"A novel"--Cover

"...the story of four interlocking lives: Louis Tremper, the headmaster at the Forge School; his wife, Claire; Tracey Parker, a twenty-five-year-old gay man and recently hired teacher at the Forge School; and Noah Lathrop III, a troubled student--all of whom struggle with their own inner demons, desires, and conflicted loyalties. When Tracey and Noah become involved in an illicit relationship, dark incidents from the school's past begin colliding with the current growing confusion that all of them must face. Compelling and poignant, this is the finest work yet from one of the best contemporary American novelists."--P. [4] of cover