Tom Pierson’s freshman obsessions–with American literature and with the pert assistant to the dean of Abbott College–dominate his first term. When his idealism, inspired by Jack London’s portrayal of working class struggles, collides with establishment forces, he learns to rue a lesson from London: that fate is often capriciously twisted “when God Laughs.”

Steve Dhondt brings passion and literary sophistication to the coming-of-age novel. The telltales themes–idolization of inspiring role models, youthful bravado undermined by self-doubt, first love and betrayal–are outlined in graceful prose with signature empathy. Dhondt deftly pays homage to London by emulating the master’s satire and keen understanding of human nature in a story that builds to a tumultuous conclusion.