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reli's review
5.0
I found this at the returned section in the library, sat down to read it and 20 pages or so into the play I stopped reading because I was smiling so much that I was sure I'd burst out laughing!
It's not a comedy, but I loved the characters. I love it when the characters sound like the people you know. I adored the son-father-mother relationship. The mother-father relationship and of course the relationship between Benjamin and Mrs Robinson.
As a bonus. It was another - lighthearted - reminder why I dislike marriage as the ultimate gesture of love! From the moment we learn that Ben wants to marry, I was like, no, that's the last thing these kids need! Especially reading the conversation between the two. However, as a story telling device, perfect.
I'm sure I have seen the movie but I remember nothing, so everything was anew, and I really love it.
It's not a comedy, but I loved the characters. I love it when the characters sound like the people you know. I adored the son-father-mother relationship. The mother-father relationship and of course the relationship between Benjamin and Mrs Robinson.
As a bonus. It was another - lighthearted - reminder why I dislike marriage as the ultimate gesture of love! From the moment we learn that Ben wants to marry, I was like, no, that's the last thing these kids need! Especially reading the conversation between the two. However, as a story telling device, perfect.
I'm sure I have seen the movie but I remember nothing, so everything was anew, and I really love it.
thejoshl's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read because it is scene-for-scene, line-for-line the film (which Inlive), so everything in here about turning youth angst counter-culture melodrama into a taboo romantic sex comedy is there… All the young, confused, rebellious passion sprinting headfirst into a future that in all likelihood is just as hollow, bitter and resentful as their parents… It’s very good but strangely, I found the prose to be a bit lacking and flatter than expected. All the wonderful dialogue is there but it just doesn’t quite have the lyricism to the imagery and awkward detail in the characters headspaces that I got out of its adaptation.
kaylielongley's review against another edition
1.0
The Graduate is intended for privileged men of affluence, as it was written by a 20-something college grad and is about a 20-something college grad. Certainly, I've faced the depressive spiral that is deciding what to do with life after education, but I'm not entitled to think doing nothing is okay, as protagonist Ben does. For half of the book, Ben wakes up late, goes for a swim, and drinks beer. He doesn't even consider applying for a job, continuing his education, serving for a cause, or moving out of his parents' home... And his parents accept it! He then subjects himself to meaningless affairs. He's first seduced by Mrs. Robinson, the wife of his father's business partner, then Elaine Robinson, their child. He decides to marry the daughter because it's just something to do. I can't say much about Elaine, she's in college herself and has many suitors yet for some reason finds bumbling Ben worthwhile. Every element of this book is shallow, from its circular dialogue to Ben himself, who refuses to have meaningful conversations, consider the consequences for his actions, and never reveals his motivations (or lack thereof). Yes, The Graduate can be awkwardly funny, but its awful entitled characters and limp plot are pointless. Perhaps that's Webb's point, but his simplicity didn't work for me.
issyd23's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Kathleen Turner slays in this version as Mrs Robinson, but I still prefer the OG novel and book version Elaine 5🥃
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Alcohol, and Abandonment
sarahjo's review
3.0
I listened to this LA Theatre Works live, full cast production of The Graduate starring Kathleen Turner. It was interesting to listen to a live theater production. I could hear the audience laughing and sometimes I had to guess what was going on, but overall it was a pleasure to listen to. There is an interview with Kathleen Turner at the end which is interesting. Super fast listen, only 2 discs.
cindyann62's review against another edition
2.0
Audio
Audio adaptation of the Charles Webb book. I spent a majority of my life with The Graduate in the background. The 'Mrs Robinson' song was very popular during my childhood (still a classic!) but I've never taken the time to listen or watch until the book showed up on sale today and the Library extension notified me it was available on Hoopla. It's a short (just under 2 hours) one and I'm not really sure what all the hype is about. Maybe for the 70's it was shocking but, as with a lot of 'classic' stories I'm finding, it doesn't quite hold up for me.
Audio adaptation of the Charles Webb book. I spent a majority of my life with The Graduate in the background. The 'Mrs Robinson' song was very popular during my childhood (still a classic!) but I've never taken the time to listen or watch until the book showed up on sale today and the Library extension notified me it was available on Hoopla. It's a short (just under 2 hours) one and I'm not really sure what all the hype is about. Maybe for the 70's it was shocking but, as with a lot of 'classic' stories I'm finding, it doesn't quite hold up for me.
briony99's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0