What do you think?
Rate this book
The Class
From world-renowned author Erich Segal comes a powerful and moving saga of five extraordinary members of the Harvard class of 1958 and the women with whom their lives are intertwined. Their explosive story begins in a time of innocence and spans a turbulent quarter century, culminating in their dramatic twenty-five reunion at which they confront their classmates--and the balance sheet of their own lives. Always at the center; amid the passion, laughter, and glory, stands Harvard--the symbol of who they are and who they will be. They were a generation who made the rules--then broke them--whose glittering successes, heartfelt tragedies, and unbridled ambitions would stun the world.
560 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
380 people are currently reading
3549 people want to read
About the author
Erich Segal
72 books1,310 followersErich Wolf Segal was an American author, screenwriter, and educator. He was best-known for writing the novel Love Story, a bestseller, and writing the motion picture of the same name, which was a major hit.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
February 20, 2010
Do you know how it feels reading an Erich Segal's?
Well, it's a comforting arm when you're somber. Better than your favorite TV show. It's just so good you can't help asking why did it end? You'll gonna insist that he's supposed to write longer or in a series. And the best thing is, after you read it, you'll never learn to forget it- the specific details of the plot, the undying lessons learned and the complex yet realistic characters in the story.
That is why I admire and like him the most. He's better than best. The author doesn't give you exaggerated apocalyptic series nor out of this world fantasies. He doesn't spin a yarn just for commercial success nor to achieve fame and be recognized. He is a writer and more than that,AN ARTIST. The greatest in his generation
The Class, to be honest, was at its best. It's more mind-boggling than Jodi Picoult's, more thrilling than John Grisham's, more intriguing than Dan Brown's, more magical than J.K. Rowling's, more better written than a Pulitzer's, more precise than a history book and more inspirational, motivational and life-changing than Og Mandino's.
The novel spreads into discreet lives of Harvard Class '58. The school took its responsibility of polishing its students to become future dignitaries-the most sought after, most famous, most powerful, most enviable and elitist. On the contrary, to be happy was out of the prospectus.
More often than not, the limelight focused on five figures namely Jason Gilbert an undefeated tennis player who stopped law school after her Jewish dreamboat dies of terrorism in her homeland. As he unfurled the place of his ancestors, he discovered his Jewish identity, which his family had successfully hidden and ended up a hero defending his country for freedom and equality. Danny Rossi a musical prodigy who rivaled with his brother for paternal affection. He exhausted himself in piano sessions which put him at the top of the world's best pianists, winning a Grammy's Tony's and Pulitzer's. Overwhelmed with fame and recognition, he paid the price by having an unsuccessful marriage and later on a neurological disorder which stopped him from playing the instrument. George Keller an Hungarian who left his unloving father during a raging war. He entered Harvard with only one arsenal of hardwork, not even a familiarity of the language. This ingenuity he possessed resulted for him to master the English language. With his political prowess, enviable positions in the U.S. Government were given to him but because he had been haunted by his past, his indifference and selfishness resulted into a failed marriage and personal disappointments. Ted Lambros a Greek classicist who hoped to be a HARVARD PROFESSOR. He plunged himself into writing his 2nd book after his alma mater dumped him. This struggle was a statement of vengeance which resulted into a divorce and a paternal fiasco. Andrew Eliot pressured by the ancestral legacy, he was less heard because his life was not at all eventful but what's important was that he had a job, a family (though broken) and a daughter who reciprocated his love.
What's amazing about this book is its web of stories, from more than skin deep dilemmas to sacrificial lambs for success, from historical accounts of war to U.S. Presidential history, from racial inequalities to women's power, from moments of love to unhappy endings.
I shall emblazon in my mind the lessons I learned in The Class . Reading this book arouses a sense of envy to Harvard students.
Well, it's a comforting arm when you're somber. Better than your favorite TV show. It's just so good you can't help asking why did it end? You'll gonna insist that he's supposed to write longer or in a series. And the best thing is, after you read it, you'll never learn to forget it- the specific details of the plot, the undying lessons learned and the complex yet realistic characters in the story.
