One-line Summary:
Commencement is a heartwarming coming-of-age novel that follows four college friends as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, friendship, and finding their place in the world.
The Journey of Four College Friends
Commencement by J. Courtney Sullivan revolves around the lives of four young women who meet as college roommates at Smith College. Celia, Bree, Sally, and April come from different backgrounds and have contrasting personalities, but they form a deep bond that carries them through the ups and downs of their college years and beyond. The novel explores their individual journeys as they graduate and face the challenges of adulthood.
Navigating Adulthood and Relationships
As the four friends embark on their post-college lives, they face various obstacles and choices that shape their paths. Celia, the ambitious and driven one, struggles to find her place in the male-dominated corporate world. Bree, the free-spirited and rebellious artist, grapples with her identity and sexuality. Sally, the responsible and practical one, enters a tumultuous relationship that tests her values and self-worth. April, the shy and introspective one, grapples with her family’s expectations and her own desires.
The novel delves into the complexities of their relationships, exploring themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It highlights the challenges of maintaining friendships as life takes the characters in different directions, and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times.
Feminism and Identity
Commencement also tackles feminist themes and the exploration of identity. The characters confront societal expectations, gender roles, and the pressure to conform. They question traditional notions of success, marriage, and motherhood, and strive to define their own paths. The novel portrays the struggles and triumphs of women in a world that often undervalues their worth and potential.
Throughout the book, the characters grapple with issues such as sexual assault, reproductive rights, and the double standards women face. Their experiences shed light on the importance of female solidarity and the power of speaking up against injustice.
Key Takeaways:
- Commencement explores the complexities of friendship and the challenges of maintaining relationships as life takes individuals in different directions.
- The novel delves into feminist themes, questioning societal expectations and exploring the power of female solidarity.
- It highlights the struggles and triumphs of young women as they navigate adulthood, love, and self-discovery.
- Commencement encourages readers to embrace their individuality and define their own paths, challenging traditional notions of success and happiness.
“It was the first time she had ever considered the possibility that maybe, just maybe, she was enough.”
In conclusion, Commencement is a captivating novel that follows the lives of four college friends as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, friendship, and finding their place in the world. It explores themes of feminism, identity, and the power of female solidarity. Through the characters’ journeys, readers are reminded of the importance of embracing individuality and defining one’s own path.
