Tradition by Brendan Kiely 📚 Book Review

Brendan Kiely’s Tradition is a hard-hitting and necessary young adult novel that exposes the toxic culture of privilege, sexism, and silence at an elite boarding school. Set at Fullbrook Academy, a prestigious institution that prides itself on its long-standing customs, the novel unpacks the dark side of tradition; how it can be used to protect the powerful while silencing the vulnerable. Through the dual perspectives of Jules, a determined and outspoken senior, and Bash, a hockey player trying to find his place, Tradition challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about systemic inequality, toxic masculinity, and the cost of maintaining the status quo.

This thought-provoking novel is more than just a story, it’s a rallying cry for change. With its powerful themes and well-developed characters, Tradition is a must-read for young adults, educators, and anyone looking to engage in important conversations about privilege, power, and the fight for justice.

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Prestigious. Powerful. Privileged. This is Fullbrook Academy, an elite prep school where history looms in the leafy branches over its brick walkways. But some traditions upheld in its hallowed halls are profoundly dangerous.

Jules Devereux just wants to keep her head down, avoid distractions, and get into the right college, so she can leave Fullbrook and its old-boy social codes behind. She wants freedom, but ex-boyfriends and ex-best friends are determined to keep her in place.

Jamie Baxter feels like an imposter at Fullbrook, but the hockey scholarship that got him in has given him a chance to escape his past and fulfill the dreams of his parents and coaches, whose mantra rings in his ears: Don’t disappoint us.

When Jamie and Jules meet, they recognize in each other a similar instinct for survival, but at a school where girls in the student handbook are rated by their looks, athletes stack hockey pucks in dorm room windows like notches on a bedpost, and school-sponsored dances push first year girls out into the night with senior boys, the stakes for safe sex, real love, and true friendship couldn’t be higher.

As Jules and Jamie’s lives intertwine, and the pressures to play by the rules and remain silent about the school’s secrets intensify, they see Fullbrook for what it really is. That tradition, a word Fullbrook hides behind, can be ugly, even violent. Ultimately, Jules and Jamie are faced with the difficult question: can they stand together against classmates—and an institution—who believe they can do no wrong?

Tradition by Brendan Kiely is a powerful and timely young adult novel that tackles the deeply entrenched issues of privilege, toxic masculinity, and rape culture within the context of an elite boarding school. Kiely, known for his work in social justice-themed literature, delivers a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the societal norms that perpetuate inequality and silence victims.

The story is set at Fullbrook Academy, a prestigious New England prep school with a long history of upholding traditions that, on the surface, seem to foster excellence and camaraderie but, in reality, often conceal darker, more harmful practices. The novel follows the perspectives of two students: Jules Devereux, a fiercely intelligent and outspoken senior who feels suffocated by the sexist culture at Fullbrook, and James “Bash” Bosket, a star hockey player with a troubled past who is new to the school and struggling to find his place.

Jules is determined to expose the hypocrisy and sexism that permeate Fullbrook’s traditions, especially after a traumatic incident that underscores just how deeply these issues run. Bash, on the other hand, is trying to escape his past and make a fresh start, but he quickly realizes that the very system he’s trying to fit into is built on a foundation of privilege and exploitation. As their paths cross, both Jules and Bash are forced to confront the harsh realities of their environment and decide whether they will stand up against the oppressive systems at play or remain silent.

Kiely’s characters are richly developed, with Jules and Bash serving as compelling voices for the novel’s exploration of gender dynamics and the impact of toxic traditions. Jules is a standout protagonist, her anger and frustration with the school’s culture of silence and victim-blaming driving much of the narrative. Her character is a rallying cry for young women who are often told to stay quiet in the face of injustice, and her journey from disillusionment to activism is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

Bash’s storyline provides a complementary perspective, offering insight into the pressures placed on young men to conform to harmful standards of masculinity. Kiely does an excellent job of depicting Bash’s internal struggle as he grapples with his complicity in a system that has long benefited him but at great cost to others. His evolving friendship with Jules is one of the novel’s strengths, showing how mutual respect and understanding can bridge divides and foster change.

The setting of Fullbrook Academy is almost a character in itself, with its hallowed halls and traditions serving as a backdrop to the novel’s central conflict. Kiely skillfully uses the school’s environment to highlight the ways in which institutions can perpetuate harmful behaviors by clinging to outdated ideals and refusing to adapt to the changing world. The contrast between the school’s prestigious reputation and the toxic culture it harbors underscores the novel’s critique of institutions that prioritize image over the well-being of their students.

Tradition does not shy away from difficult topics, and Kiely handles them with sensitivity and care. The novel’s exploration of sexual assault, consent, and the ways in which society often fails survivors is unflinchingly honest. Kiely challenges readers to question their own assumptions about tradition and the costs of maintaining the status quo, making the novel a powerful tool for sparking conversations about these critical issues.

The writing is accessible yet impactful, with a pace that keeps the reader engaged while allowing for moments of reflection. Kiely’s use of alternating perspectives between Jules and Bash adds depth to the narrative, providing a well-rounded view of the issues at hand and emphasizing the importance of both male and female voices in the fight against inequality.

Positives of Tradition

• ✔ Timely and Important Themes – The novel tackles issues of sexual assault, consent, privilege, and toxic masculinity with unflinching honesty and care.
• ✔ Compelling Dual Narratives – Jules and Bash provide contrasting but complementary perspectives, making the story richer and more impactful.
• ✔ Strong Female Protagonist – Jules’ courage and frustration in the face of institutional sexism make her an inspiring and relatable character.
• ✔ Insightful Look at Masculinity – Bash’s internal struggles highlight the pressure on young men to conform to harmful gender norms.
• ✔ Well-Developed Setting – Fullbrook Academy is more than just a backdrop; it serves as a powerful symbol of how institutions protect those in power at the expense of others.
• ✔ Engaging, Accessible Writing – Kiely’s writing is thought-provoking yet easy to read, keeping the pacing tight while allowing for meaningful moments of reflection.

Negatives of Tradition

• ✖ Predictable Elements – While the novel’s themes are powerful, some plot points follow familiar YA contemporary tropes.
  ✖ Secondary Characters Could Be Stronger – While Jules and Bash are well-developed, some supporting characters feel underutilized.
  ✖ Difficult Subject Matter – The novel’s honest depiction of sexual assault and systemic injustice may be distressing for some readers (though handled with care).

Tradition is not just a novel, it’s a call to action. Brendan Kiely delivers a searing critique of the ways in which privilege and power are used to silence those who dare to speak out, making this book an essential read for young adults, educators, and anyone interested in dismantling toxic systems. With its engaging dual perspectives, well-crafted setting, and fearless exploration of difficult topics, Tradition leaves a lasting impact. It challenges readers to ask tough questions about the world around them and to have the courage to demand change.

I received Tradition by Brendan Kiely from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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