverse needs.