That is why I admire and like him the most. He's better than best. The author doesn't give you exaggerated apocalyptic series nor out of this world fantasies. He doesn't spin a yarn just for commercial success nor to achieve fame and be recognized. He is a writer and more than that,AN ARTIST. The greatest in his generation
The Class, to be honest, was at its best. It's more mind-boggling than Jodi Picoult's, more thrilling than John Grisham's, more intriguing than Dan Brown's, more magical than J.K. Rowling's, more better written than a Pulitzer's, more precise than a history book and more inspirational, motivational and life-changing than Og Mandino's.
The novel spreads into discreet lives of Harvard Class '58. The school took its responsibility of polishing its students to become future dignitaries-the most sought after, most famous, most powerful, most enviable and elitist. On the contrary, to be happy was out of the prospectus.
More often than not, the limelight focused on five figures namely Jason Gilbert an undefeated tennis player who stopped law school after her Jewish dreamboat dies of terrorism in her homeland. As he unfurled the place of his ancestors, he discovered his Jewish identity, which his family had successfully hidden and ended up a hero defending his country for freedom and equality. Danny Rossi a musical prodigy who rivaled with his brother for paternal affection. He exhausted himself in piano sessions which put him at the top of the world's best pianists, winning a Grammy's Tony's and Pulitzer's. Overwhelmed with fame and recognition, he paid the price by having an unsuccessful marriage and later on a neurological disorder which stopped him from playing the instrument. George Keller an Hungarian who left his unloving father during a raging war. He entered Harvard with only one arsenal of hardwork, not even a familiarity of the language. This ingenuity he possessed resulted for him to master the English language. With his political prowess, enviable positions in the U.S. Government were given to him but because he had been haunted by his past, his indifference and selfishness resulted into a failed marriage and personal disappointments. Ted Lambros a Greek classicist who hoped to be a HARVARD PROFESSOR. He plunged himself into writing his 2nd book after his alma mater dumped him. This struggle was a statement of vengeance which resulted into a divorce and a paternal fiasco. Andrew Eliot pressured by the ancestral legacy, he was less heard because his life was not at all eventful but what's important was that he had a job, a family (though broken) and a daughter who reciprocated his love.
What's amazing about this book is its web of stories, from more than skin deep dilemmas to sacrificial lambs for success, from historical accounts of war to U.S. Presidential history, from racial inequalities to women's power, from moments of love to unhappy endings.
I shall emblazon in my mind the lessons I learned in The Class . Reading this book arouses a sense of envy to Harvard students.
December 18, 2023
It was transformational and uplifting to read 'The Class'—one of Segal's best books—over a period of 10 years having completed around half of the book a decade ago. Swivelling back, I don't regret the time taken for I almost grew older with the characters. It's truly heartening to notice how their unswerving confidence positively shaped my perceptions about everything in life: from education, love, politics to perseverance, success and the real world! As they grow out of the protective walls of Harvardian life, their lives take unexpected turns. This is what makes the book a must-read for someone who yearns to make a difference. It is indeed a perfect melange of depth and light-hearted jest. I recollect laughing and almost crying with each passing page. Segal's literary elegance will surely float in our minds for a very long time. I love re-reading the book. If you happen to read my review then I'd say, "This book is decidedly worth reading".
https://booksfoodmylife.blogspot.com/...
https://booksfoodmylife.blogspot.com/...
February 19, 2012
Have you ever read a book that has the undefined power to take you through a journey even when you know that you are not a part of the theme but still feel the happiness, agony, frustration that the characters go through? That is what makes this work special, yet awesome and that is what you call the class in real sense.
