Plot Summary
Four Devils Arrive
Andrei and his three foster brothers—Diesel, Jessie, and Levi—arrive at Beverly Bay High, a school for the ultra-privileged. Marked by their pasts and united by their foster father Chief, they're determined to keep their heads down and survive senior year. But the contrast between their rough backgrounds and the school's opulence is stark. The boys' camaraderie is laced with humor and loyalty, but also a sense of being perpetual outsiders. Andrei, the group's anchor, tries to keep everyone in line, but trouble seems inevitable. Their arrival is met with suspicion and prejudice, setting the stage for a year where old wounds and new opportunities collide, and where the bonds of chosen family will be tested by the pressures of a world that sees them as "trash."
Prejudice and Privilege Clash
Andrei's attempt to keep the peace is quickly derailed when a cafeteria altercation with Shay-Lee, the school's golden boy, explodes. The fight is a microcosm of the class divide: the foster kids versus the entitled elite. Miles, a beautiful and enigmatic equestrian, intervenes, catching Andrei's attention. The incident lands both groups in detention, but it also sparks a connection between Andrei and Miles. The school's administration, led by the icy Mrs. Morrison, makes it clear that the new boys are on thin ice. Prejudice is palpable, and the boys' criminal records are used as weapons against them. Yet, beneath the hostility, a spark of something new—curiosity, attraction, and the possibility of change—begins to flicker.
Detention and Desire
In detention, Andrei and Miles exchange glances that are charged with possibility. Shay-Lee's possessiveness over Miles is revealed, hinting at a complicated history. The foster brothers' dynamic is further explored: Diesel's anger, Jessie and Levi's playful romance, and Andrei's role as peacemaker. Miles, meanwhile, is drawn to Andrei's authenticity and strength, a stark contrast to the superficiality around him. The seeds of romance are sown amid chaos, but so are the seeds of rivalry and jealousy. The boys' outsider status is reinforced, but so is their resilience. The emotional stakes rise as attraction and animosity become intertwined, setting the stage for both love and conflict.
Stolen Moments, New Bonds
Andrei and Miles begin to steal moments together, their connection deepening with each encounter. A chance meeting at the stables leads to flirtation and vulnerability. Both are drawn to each other's differences—Andrei's rough edges, Miles's privileged but lonely world. The foster brothers' loyalty is tested as Diesel's protectiveness clashes with Andrei's budding romance. Family dinners at Chief's house reveal the warmth and chaos of their chosen family, but also the scars of their pasts. The boys' attempts to fit in are met with resistance, but their bond grows stronger. Love, for the first time, feels possible, but it comes with risks—of exposure, betrayal, and heartbreak.
Ghosted and Guarded Hearts
A miscommunication leads Miles to cancel a lunch with Andrei, leaving Andrei feeling rejected and vulnerable. Old insecurities resurface, and the boys' different worlds seem more insurmountable than ever. Chief offers wisdom about not crossing oceans for those who won't do the same, but Andrei's heart is already invested. Meanwhile, Miles struggles with his own anxieties and the pressure to be perfect. The pain of being ghosted is raw, but it also forces both boys to confront their fears—of not being enough, of being abandoned, of repeating the mistakes of their pasts. The emotional distance grows, but so does the longing for connection.
Awkward Encounters, Honest Apologies
Fate throws Andrei and Miles together at Andrei's workplace, where an awkward encounter with Miles's exuberant French father, Elliot, leads to embarrassment and unexpected honesty. Miles apologizes for standing Andrei up, and the two share a moment of vulnerability that rekindles their connection. The barriers between them begin to crumble as they open up about their families, dreams, and fears. The promise of a real date—and a chance to start over—emerges. The chapter is a turning point, where forgiveness and understanding pave the way for something deeper, and where the boys realize that love might be worth the risk after all.
