Review: 'Lucien' is an Unnerving Campus Tale

J.R. Thornton's new novel follows a Harvard student's dangerous friendship with a manipulative classmate.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:00pm

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A stark, abstract illustration featuring two intertwined silhouetted figures in muted grays and blues, conveying the unnerving psychological tension at the core of the campus novel 'Lucien'.The toxic friendship at the heart of 'Lucien' is a psychological thriller that unsettles as it captivates.Cambridge Today

In J.R. Thornton's new novel 'Lucien', the main character Christopher, a talented artist with a knack for forgery, becomes entangled in a manipulative friendship with his new Harvard classmate Lucien. As Christopher tries to fit in with the elite prep school crowd, he is drawn into Lucien's unscrupulous schemes, leading to a criminal plot that is bound to go sideways.

Why it matters

The novel explores themes of toxic friendships, the desire for acceptance, and the fascinating world of art forgery, all set against the backdrop of the prestigious Harvard campus. 'Lucien' draws comparisons to other classic campus novels like 'The Secret History' and 'A Separate Peace', examining how bumpkin outsiders navigate the world of privileged elites.

The details

The story follows Christopher, a new Harvard student, as he is immediately given the nickname 'Atlas' by his manipulative roommate Lucien. As Christopher becomes drawn into Lucien's schemes, he discovers Lucien's talent for forgery and is pulled into a criminal plot. The novel depicts Christopher's awkward attempts to fit in with the prep school crowd, as well as his blossoming relationship with a classmate named Harriet who is wary of Lucien's influence.

  • Christopher arrives at Harvard University at the start of the novel.
  • Early on, a fellow student compares Christopher to the mythological figure Icarus.

The players

Christopher

The main character and narrator, a talented artist with a knack for forgery who becomes entangled in a dangerous friendship with his classmate Lucien.

Lucien

Christopher's manipulative roommate at Harvard who involves him in unscrupulous schemes, taking advantage of Christopher's artistic abilities.

Harriet

A classmate of Christopher's who becomes romantically involved with him, but is wary of Lucien's influence.

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What they’re saying

“'He flew too close to the sun and the wings melted off his back.'”

— Lucien's classmate

What’s next

The novel builds to a climactic conclusion as Christopher's involvement in Lucien's criminal forgery scheme unravels, leading to an ending that may surprise readers.

The takeaway

Through the lens of a toxic friendship, 'Lucien' explores universal themes of the desire for acceptance and the dangers of being drawn into unethical behavior, all set against the elite backdrop of Harvard University.