Written about The Harvard class of 1958 (though fictional), Erich’s story circumscribes around the lives of five main characters who enter Harvard as children and exit as men who defy all the obstacles to become the heroes of the class of 1958. One peculiar virtue of Erich’s writings has been his mesmerizing way of defining his characters be it Love Story or be it Doctors (I haven’t read others) and how these characters, being special in their own, capture the theme of the story as a unit. The story talks about Danny Rossi, who breaks away from his father, to transform himself from a musical prodigy to an icon that the whole world bows when he takes the stage. There is Ted Lambros, who spends his Harvard years as a commuter, ascents to the top and finally achieves what he always craved for: tenure at Harvard. Then there is Jason Gilbert who is born as a hero, lives his life as a hero and also dies as a true hero. George Keller, the Hungarian, enters Harvard barely knowing the intricacies of English language but masters everything to reach a place where everyone aspires to be but only a few dare. And lastly, Andrew Eliot, who could not satiate himself with his entity and purpose of life, eventually finds solace at the end.
A good story cannot be but a striking balance between the ups and down of the life. And this is where Erich Segal has proved himself time and again. This reveals itself from the fact when Andrew writes in his diary “I guess he just didn’t know how to be happy. That's the one thing they can't teach you at Harvard”. Although all these men find whatever they ever desire, one thing they ultimately realize that there is one more thing that is above success, above all and that is happiness and it is priceless. The people get so much blinded by success that they forget that there even exists a word in the dictionary called success and that is what the author has tried to convey to his readers, and to this world. Another interesting feature that I could make out is Erich Segal’s ability to involve real events like war, elections etc and playing fictionally with the real characters that have stood out in the history, which makes this novel all the more real and less fictional and that is what enthralls the readers.
In my opinion I would juxtapose this book with all the other must reads because it truly justifies what we say in literal sense “vicarious thrill” of reading any book.
Written about The Harvard class of 1958 (though fictional), Erich’s story circumscribes around the lives of five main characters who enter Harvard as children and exit as men who defy all the obstacles to become the heroes of the class of 1958. One peculiar virtue of Erich’s writings has been his mesmerizing way of defining his characters be it Love Story or be it Doctors (I haven’t read others) and how these characters, being special in their own, capture the theme of the story as a unit. The story talks about Danny Rossi, who breaks away from his father, to transform himself from a musical prodigy to an icon that the whole world bows when he takes the stage. There is Ted Lambros, who spends his Harvard years as a commuter, ascents to the top and finally achieves what he always craved for: tenure at Harvard. Then there is Jason Gilbert who is born as a hero, lives his life as a hero and also dies as a true hero. George Keller, the Hungarian, enters Harvard barely knowing the intricacies of English language but masters everything to reach a place where everyone aspires to be but only a few dare. And lastly, Andrew Eliot, who could not satiate himself with his entity and purpose of life, eventually finds solace at the end.
A good story cannot be but a striking balance between the ups and down of the life. And this is where Erich Segal has proved himself time and again. This reveals itself from the fact when Andrew writes in his diary “I guess he just didn’t know how to be happy. That's the one thing they can't teach you at Harvard”. Although all these men find whatever they ever desire, one thing they ultimately realize that there is one more thing that is above success, above all and that is happiness and it is priceless. The people get so much blinded by success that they forget that there even exists a word in the dictionary called success and that is what the author has tried to convey to his readers, and to this world. Another interesting feature that I could make out is Erich Segal’s ability to involve real events like war, elections etc and playing fictionally with the real characters that have stood out in the history, which makes this novel all the more real and less fictional and that is what enthralls the readers.
In my opinion I would juxtapose this book with all the other must reads because it truly justifies what we say in literal sense “vicarious thrill” of reading any book.
June 20, 2012
What can you say about a novel by Erich Segal? (Sorry: I couldn't resist writing that.) This was actually a pretty enjoyable read. Not anywhere near great, but not anywhere near the bathos of "Love Story," either. I read it only because I knew that one character writes a musical version of a portion of "Ulysses." His story is but one of many threads in the novel, but I'm glad that I read it. And I finished it in Dublin, just before Bloomsday. The class in question is the Harvard class of 1958 (Segal's own class ... surprise!). It's the time of their 25th reunion, and thus it's time for a look back on "golden days" (or - not so golden?) Segal is hilarious (unintentionally, I trust) when going out of his way to show off his knowledge of Greek and Latin classics - but that's okay. He was a respected classicist, after all,even if he took his lumps as Jennifer and Oliver's creator (probably laughing all the way to the bank). The lives and loves of Harvard '58 make for a bit of a time capsule. The appearances by historical characters is too heavy-handed. The diarist, class member Andrew, is interesting. Most interesting: the tale of the Jewish class member character whose parents had assimilated so thoroughly that he knew nothing of his heritage; he discovers it, to results that come closest to good writing. As for that pianist/composer/musical wunderkind - Joycean ideas fomenting in my brain.
