Lucien: A Novel by J. R. Thornton

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

A gifted yet financially disadvantaged artist falls victim to the manipulative control of his wealthy, enigmatic Harvard roommate in this incendiary novel from the author of Beautiful Country—a piercing exploration of class, ambition, identity, and the perilous cost of reinvention in the tradition of Patricia Highsmith and Donna Tartt.

The son of working-class Czech immigrants, Christopher “Atlas” Novotny is a talented painter who arrives at Harvard on a full scholarship. Raised amid hardship, he is unprepared for the privileged world introduced to him by his freshman roommate, Lucien Orsini-Conti.

Born to wealthy European diplomats, Lucien plays the part of the confident, sophisticated bon vivant. Where Lucien is bold and brash, Atlas is timid and introverted. Growing up a lonely outsider, Atlas is insecure, impressionable, and in awe of his brilliant roommate. But is Lucien all that he seems?

Sensing a willing disciple, Lucien introduces Atlas to a glittering new world of lavish parties and elite social clubs. When Atlas struggles to afford his new lifestyle, Lucien offers a solution, convincing the naïve artist to become a forger, passing off fakes to galleries and dealers.

But Lucien’s charismatic facade conceals something darker and more sinister. As Lucien’s behavior grows increasingly unstable, Atlas is forced into escalating risks with devastating consequences.

Drawing inspiration from the true crime stories of Christian Gerhartsreiter (a.k.a. “Clark Rockefeller”) and Adam Wheeler, Lucien is as darkly seductive and addictively readable as The Secret History, The Incendiaries, Creation Lake, and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

my thoughts:

Wow. Loved Lucien to bits. This new novel by J. R. Thornton is excellent. I love dark academia stories set at an Ivy, and this time round it's Harvard. We get the haves and have-nots, the art world, lavish wealth, the concept of reinvention and the consequences of trying to fit in. This book has it all and in spades. It's a gripping story that will hook you right from the start. These characters that you can't help but love and hate, their misadventures that get wilder, darker, and dangerous. And, the beautiful trappings of wealth that lure you in, only to leave you choking on the ugliness lurking just beneath it all. It's mesmerizing, thought-provoking and one hell of a ride. Lucien is a definite must-read. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you most definitely do not want to miss out on this gem. Make sure to grab a copy ASAP and dive right in. Happy reading!

Thank you to the publisher and edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book!