Commencement Summary & Key Insights

J. Courtney Sullivan's "Commencement" follows the intertwined lives of four women – Hannah, Hazel, Sarah, and Lydia – graduating from the same prestigious all-girls school in 1993. Their narratives unfold across decades, exploring the lasting impact of their shared formative years and the diverging paths their lives take.

The novel begins at their commencement ceremony, subtly highlighting the different personalities and ambitions of the quartet. Hannah, the seemingly perfect student, grapples with anxieties masked by achievement. Hazel, the artistic free spirit, struggles with societal expectations and self-doubt. Sarah, quietly ambitious, navigates a complex family dynamic and burgeoning independence. Lydia, initially overshadowed, reveals a hidden resilience and determination.

Their post-graduation journeys are distinct but interconnected. Hannah's pursuit of perfection leads to a demanding career and a strained marriage. Her story underscores the pressure to achieve and the potential for personal sacrifice in the name of success. Hazel's artistic path is fraught with creative blocks and emotional turmoil, ultimately leading her to find unexpected fulfillment in unexpected places. Sarah, despite facing personal hardships, builds a successful and independent life, demonstrating resilience and self-reliance. Lydia, initially deemed the least likely to succeed, discovers her strength and achieves unexpected professional success, challenging pre-conceived notions about potential.

Throughout the novel, the women's lives intersect and influence one another, even across vast geographical distances and varying life circumstances. The bonds forged during their adolescence subtly shape their adult relationships, impacting their choices and perspectives. Recurring themes of ambition, betrayal, forgiveness, and the complexities of female friendship weave through each character's narrative. The novel explores the challenges of self-discovery, the enduring power of past experiences, and the search for meaning and fulfillment in the face of life's uncertainties.

"Commencement" ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of enduring friendships, even as it acknowledges the pain and disappointments inherent in the complexities of life. The book cleverly uses the backdrop of the all-girls school and the shared experience of adolescence to explore the diverse paths women can take and the lasting impact of their formative years. It's a story about second chances, unexpected connections, and the enduring strength found in sisterhood, however fractured it may become over time.