July 17, 2011
With this book, I first felt how it was to miss the characters. They were cast in a way that was almost factual, like they were people I knew who had become a part of my life. Maybe that was why I felt a longing for them afterward.
July 25, 2017
Oh My !!! This is one of the most powerful books that I've ever read.. You never know what you will encounter in your life. Ups and downs.. Success, failures and sacrifices.. Love and Cheat.. All connected..
I never wanted this one to end.
After the last page, I just hugged it. :')
I never wanted this one to end.
After the last page, I just hugged it. :')
March 9, 2019
The story gives a great perspective on what life's like. Sometimes ambition can blind us into believing that success is a happier place! I take it with me from this book to not be too obsessed with anything. I wish to be an Andrew Elliot to all my loved ones ❤️
February 8, 2017
Определено не е моята книга тази - не ми допадна! Изчетох всички близо 600 страници, но така и не ми стана ясно защо е написана?! За да ни покаже че животът никак не е розов, или колко е щастлива младостта, или колко са готини годините в университета, или че каквото и да се гради накрая съдбата ни изиграва...??? Книгата проследява живота на няколко момчета приети в Харвард в средата на 20-ти век, които принудени от обстоятелствата порастват и стават мъже. Животът им е разгледан поотделно дори с незначителните подробности, но толкова хаотично. Докато единия абзац ни разказва за единия, следващият ни прехвърля към другият, третият, петият - без никаква свързаност в събитията и времето, някакъв непрекъснат хаос. Споменати са толкова много действително съществуващи лица и събития, че в един момент не се знае дадения откъс дали реално се е случил или е плод на авторското въображение.
July 30, 2015
It a very emotional and romantic story of students of Harvard university and it traces there journey from the class to big bad world and how they cope. must read.
June 13, 2015
A wonderful story that takes you through the lives of five different characters and makes you attached to them. It shows the different turns that one's life can take. It makes you feel sad seeing most of the characters end up the way they do, and makes you realize what you are today would not be how you would be tomorrow. Nothing, success or failure, lasts forever. Fame, power and money should not be the goals of life. A life lived for oneself is without meaning and will not give one eternal happiness or satisfaction.
A lot to take from the book!
A lot to take from the book!
April 5, 2018
The prototype for Daniel Rossi is Joseph Raposo - Harvard 1958 (the same year as Erich Segal's) graduate (see http://www.thecrimson.com/article/196...).
Jason Gilbert and Ted Lambros carry some traits of Erich Segal's own persona.
Andrew Eliot is WASP idealistic symbolic figure, whom Erich Segal admired in his young years
(compare with Oliver from "Love Story").
Jason Gilbert and Ted Lambros carry some traits of Erich Segal's own persona.
Andrew Eliot is WASP idealistic symbolic figure, whom Erich Segal admired in his young years
(compare with Oliver from "Love Story").
April 12, 2012
The novel follows the life of five different people, from the time they enter Harvard as eager freshmen wanting to change the world, to their graduation anniversary 25 years later. We have an eager pianist wanting to reach the top of the world, a Hungarian immigrant who wants to join to the highest ranks of the White House, a hard working Greek dedicated to study of the classics, a sporty blonde gentleman who conquers others at tennis and squash, and finally a son of an aristocrat, who is trying to find out his part in this world. Personally, I read this at a very appropriate moment - I am currently in my third year of university, and seeing the stories of fresh graduates unfold before my eyes, showed me the various different life paths people take, and the dificulties encountered along the way.
