Judith Guest's Ordinary People

Words: 689
Pages: 3

In the coming of age novel, Ordinary People, by Judith Guest, we glance into the life of Conrad Jarrett. Ever since his brother’s sudden death, Con has not been the same. He struggles with depression and tries to commit suicide. When Con is ready to enter the world outside of the hospital he has to figure out who he is and learn how to mature and grow relationships.

The Jarretts are an ordinary family until one of the sons, Buck, dies and the other, Conrad, attempts suicide. When Conrad comes back from the mental hospital he is depressed and exhausted. As he is at home, Connie struggles to find a reason to keep going on and wonders who he is. His skin, nails, and eyes look like they have been through hell and back. The struggle of even waking