Surf, Sun, and First Kiss
Andrei and Miles escape to the beach, where surfing and sunset lead to laughter, confessions, and their first kiss. The physical connection is electric, but it's the emotional intimacy that leaves them both breathless. They share stories of their families—Miles's loving but complicated dads, Andrei's found family with Chief and the boys. The ocean becomes a metaphor for freedom and possibility, a place where they can be themselves without judgment. The chapter is filled with hope and longing, as the boys dare to imagine a future together. But the outside world, with its prejudices and dangers, still looms large.
Family Dinners and Friction
Miles is invited to dinner at Chief's house, where the warmth of Andrei's chosen family is on full display. But Diesel's hostility toward Miles is palpable, fueled by fear of losing his brother and resentment of outsiders. The dinner is a mix of laughter, chaos, and simmering tension, as old wounds and new rivalries surface. Andrei is caught between his loyalty to his family and his feelings for Miles. The evening ends with passion and promises, but also with the realization that love is never simple. The bonds of family—chosen and biological—are tested, and the cost of love becomes clear.
Rivalries and Rising Tensions
The rivalry with Shay-Lee and his crew intensifies, spilling over into school and social life. Shay-Lee's possessiveness over Miles turns menacing, and the foster brothers become targets of bullying and sabotage. Andrei and Miles's relationship is threatened by external pressures and internal doubts. The boys' attempts to carve out a space for themselves are met with resistance, and the line between friend and enemy blurs. The stakes are raised as secrets are weaponized, alliances shift, and the threat of violence becomes real. The chapter is a crucible, where love and loyalty are tested by the harsh realities of prejudice and power.
Party, Passion, and Fallout
A wild party becomes the backdrop for Andrei and Miles's sexual awakening, but also for violence and betrayal. The boys' passion is explosive, but so is the conflict with Shay-Lee and his gang. Fights break out, secrets are exposed, and the night ends in disaster. The aftermath is a tangle of guilt, shame, and regret. Andrei and Miles's relationship is pushed to the brink, as trust is shattered and old wounds are reopened. The party is a turning point, where innocence is lost and the cost of love becomes painfully clear. The fallout will haunt them, forcing them to confront the darkness within themselves and each other.
Secrets, Fights, and Betrayals
The aftermath of the party brings a cascade of secrets and betrayals. Diesel's anger boils over, leading to a violent confrontation with Andrei. The foster brothers' unity is fractured, and Andrei is left feeling isolated and adrift. Miles, too, is consumed by guilt and confusion, as his loyalty to Shay-Lee is tested and his relationship with Andrei teeters on the edge. The boys are forced to confront the consequences of their actions, and the realization that love alone may not be enough to heal the wounds of the past. The chapter is a crucible of pain and reckoning, where the true cost of betrayal is laid bare.
Vulnerability and New Beginnings
In the wake of heartbreak, Andrei and Miles are forced to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Honest conversations with family and friends lead to moments of vulnerability and forgiveness. The boys begin to rebuild trust, acknowledging their mistakes and the pain they've caused each other. The support of their chosen families becomes a lifeline, offering hope and the possibility of new beginnings. The chapter is a testament to the power of love, not as a cure-all, but as a force for healing and growth. The boys take tentative steps toward reconciliation, daring to believe that second chances are possible.
Meeting the Parents
Andrei is invited to meet Miles's parents, Elliot and Daniel, in a scene filled with humor, awkwardness, and genuine emotion. The cultural differences between their families are on full display, but so is the universal desire for acceptance and love. Secrets are revealed, including Andrei's troubled past and Miles's struggles with mental health. The parents' initial skepticism gives way to understanding and support, as they see the depth of the boys' feelings for each other. The meeting is a turning point, where the boys' relationship is legitimized and embraced, and where the possibility of a future together becomes real.
Paris: Escape and Intimacy
Andrei and Miles escape to Paris with Elliot for a fashion show, leaving behind the pressures and prejudices of home. The city becomes a backdrop for self-discovery, vulnerability, and intimacy. The boys explore art, culture, and each other, sharing secrets and dreams. The trip is a respite from the chaos, a chance to be themselves without fear. But even in Paris, the shadows of their pasts linger, and the challenges of their relationship are never far away. The chapter is a celebration of love's transformative power, and a reminder that healing is a journey, not a destination.