I found some motivation in the book. Most of the characters are phenomenally motivated and hard working. Danni Rossi, the pianist, practices piano every waking moment. George Keller, the Hungarian immigrant, who speaks no word of English when entering the US, is able to learn it in 3 months by studying, reading every New York Times from cover to cover including classifieds. Another character claims he has not seen him sleep. Seeing exhibitions of such hard work, I look at myself, and the time I misuse, with contempt. After graduating, the book looks at the next 25 years in each of the characters lives. There is happiness, disappointment, sadness, success, revenge, lust, love, among others. Each characters has his own adventure, and you can find many themes and messages, but for me, considering the love and family struggles all the characters go through, one of the main messages, would be "happiness is only real when shared". I hope to take at least this out of the "The Class".
The novel is long, nearly 600 pages, and some editing, cutting out some subplots/substories could have helped reduce the size. Still, I highly recommend it, especially for people still in university, or fresh graduates, all unsure and scared of the paths life will take them on.
I found some motivation in the book. Most of the characters are phenomenally motivated and hard working. Danni Rossi, the pianist, practices piano every waking moment. George Keller, the Hungarian immigrant, who speaks no word of English when entering the US, is able to learn it in 3 months by studying, reading every New York Times from cover to cover including classifieds. Another character claims he has not seen him sleep. Seeing exhibitions of such hard work, I look at myself, and the time I misuse, with contempt. After graduating, the book looks at the next 25 years in each of the characters lives. There is happiness, disappointment, sadness, success, revenge, lust, love, among others. Each characters has his own adventure, and you can find many themes and messages, but for me, considering the love and family struggles all the characters go through, one of the main messages, would be "happiness is only real when shared". I hope to take at least this out of the "The Class".
The novel is long, nearly 600 pages, and some editing, cutting out some subplots/substories could have helped reduce the size. Still, I highly recommend it, especially for people still in university, or fresh graduates, all unsure and scared of the paths life will take them on.
August 6, 2007
the story revolves on the life of 5 Harvard students and their life and career they pursue after they have received they degree. Five different personalities from different backgrounds and orientation who managed to be admitted at Harvard. The author was able to establish the uniqueness of each character and illustrates how they were able to reach their success – as each of them defines what success is.
January 7, 2017
Lo que parecía un simple tebeo resulta ser una apasionante crónica del contexto histórico de Estados Unidos a lo largo de 30 años, a través de la vida de 5 graduados en Harvard en el 58. Personajes muy bien caracterizados, historias reales y creíbles que permiten abordar temas como política exterior (Camboya, Vietnam, Israel-Palestina), la ambición académica, el éxito y la fama, el divorcio... Muy recomendable.
September 21, 2022
3.5 ☆
Fascinating but curiously emotionless, like reading 5 very interesting fictionalised Wikipedia articles.
Fascinating but curiously emotionless, like reading 5 very interesting fictionalised Wikipedia articles.
January 7, 2023
Avete presente quelle storie proprio avvolgenti, che non ne fai parte ma in realtà è come se ci fossi dentro anche tu? Quelle che senti tue, e sai che i suoi personaggi sono in fondo amici tuoi, o persone fisiche che abitano nel tuo paese, esseri umani che puoi dire di aver conosciuto? Beh. Questa è una storia così.
Ho letto questo libro durante la mia adolescenza, e ancora oggi lo ricordo come uno dei libri più emozionanti, caldi come cioccolata in tazza, vibranti e meritevoli che abbia mai letto.
La storia parla della classe 1958 di Harvard (la stessa dell'autore, anche se i personaggi del libro sono inventati). Harvard quell'anno si era posta l'obiettivo di migliorare le proprie risorse e strategie per ottenere risultati ancora più brillanti e soddisfacenti sugli studenti, futuri uomini di potere nel mondo. La narrazione pone un binocolo speciale su cinque giovani in particolare: si tratta di Danny Rossi, che si stacca dal padre (figura che mai lo apprezzò tanto quanto fece col fratello di Danny) per diventare un prodigio del pianoforte, icona nel mondo musicale intero che si prostra ai suoi piedi quando sale sul palco (fama che pagherà in termini di salute mentale); c'è poi Ted Lambros, figlio di immigrati, che dovrà dare tutto sé stesso, da studente pendolare tra le ultime file sociali di Harvard, per salire finalmente in cima e ottenere un mandato in quella scuola; si conoscerà pure George Keller, il profugo ungherese che conosce appena qualche struttura grammaticale della lingua inglese, entra ad Harvard, e riesce a padroneggiare tutto fino a raggiungere posizioni politiche al vertice, rinunciando all'amore della sua vita; ma anche Jason Gilbert, ebreo-eroe dalla storia commovente e ispiratrice; e infine Andrew Eliot, il narratore dell'intera storia, che alla fine trova lo scopo di tutto e si può dire forse felice.
