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Award-winning author Klein examines the emotional and personal toll associated with the rise of far-right ideology in this new adult political drama. The last thing Nick Schefield expects when he enrolls at a small but elite New England university is to brush elbows in his dorm with an unabashed adherent of fascism. Krause Lunz seems to lurk around every corner as if attempting to make friends with Nick in the worst way possible—by shocking his liberal sensibilities with the pipedreams of the National Peoples Party, a white supremacist, neo-Nazi group determined to conquer American politics. At first, Nick listens politely to Krause's shocking prattle and the galling reports of his writing progress on his fascist treatise.
However, simply listening and offering an opposing perspective only seems to encourage Krause's strange insistence upon sharing details Nick doesn't want to hear. But when Nick falls in love with Monique, a mixed-race student, he knows he must take a stand not only with Krause but also with the NPP party, whose rally is allowed to take place on campus, protected by the First Amendment. Nick soon sheds his uncertainty about his major and future career plans and begins writing a novel that mirrors his university experience. But nothing he does or says ever seems to repel Krause from invading his space and his peace of mind.
The tale's slow-burning tension echoes the contemporary struggle in American politics to sort out the moral imperatives of democracy from the amoral hatred of self and others. Articulate, insightful prose, skillful character development, and a deep dive into the confusion, anger, and frustration engendered across the political spectrum by a fascist minority help to balance the sudden, surprising conclusion that no one sees coming. This is a must-read for college-bound youngsters who enjoy political sparring.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review