Trevor Cribben Merrill Knihy

Colin Phelps faces a stark contrast between his conservative rural upbringing and the hedonistic environment of an Ivy League college. Immersed in a culture of public nudity and intellectual debates, he navigates the chaotic landscape alongside his rebellious roommate. As he engages in the hookup culture, Colin learns that the quest for rebellion can lead to unforeseen challenges, forcing him to shed his superficial persona in search of true freedom and authenticity.

The book explores the resurgence of Catholic novelists in American literature, highlighting their connection to literary giants like Bernanos and Waugh. Despite this revival, contemporary writers face significant challenges from mainstream culture that often opposes traditional Christian values. The narrative reflects on the tension between artistic expression and societal perceptions, illustrating how writers with strong moral convictions are frequently marginalized. It emphasizes the unique blend of moral seriousness and dark comedy found in classic works, contrasting it with today's literary landscape.

In this rich exploration of Rene Girard's insights, his French editor and longtime collaborator Benoit Chantre brings Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans into dialogue with both Proust and Girard in order to push to its logical endpoint the idea of a back-and-forth movement from chaos to order.