Alexander Tilney, Author of The Expectations Book

Greenlight neighbor Alexander Tilney presents his debut novel, The Expectations—a sharp and evocative portrait of insiders and outsiders at an elite boarding school who must face a reality very different from what they’ve imagined. Roommates Ben and Ahmed arrive at school determined to become the ideal St. James man, though each has unique obstacles in his path. But even as the boys struggle to prove themselves in the place they’ve revered for so long, they begin to doubt its worth. As The Expectations explores themes of privilege, class, race, and tradition, it flips the familiar tropes of the boarding school novel on its head. Fellow Greenlight neighbor and best-selling author Jennifer Egan joins Tilney in conversation, with a wine reception to follow to celebrate the book’s launch.