Ordinary People
by Judith Guest
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Book Summary Information
Author: Judith GuestEdition: Paperback
Published: 1982-10-28
ISBN: 0140065172
Number of pages: 272
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Reviews of Ordinary People
Book Review: Well Written, but not a Classic
Summary: 3 Stars
ORDINARY PEOPLE is a novel about the Jarretts, a wealthy suburban family that has to deal with the suicide attempt of their son. This novel is well written, but I found it a bit slow going in parts. Ms. Guest changes the point of view a lot in this book, and writes in a stylistic stream-of-consciousness style that makes it hard to strongly relate to any of the main characters.
I also found the title of this book rather odd, since the story deals with a privileged, highly neurotic family that is hardly representative of the population at large. Most people don't have the option to jet off to Europe in response to a family crisis, for example. I understand that rich people aren't necessarily happy, but that doesn't mean that I have to feel sorry for them.
Many of the issues in ORDINARY PEOPLE were probably cutting edge in 1978, but we now live in a more modern age of self-evaluation, so I'm guessing that most Americans are now very familiar with the themes presented in this book. Still, Guest is a fine writer, and there are many moments in this book that are emotionally honest and touching.
I would therefore recommend this novel for people who are interested in a good family drama. This novel is a good one, but I wouldn't compare it to such masterpieces such as CATCHER IN THE RYE or A SEPARATE PEACE.
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