SOLVED. sci-fi boy who eats ants, joins circus, has doll with crystal eyes [s]

[D'Michelle]

trying to find the name of a book I read about 20 years ago, thought it was by Harlan Ellison but couldn't find it in his bibliography. About a strange boy who joins a circus, has a doll with crystal eyes. The eyes may be aliens that have replaced him cell by cell. he has a formic acid deficiency that makes him eat ants.

[Ayshe]

The Dreaming Jewels?

If the part about the eyes is spoiler, you should edit your post to include some warning - as to not spoil the book for other people.

[Andy]

Definitely the Dreaming Jewels by Theodore Sturgeon

[Bargle]

Ayshe wrote: "The Dreaming Jewels?

If the part about the eyes is spoiler, you should edit your post to include some warning - as to not spoil the book for other people."

AKA "The Synthetic Man" in case the OP doesn't recognize the original title.

[D'Michelle]

Andy wrote: "Definitely the Dreaming Jewels by Theodore Sturgeon"

Yes. That's it. Thank you.

[Andy]

Glad you found your book. I liked The Dreaming Jewels very much

[Ayshe]

So, is the part about the eyes spoiler? I'd like there to be some warning for potential readers, if so.