Cracks in the Foundation
Returning from Paris, the boys are confronted by the realities they tried to escape. Diesel's anger and sense of abandonment boil over, leading to a painful rift with Andrei. Miles's mental health begins to deteriorate, as the pressures of perfection and the fear of losing Andrei become overwhelming. Misunderstandings and miscommunications multiply, and the cracks in the foundation of their relationship widen. The chapter is a study in the fragility of love, and the ways in which old wounds can sabotage even the strongest bonds. The boys are forced to confront the limits of their own strength, and the need for help.
Mania, Meltdowns, and Misunderstandings
Miles's bipolar disorder spirals into a manic episode, leading to impulsive decisions, risky behavior, and a devastating fight with Andrei. The boys' inability to communicate their needs and fears leads to a catastrophic misunderstanding. Andrei, feeling betrayed and hurt, lashes out, while Miles is consumed by guilt and self-loathing. The chapter is a raw and unflinching portrayal of mental illness, and the ways it can distort reality and sabotage relationships. The boys are left shattered, their love seemingly beyond repair, as the consequences of their actions come crashing down.
Shattered Trust, Shattered Glass
In the aftermath of their fight, Miles seeks comfort from Shay-Lee, only to be further manipulated and betrayed. Andrei, believing Miles has moved on, is consumed by rage and heartbreak. A violent confrontation shatters the last remnants of trust between them, leaving both boys broken and alone. The chapter is a descent into despair, as the weight of their mistakes and the cruelty of those around them threaten to destroy them. The boys are forced to confront the darkest parts of themselves, and the realization that love, once lost, may never be regained.
Descent and Despair
Miles's mental health deteriorates further, leading to a suicide attempt that shocks everyone. The aftermath is a blur of hospitals, guilt, and grief. Andrei is wracked with remorse, blaming himself for not seeing the signs. Miles's family is devastated, but their love and support become a lifeline. The chapter is a harrowing exploration of despair, but also of the power of community and the importance of seeking help. The boys' journey through darkness is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and the possibility of redemption.
Rescue, Reckoning, and Recovery
In the wake of Miles's suicide attempt, the characters are forced to reckon with their actions and the pain they've caused. Honest conversations lead to forgiveness and understanding, as the boys and their families begin the slow process of healing. The support of friends and loved ones becomes crucial, and the importance of mental health is acknowledged. The chapter is a turning point, where the possibility of a future—together and apart—emerges from the wreckage. The boys learn that healing is not linear, and that love is both a balm and a challenge.
Second Chances and Healing
After weeks apart, Andrei and Miles are reunited, their love tempered by pain but strengthened by honesty. They confront their fears and insecurities, acknowledging the challenges of loving someone with mental illness. The support of their families and friends becomes a foundation for growth and acceptance. The boys learn to forgive themselves and each other, and to embrace the messiness of love. The chapter is a celebration of second chances, and a reminder that healing is possible, even after the deepest wounds.
Love, Acceptance, and the Future
The story ends with a sense of hope and possibility. Andrei and Miles, surrounded by friends and family, look to the future with cautious optimism. The scars of the past remain, but they are no longer defined by them. Love, in all its messiness and imperfection, becomes a source of strength and joy. The boys learn that acceptance—of themselves, each other, and their families—is the key to happiness. The final chapter is a testament to the power of love to heal, transform, and endure, even in the face of prejudice, pain, and loss.
Characters
Andrei Bespalov
Andrei is the emotional center of the story—a tough, fiercely loyal young man shaped by trauma, foster care, and time in juvenile detention. He's the first of Chief's foster sons, and his sense of responsibility for his chosen family is both his strength and his burden. Andrei's relationship with Diesel is brotherly and complex, marked by shared pain and mutual protection. His romance with Miles is transformative, forcing him to confront his own insecurities and the possibility of happiness. Andrei's journey is one of learning to accept love, forgive himself, and believe in a future beyond survival. His psychological depth is revealed in his struggle with trust, his fear of abandonment, and his fierce need to protect those he loves.
