The Graduate

Here are two things to get out of the way; one, I haven't seen the film, and two, I enjoyed this novel much more than 'Revolutionary Road' and is, in my opinion, in every way its equal. Of the first, it has to be said that however good a film 'The Graduate' made (yes, I know all the words to the song, the poster has been etched into my mind, I even have an Alfa Romeo myself) it has been unkind to the book by so completely eclipsing it. For this is an outstanding American novel, breathtaking in its sheer verve and audacity. And with regards the comparison with 'Revolutionary Road' - published just two years previously - given the choice between Richard Yates's full-frontal approach to disintegrating relationships I'd choose Webb's almost peripheral-vision tactics any day of the week. For unlike Yates Webb gets the sensationalism out of the way early. The deftly-portrayed affair between Benjamin Braddock and Mrs Robinson is fascinating, of course, but for me it's only the precursor to the main event: the consequent hurt and tragedy, the veritable car-crash of wrecked relationships, the coolly observed internal collapse of previously ordered and rational lives. Throughout all this Webb has the bravery to write infuriating dialogue, often banal in its perfunctoriness. But this is his brilliance, the sign of a writer that knows exactly what he's doing and precisely the effect it's going to have on the reader. The cumulative effect is riveting, as is the heart-pounding plot that ends, perfectly, with all the air sucked out of it. And if, for me, the best opening line in modern fiction is Paul Theroux's 'Saint Jack', then 'The Graduate' surely has the best last line. On the strength of 'The Graduate', Charles Webb is a criminally underrated writer. This is a glorious, clever novel. Anne Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman and Simon & Garfunkel have a lot to answer for.

As for all those extremely negative Swiss reviews, I guess this book and the white suburban upper middle class American sub-culture it so accurately portrays do not come across as funny and as true to people from other cultures. That's understandable; I may not be able to fully relate to an accurate tale of European life. This apparent lack of universality is a valid complaint. But the book sure rings true to me. Benjamin's frustration and rebellion are all part of the normal search for meaning and self-fulfillment that many people go through. It's a classic American coming-of-age story complete with a profound identity crisis. And the discussion between Ben and his father about fighting fires and sleeping with prostitutes in frozen fields -- well, it wasn't in the movie and it makes me laugh out loud each time I read it. That part alone makes the book worthwhile.

WOW! The Graduate, also a 1968 motion picture, is told in a script-like, straight forward manner which rivets the audience and lures them into a web of entertainment. We are captivated into Ben's life,a seemingly scandous soap opera which dances on the delicate line between trashy and alluring. Ben Braddock, the highly successfuly Graduate, comes home "confused" about his future. He is seduced by an old family friend, Mrs. Robinson, continues the affair, wastes his life bumming around, then falls in love with her daughter, and is determined to marry her. This page turning, eye catching novel makes you want to laugh, cry, and scream with frustration. Dealing with themes such as prevailing love, betrayal, broken friendships, determination, and too much success, this novel is a great all around read. No wonder the movie won so many academy awards!

I found this book at a used bookstore and because the movie by Mike Nichols is my favorite I bought it. I thought the movies witty dialogue came from the pen of Buck Henry, so I was really amazed to find that much of it was written by Charles Webb. The book reads much like a screenplay and it's a cool way to "watch" a movie while you're on the bus or wherever you're reading. Good luck finding a copy!

THE DIALOGUE IN THIS BOOK IS LIKE NO OTHER. THE MOVIE IS MUCH LIKE THE BOOK AND BOTH ARE HIGHLY ENJOYABLE.