The Graduate by Charles Webb
Published by Penguin
Publication Date April 30th 1981
Source: Library
Genres: General Fiction
Goodreads
'For twenty- one years I have been shuffling back and forth between classrooms and libraries. Now you tell me what the hell it's got me.' That's how Benjamin Braddock talked when he came down from university. Somehow it didn't seem to be what his father expected from a college education, and everyone was really appalled when Ben raped Mrs Robinson (that was her story anyway) and ran off with her daughter in the middle of her wedding to someone else... a brilliantly sordid tale of a young man's search for identity and a portrayal of the worst-behaved yet most sympathetic anti-hero of the day.
“Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?” is a highly quotable line and Anne Bancroft’s triangle leg being infamous. However, I was always curious about its novel origin. Having never seen the movie, despite knowing the pop culture references I wasn’t sure what to expected. Will it be erotic, serious, or a romp of a read.
The Graduate by Charles Webb was extremely entertaining. I found it to be a comedy which focuses on morals, conformity and a form of parenting that can be compared to the extremities of Lorelai Gilmore.
The Graduate had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. Mrs. Robison has some great zingers, that has the quick wit of Gilmore Girls with the bluntness of Seinfeld. It was the perfect combination for an off beat play, as this story really does march to its own beat.
Overall, this was a quick, enjoyable read that is a perfect, intelligent, humorous read.
Now I am curious! I watched the movie a few times, but realize that I never read the book. Thanks for sharing…I must check it out.
You’re one ahead of me — I never realized The Graduate was based on a book/play. I think you’d really like it.
I’m going to read this now.
Nice, thanks for the comment.