Jean by Madeleine Dunnigan review

February 6, 2026

TL;DR

The novel is a queer coming-of-age story set in a bohemian 1970s school.
The protagonist, Jean, is a 17-year-old Jewish scholarship boy with a history of violence and exclusion.
The school, known as 'The House of Nutters,' is an isolated microcosm for male pupils, mixing bohemianism with protocol.
The narrative takes place in the summer of 1976, a time of potential cultural explosion.
Jean's desires are explored as both infantile and adult, with his journey leading to self-knowledge.
A fleeting look from a classmate, Tom, ignites Jean's sexual awakening.
The story delves into Jean's past, including death, abandonment, and sexual abuse.
The narrative balances disillusionment (Tom's betrayal) with discovery, leading to the retrieval of a crucial childhood memory.
The book is praised as an impressive and accomplished debut that speaks to readers navigating their queer identity.

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