There seem to be two general attitudes concerning fraternities. On one hand, they're great, they throw parties and give out free beer. On the other, they're suspicious, with stories of date rape and questionable activities with goats.
This divided mindset is the main theme in Jock Young's novel and fictional exposé, Epsilon Zeta. The novel traces the rise and fall of the Gamma Nu chapter of the Epsilon Zeta fraternity at fictional Northwestern Florida University.
According to Young, fraternities are about politics, sex, drugs, drinking and communal baths -- they are ancient Rome.
Much of what happens in this book is designed to shock and disgust the reader, which Young accomplishes nicely. For example, at one point, several guys have sex with the same drunk girl. Women beware: After reading this book you will intensely dislike frat brothers and possibly men in general.
The novel begins by exposing all the nitty-gritty, disgusting details of fraternities almost as fast as it can reasonably include them in the plot. It leaves no profanity unsaid and no sexual encounter unshared. However, as the story progresses, it grows more positive, finally touching on the ideas of brotherhood and loyalty. However, in this fraternity, even these ideals are controversial. The brothers of Epsilon Zeta are as petty, gossipy and cliquish as the girls on "Laguna Beach."
The novel never resolves; it never chooses to be for or against frats. It ends with the same divided mind that it began with, which perhaps is ultimately the best way to look at fraternities.
The book is not particularly remarkable in terms of writing style or of character development, but, in fairness, that is not the novel's main concern. It aims to present a picture of fraternities that is realistic and unglorified. To really know whether it has succeeded, one must be in a fraternity.
Epsilon Zeta is highly entertaining. Whether you're a "Life Loyal Member" of a fraternity or an ardent feminist, you will enjoy this book. It's like reading the secret diary of fraternities.
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