Miles Williams Dufort
Miles is the beautiful, talented son of two loving fathers, living in a world of wealth and expectation. Outwardly confident and charming, he is haunted by the pressure to be perfect and the secret of his bipolar disorder. His relationship with Andrei is both a refuge and a crucible, forcing him to confront his fears of inadequacy and rejection. Miles's journey is marked by moments of manic brilliance and devastating lows, culminating in a suicide attempt that lays bare his vulnerability. His love for Andrei is transformative, but also fraught with the fear of being "too much" or "not enough." Miles's psychological complexity is rooted in his struggle for self-acceptance, his longing for unconditional love, and his battle with the darkness inside him.
Diesel
Diesel is Andrei's closest friend and foster brother, a survivor of abuse and the system. His tough exterior masks deep pain and a desperate need for connection. Diesel's hostility toward outsiders—especially Miles—stems from fear of abandonment and a belief that happiness is fleeting. His relationship with Andrei is brotherly, sometimes codependent, and marked by both love and resentment. Diesel's journey is one of learning to let go, trust others, and believe in the possibility of change. His volatility is both a shield and a weapon, and his psychological wounds run deep, making him both a protector and a threat to those he loves.
Jessie
Jessie is the comic relief and emotional glue of the foster family—a whirlwind of energy, affection, and impulsivity. His relationship with Levi is sweet and grounding, providing a model of queer love that is both playful and sincere. Jessie's past is marked by instability and neglect, but his resilience and optimism shine through. He is fiercely loyal, quick to forgive, and always ready to bring laughter to even the darkest moments. Jessie's psychological depth is revealed in his need for acceptance, his fear of being left behind, and his ability to find joy in the midst of chaos.
Levi
Levi is the youngest and most enigmatic of the foster brothers—a small, doll-like boy with a devilish streak. His relationship with Jessie is a source of stability and love, but also of vulnerability. Levi's intelligence and emotional insight make him a keen observer of others, but his own wounds are carefully hidden. He is fiercely protective of his family, but struggles with feelings of inadequacy and the fear of being a burden. Levi's psychological complexity is rooted in his need for control, his fear of chaos, and his longing for unconditional love.
Shay-Lee Rogers
Shay-Lee is the story's primary antagonist—a golden boy with a dark side, driven by jealousy, possessiveness, and a desperate need for control. His relationship with Miles is fraught with unrequited love and resentment, and his rivalry with Andrei is fueled by a sense of entitlement and wounded pride. Shay-Lee's psychological depth is revealed in his moments of vulnerability, his fear of abandonment, and his inability to process loss. He is both a victim and a perpetrator, shaped by a toxic family and a culture of privilege. His descent into violence and manipulation is both tragic and terrifying.
Elliot Williams Dufort
Elliot is Miles's French father—a former model and designer whose warmth, humor, and honesty are a source of comfort and chaos. His relationship with Daniel is passionate and enduring, providing a model of queer love and family. Elliot's empathy and openness make him a safe haven for Miles, but his own struggles with body image and self-worth add depth to his character. He is fiercely protective of his family, but also vulnerable to the pain of rejection and loss. Elliot's psychological complexity is rooted in his need for connection, his fear of being left behind, and his unwavering belief in love.
Daniel Williams Dufort
Daniel is Miles's American father—a successful lawyer whose strength and stability anchor the family. His relationship with Elliot is a source of joy and security, but also of tension as they navigate the challenges of parenting a child with mental illness. Daniel's love for Miles is fierce, but his stoicism sometimes makes him seem distant. He is a man of principle, but also of deep feeling, willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family. Daniel's psychological depth is revealed in his struggle to balance work and family, his fear of failure, and his capacity for forgiveness.
Chief
Chief is the foster father who rescues Andrei, Diesel, Jessie, and Levi from the system, offering them a home, stability, and unconditional love. His presence is calm, wise, and grounding, providing a safe haven for boys who have known only chaos. Chief's own past is hinted at, adding layers to his role as mentor and protector. He is the moral center of the story, teaching the boys about responsibility, forgiveness, and the possibility of change. Chief's psychological depth is revealed in his quiet strength, his willingness to sacrifice, and his belief in second chances.
