"The small seed of despair cracks open and sends experimental tendrils upward to the fragile skin of calm holding him together. Are You on the Right Road""

This question, "Are you on the right road"" appearing on page 2 of Ordinary People, represents a recurring theme of Judith Guest's first novel- the path to acceptance. Heavily weighed with guilt, lack of purpose, and need for identity, the question continuously haunts main character Conrad Jarrett. The novel depicts the Jarrett family- teenage son Conrad, father Calvin, and mother, Beth- in the midst of recovery from the family's latest scare. Tangled in conflicting emotions of grief, confusion, guilt, and identity the Jarrett family is left to reassemble the pieces of shattered comfort after Conrad's suicide attempt prompted by the accidental death of older brother Jordan. Guest's ability to skillfully portray Conrad in his mental anguish allows us access into a troubled...