In his latest novel, James Frey peels back the pristine veneer of suburban wealth to expose the rot beneath in “Next to Heaven,” a gripping exploration of privilege, desire, and destruction in America’s most exclusive enclave. Set in the fictional town of New Bethlehem, Connecticut, this darkly atmospheric thriller weaves together multiple narratives that culminate in a shocking murder, revealing how the pursuit of perfection often leads to devastating consequences.
The Setting: A Modern American Aristocracy
New Bethlehem emerges as a character itself – a town where old money mingles with new, where success is measured in square footage and social standing, and where appearances are everything. Frey masterfully constructs this rarefied world, from its perfectly manicured lawns to its unspoken hierarchies. The town’s history, carefully detailed through interwoven passages, provides crucial context for understanding its present-day dynamics and the weight of legacy that bears down on its residents.
Character Dynamics
At the center of the story are two women: Devon Kensington McCallister, a descendant of American aristocracy married to ruthless hedge fund manager Billy McCallister, and Belle Hedges Moore, a Texas oil heiress whose marriage to private equity “closer” Teddy Moore has grown cold. These women, bound by wealth and secrets, set in motion events that will shatter their carefully constructed world.
The supporting cast is equally compelling:
- Alex Hunter, former NFL quarterback desperate to maintain his golden boy image while his life crumbles
- Charlie Dunlap, a charismatic hockey coach with a talent for seducing married women
- Grace Hunter, Alex’s wife, wrestling with the collapse of her fairy tale marriage
- Katy Boyle, a math teacher hiding dark secrets from her past
Plot and Pacing
Frey structures the novel like a high-stakes chess game, with each character’s moves and countermoves building tension toward an inevitable but shocking conclusion. The narrative alternates between present-day events and carefully placed flashbacks that reveal crucial backstory. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to become fully immersed in New Bethlehem’s world before the carefully orchestrated chaos begins.
Themes and Social Commentary
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
- The corrupting influence of extreme wealth
- The performance of perfection in high-society
- Gender dynamics and power
- The cost of maintaining appearances
- The illusion of control in a world built on privilege
Writing Style and Craft
Frey’s prose is sharp and unflinching, employing a unique style that combines detailed observation with raw emotional impact. He frequently breaks conventional grammar rules to create a more immediate, visceral effect. While this approach mostly works, occasionally it can feel repetitive or self-conscious.
Strengths
- Masterful world-building that creates a vivid sense of place
- Complex, morally ambiguous characters
- Intricate plot construction
- Incisive social commentary
- Strong sense of psychological tension
Areas for Improvement
- Some secondary plot threads feel underdeveloped
- Occasional overreliance on stylistic repetition
- A few character motivations could be more fully explored
- The pacing in the middle section sometimes lags
The Impact
“Next to Heaven” by James Frey succeeds as both a gripping thriller and a searing indictment of American excess. It forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about privilege, power, and the lengths people will go to preserve both. The novel’s resolution is both satisfying and unsettling, leaving readers to grapple with its implications long after the final page.
Comparisons and Context
Fans of Tom Wolfe’s “Bonfire of the Vanities” and Liane Moriarty’s “Big Little Lies” will find familiar territory here, though Frey brings his own distinct voice to the genre. The novel also recalls the sharp social observation of Edith Wharton’s “The Age of Innocence,” updated for our contemporary gilded age.
Final Verdict
Despite some minor flaws, “Next to Heaven” by James Frey is a compelling and timely novel that succeeds in both entertaining and provoking thought. It is worth reading for its ambitious scope, sharp execution, and powerful commentary on contemporary American society.
Personal Note
Having received an advance reader copy of “Next to Heaven,” I was struck by how timely and relevant its themes feel in our current moment of increasing wealth inequality and social division. Frey has created something that transcends simple categorization—part thriller, part social satire, part moral fable—and the result is both entertaining and deeply unsettling.