Durante la lettura, ricordo di aver spesso pensato ad un meraviglioso film che amo: "L'attimo fuggente" (titolo in originale "Dead Poet Society"). Nel mio immaginario, Harvard in quei tempi era fatta così; ma più che fisicamente, nel suo aspetto più intimo ed essenziale. Ad Harvard si cercava la perfezione, l'eccellenza, la brillantezza e la preparazione "uber alles", dimenticando la felicità, la profonda sensazione bellissima di sentirsi innamorati – persino del sapere. Si tralasciava l'immancabile presenza degli imprevisti e delle sconfitte.
A distanza di anni da quella esperienza indimenticabile tra i corridoi della scuola e la vita nel suo pieno fermento, i cinque protagonisti si guardano dentro e scoprono di aver imparato di più dalle cadute collezionate nel tempo. Parallelamente, guardano con un sorriso – da padri orgogliosi e imperfetti – il loro passato, i loro giovani anni colmi di aspettative, sogni, sacrifici e rinunce amare.
Un libro che rimane incollato al cuore come pochi. Mi sono sentita una classe '58 di Harvard.
Trovo che Erich Segal abbia saputo scrivere un intreccio di storie che sono la storia di tutti noi. Tra queste pagine mi immergo ogni volta che ho bisogno di amare la vita, e contemplare gli errori.
Ho letto questo libro durante la mia adolescenza, e ancora oggi lo ricordo come uno dei libri più emozionanti, caldi come cioccolata in tazza, vibranti e meritevoli che abbia mai letto.
La storia parla della classe 1958 di Harvard (la stessa dell'autore, anche se i personaggi del libro sono inventati). Harvard quell'anno si era posta l'obiettivo di migliorare le proprie risorse e strategie per ottenere risultati ancora più brillanti e soddisfacenti sugli studenti, futuri uomini di potere nel mondo. La narrazione pone un binocolo speciale su cinque giovani in particolare: si tratta di Danny Rossi, che si stacca dal padre (figura che mai lo apprezzò tanto quanto fece col fratello di Danny) per diventare un prodigio del pianoforte, icona nel mondo musicale intero che si prostra ai suoi piedi quando sale sul palco (fama che pagherà in termini di salute mentale); c'è poi Ted Lambros, figlio di immigrati, che dovrà dare tutto sé stesso, da studente pendolare tra le ultime file sociali di Harvard, per salire finalmente in cima e ottenere un mandato in quella scuola; si conoscerà pure George Keller, il profugo ungherese che conosce appena qualche struttura grammaticale della lingua inglese, entra ad Harvard, e riesce a padroneggiare tutto fino a raggiungere posizioni politiche al vertice, rinunciando all'amore della sua vita; ma anche Jason Gilbert, ebreo-eroe dalla storia commovente e ispiratrice; e infine Andrew Eliot, il narratore dell'intera storia, che alla fine trova lo scopo di tutto e si può dire forse felice.
Durante la lettura, ricordo di aver spesso pensato ad un meraviglioso film che amo: "L'attimo fuggente" (titolo in originale "Dead Poet Society"). Nel mio immaginario, Harvard in quei tempi era fatta così; ma più che fisicamente, nel suo aspetto più intimo ed essenziale. Ad Harvard si cercava la perfezione, l'eccellenza, la brillantezza e la preparazione "uber alles", dimenticando la felicità, la profonda sensazione bellissima di sentirsi innamorati – persino del sapere. Si tralasciava l'immancabile presenza degli imprevisti e delle sconfitte.
