Told with an omniscient point of view, "Ordinary People" by Judith Guest is a novel set in the suburbs of Illinois in the late 1970's. The story begins in early December and ends the following spring. By starting the story in the winter months, this adds to the depressed moods the story brings in the beginning, which slowly changes to the cheerful moods with the arrival of spring. The main character Conrad Jarret, is a seventeen year old high school student who is going through many hardships dealing with the death of his brother and an attempt of suicide. Calvin Jarret is the father and believes that there is a serious lack of communication between him and his wife, which strains their relationship. He spends most of his time worrying about his son. Con and his mother Beth Jarret...