Set against an academic backdrop in a New England college town, 'On Beauty' follows the story of Howard Belsey, an expatriate English professor who battles his disillusionment in both his personal and professional life. His marriage to Kiki, an African American woman who was once a vibrant activist, is on unstable ground after his infidelity. As their three children pursue diverse paths—from activism to intellectualism to religious questing—the Belsey family's dynamic is further challenged by the arrival of the right-wing Kipps family. This novel skillfully unravels themes of family, love, identity, and cultural conflict, as the combined families navigate their complex relationships while largely oblivious to the greater world's conflicts. 'On Beauty' presents a rich tapestry of character-driven drama, sprinkled with sharp wit and penetrating insight into human nature.