The theme of insiders and outsiders - who is let in and who is kept out, and why – pervades Korelitz’s novels and in the sixth by the author of You Should Have Known and Admission, it is paramount. Naomi, the first female president of the liberal elite Webster College, struggles to govern a campus in turmoil. A popular professor has been denied tenure and students are accusing the college of racism. The novel deftly tackles protest throughout the generations, as Naomi, a former student activist, shares her feelings when her daughter joins their ranks. But as the demonstration becomes all-consuming, sending Naomi’s life spiralling into chaos, the author also tends to lose control of plot and prose. Nevertheless, the topical, often inflammatory ideas explored remain engaging.

• The Devil and Webster by Jean Hanff Korelitz is published by Faber (£12.99). To order a copy for £11.04, go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846