A distanza di anni da quella esperienza indimenticabile tra i corridoi della scuola e la vita nel suo pieno fermento, i cinque protagonisti si guardano dentro e scoprono di aver imparato di più dalle cadute collezionate nel tempo. Parallelamente, guardano con un sorriso – da padri orgogliosi e imperfetti – il loro passato, i loro giovani anni colmi di aspettative, sogni, sacrifici e rinunce amare.
Un libro che rimane incollato al cuore come pochi. Mi sono sentita una classe '58 di Harvard.
Trovo che Erich Segal abbia saputo scrivere un intreccio di storie che sono la storia di tutti noi. Tra queste pagine mi immergo ogni volta che ho bisogno di amare la vita, e contemplare gli errori.
November 13, 2008
So I haven't been motivated enough to read the more ambitious novels on my shelf, and just wanted the kind of read that is like a big bowl of steaming pasta - total comfort reading. As such, I borrowed The Class to read for the zillionth time (though I haven['t read it for years) - anyway I decided to come back to where I posted it here (I've missed writing reviews and while this is sort of a cop out, ntil I have more time or energy this will just have to do) because it's so interesting to re read Segal now - I loved loved loved him as a junior high/early teen even though even then I knew the writing wasn't all that great - and now I find it all the more extreme - the writing is even less good yet I am all the more enthralled - interesting. What I decided was that, first, Segal falls under my personal shelf of 'guilty pleasures' - not harlequins, because those are just trash, but books that you know fall short yet grab you tightly and bore into your being. Segal breaks all my rules - he tells, not shows - his dialogue is trite and forced - his characters are often one dimensional - he sidesteps large emotional issues and just slaps unnatural behavior onto his characters - yet his eye for tragedy (I guess this comes from his backgtround in classics) makes for that timeless catharsis that the Greeks were so good at - people get their just desserts, faulty characters end up orchestrating their own downfall and eventually learn a lesson, everyone gets what he or she deserves.
This book had a very strong feminist agenda which I missed when I was kid (though I did note that just about every marriage was doomed no matter how starry eyed it first appeared, and that the women started out as victims and then grew in power) which felt overdone and therefore rather cheesy - and the overall rah rah Harvard thing didn't resonate with me - it was the whole premise of the book yet at the end of the day it just seemed like the incidental place where they all met.
Anyway I think Segal is one of those who, for all my nitpicking, still comes out on top for his ability to play with one's emotions and evoke interest in his characters based on their foibles if not their deveoped personae, and that is pretty impressive in itself.
This book had a very strong feminist agenda which I missed when I was kid (though I did note that just about every marriage was doomed no matter how starry eyed it first appeared, and that the women started out as victims and then grew in power) which felt overdone and therefore rather cheesy - and the overall rah rah Harvard thing didn't resonate with me - it was the whole premise of the book yet at the end of the day it just seemed like the incidental place where they all met.
Anyway I think Segal is one of those who, for all my nitpicking, still comes out on top for his ability to play with one's emotions and evoke interest in his characters based on their foibles if not their deveoped personae, and that is pretty impressive in itself.
August 4, 2017
A really wonderful saga of 5 students of the Harvard class of 58, this novel packs a magnificent saga into some 500 odd pages. While it doesn't exactly thrill and mesmerize, it still manages to create exactly the right amount of interest in the reader. Adding realism to the story by including events like the Vietnam War and the Middle East Conflict really helps one relate better to the loves and laughs of Andrew, Jason, George, Danny and Theodore. One of the few drawbacks was that the ending could have been better, as I felt that a few things were left for imagination. On the whole, this is must read for anyone who is looking for a good story, and my advise put be too read it with an open mind, rather than getting your expectations too high. Full marks for the storyline.
November 2, 2014
I really, really, really want to get beyond the free sample of this book. Too engaging!!!
Done reading. Erich Segal, if you ever read this, do tell me if Andrew Eliot got married to George Keller's ex-wife.Its pretty important to know so as to have that complete reading experience. What a lovely, lovely book. I think this is one of those books that fulfills all my needs and taste I look out for in a book. Only because I don't belong to the class of '58, I won't say that this book defines my life or rather how I want it to be. But, it did come to this close *shows her thumb and forefinger while distancing from each other them for about a millimeter* *winks*.