Jordan
Jordan is a football player caught between two worlds—the toxic masculinity of Shay-Lee's crew and the acceptance of Andrei's chosen family. His friendship with Jessie and Levi is a source of hope and healing, but also of tension and jealousy. Jordan's journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to break free from the expectations of others and embrace his own identity. His psychological complexity is rooted in his fear of rejection, his longing for connection, and his struggle to find his place in a world that doesn't always accept difference.
Plot Devices
Dual Narration and Shifting Perspectives
The novel employs a dual (and sometimes multiple) first-person narration, alternating primarily between Andrei and Miles. This structure allows readers to experience the same events through different emotional and psychological lenses, deepening empathy and understanding. The shifting perspectives also highlight the misunderstandings and miscommunications that drive much of the conflict, as well as the unique challenges each character faces. The use of present-tense narration creates immediacy and intimacy, drawing readers into the characters' inner worlds and emotional arcs.
Found Family and Chosen Bonds
The theme of found family is central, with Chief's foster home serving as a sanctuary for boys who have been failed by the system. The bonds between Andrei, Diesel, Jessie, and Levi are both a source of strength and a site of conflict, as loyalty, jealousy, and fear of abandonment play out. The contrast between chosen family and biological family is explored through Miles's relationship with his dads, highlighting the ways in which love, rather than blood, defines family. The novel uses these relationships to explore themes of belonging, acceptance, and the possibility of healing.
Prejudice, Privilege, and Power
The story is set against the backdrop of a privileged high school, where class divides and prejudice are ever-present. The foster boys' outsider status is a constant source of tension, and their criminal records are used as weapons against them. The novel uses the school as a microcosm for larger societal issues, exploring the ways in which power, privilege, and prejudice shape identity and opportunity. The contrast between the boys' rough backgrounds and the world of wealth and entitlement is a recurring motif, driving both conflict and character development.
Mental Health and Stigma
Miles's struggle with bipolar disorder is a central plot device, shaping his actions, relationships, and self-perception. The novel does not shy away from the realities of mental illness, including mania, depression, medication, therapy, and suicide attempts. The stigma surrounding mental health is explored through the reactions of family, friends, and society, as well as Miles's own internalized shame. The story uses Miles's journey to challenge stereotypes, promote empathy, and highlight the importance of support and understanding.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
The novel employs foreshadowing through dialogue, dreams, and recurring symbols—such as the ocean (freedom, escape), the surfboard (resilience), and the bunny motif (vulnerability, innocence, and the desire for safety). The use of foreshadowing builds tension and emotional resonance, preparing readers for the twists and turns of the plot. Symbolism is woven throughout, enriching the narrative and deepening the psychological themes.
Cycles of Trauma and Healing
The story is structured around cycles of trauma—abuse, abandonment, betrayal—and the ongoing struggle to break free from them. Characters repeat patterns of self-destruction and self-sabotage, but are also given opportunities for reckoning and redemption. The novel uses these cycles to explore the possibility of change, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the power of love to heal even the deepest wounds.
Analysis
Mistaken Prejudice is a raw, unflinching exploration of love, trauma, and the search for belonging in a world marked by privilege and prejudice. At its core, the novel is about the transformative power of chosen family and the courage it takes to be vulnerable. Through the dual journeys of Andrei and Miles, the story confronts the realities of mental illness, the scars of abuse, and the insidious effects of societal judgment. The author refuses to offer easy answers or tidy resolutions; instead, the characters are forced to reckon with their own flaws, the consequences of their actions, and the limits of love. The novel's greatest strength lies in its psychological depth and emotional honesty, offering a nuanced portrayal of queer love, found family, and the messy, nonlinear process of healing. Ultimately, Mistaken Prejudice is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—the idea that, even in the face of overwhelming pain and prejudice, it is possible to find hope, acceptance, and a future worth fighting for.
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