The story in one page
Marjorie Dean and her friends return to Hamilton College for their second year, determined to improve the freshman experience. Having endured a cold, unwelcoming reception the previous year from the exclusive Sans Soucians, the sophomores make it their mission to be kind to new arrivals. Between managing team sports and navigating social cliques, the girls work to establish their own legacy. As the school year concludes, they exchange May baskets and commit to fostering new traditions, shifting their focus toward their future as juniors at Hamilton.
Who's who
- Marjorie Dean
The thoughtful, natural leader of the sophomore group.
- Jerry Macy
Marjorie's spirited friend and a vocal opponent of the Sans.
- Sans Soucians
An exclusive college club known for their unfriendly reception style.
- Miss Towne
A lonely freshman whom the sophomores take under their wing.
What it's really about
- Social Inclusion
- Replacing exclusionary elitism with widespread campus kindness.
- Tradition Building
- Reintroducing forgotten customs to define college culture.
Why it's memorable
- Wearing matching white linen dresses for a formal welcome ceremony.
- Secretly delivering a May basket to an isolated faculty member.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
The group decides to pursue pleasant traditions like May showers instead of fighting social friction. Marjorie resolves to focus on elevating Hamilton's grace as she enters her junior year.
For your book club
- Can a group of friends really change campus culture through manners?
- Why does the Sans club's behavior drive the plot's conflicts?