I recommend this book to whoever can read this review. *winks again*.
Ciao
Done reading. Erich Segal, if you ever read this, do tell me if Andrew Eliot got married to George Keller's ex-wife.Its pretty important to know so as to have that complete reading experience. What a lovely, lovely book. I think this is one of those books that fulfills all my needs and taste I look out for in a book. Only because I don't belong to the class of '58, I won't say that this book defines my life or rather how I want it to be. But, it did come to this close *shows her thumb and forefinger while distancing from each other them for about a millimeter* *winks*.
I recommend this book to whoever can read this review. *winks again*.
Ciao
June 29, 2017
Książka jest pisana trochę jak streszczenie filmu - narrator opisuje scenę a potem wyjaśnia, co i dlaczego czuje bohater. Ktoś zostanie pochwalony i poczuje dumę, komuś umrze ojciec i poczuje smutek - autor nam wszystko cierpliwie wytłumaczy, bez obaw, nikt nie zostanie z tyłu.
Wydarzenia są takie, jak muszą być w sztampowej powieści - ktoś poświęci się karierze i żona od niego odejdzie, wygłaszając płomienną przemową w holu (potem bohater będzie patrzył na szczęśliwe rodziny i, jak wyjaśnia narrator, czuł smutek i tęsknotę), ktoś wstąpi do armii, więc oczywiście będzie chwacko żartował z towarzyszami broni aż do bohaterskiej śmierci w akcji, ktoś pojedna się z ojcem na łoży śmierci itp, itd.
Wyobrażam sobie ekranizację tej książki, to by był taki film z Karolakiem.
Wydarzenia są takie, jak muszą być w sztampowej powieści - ktoś poświęci się karierze i żona od niego odejdzie, wygłaszając płomienną przemową w holu (potem bohater będzie patrzył na szczęśliwe rodziny i, jak wyjaśnia narrator, czuł smutek i tęsknotę), ktoś wstąpi do armii, więc oczywiście będzie chwacko żartował z towarzyszami broni aż do bohaterskiej śmierci w akcji, ktoś pojedna się z ojcem na łoży śmierci itp, itd.
Wyobrażam sobie ekranizację tej książki, to by był taki film z Karolakiem.
July 23, 2007
Depicted a struggle in studying life: from being poor, having to find extra money to survive while studying and (as far as I can remember) eventually the main characters achieved what they wanted.
Read the Indonesian translation long ago. Kept comparing the student life depicted in the novel with the one I had in the indonesian context. I always romanticized the one I didn't have. I was lucky that eventually I had the chance to experience a similar life depicted in the novel with all the struggle to survive, well planned studying and reading, etc.
Read the Indonesian translation long ago. Kept comparing the student life depicted in the novel with the one I had in the indonesian context. I always romanticized the one I didn't have. I was lucky that eventually I had the chance to experience a similar life depicted in the novel with all the struggle to survive, well planned studying and reading, etc.
July 27, 2017
Though I never traveled to America but I Certainly did graduated from Harvard... All credit goes to Erich Segal.... The book is so moving that I still believe that it is the most engrossing and entertaining text I have ever read.
The buildings and their stories ..Yale and Harvard and their rivalries ....
Just by reading the book you become an integral part of it.
A great read ..really if you want to be the part of that class...take a deep div into the The Class... Believe me if you want to graduate from Harvard...and that too without ever travelling to America...just read it...
The buildings and their stories ..Yale and Harvard and their rivalries ....
Just by reading the book you become an integral part of it.
A great read ..really if you want to be the part of that class...take a deep div into the The Class... Believe me if you want to graduate from Harvard...and that too without ever travelling to America...just read it...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2016
"The Class" is truly class apart. the characterisations of each of the five Harvard alumni is so intricately done that you feel connected. Very complex issues addressed with each of the 5 members ranging from political to religious to marital to power struggles. All explicitly addressed for each member, one at a time, yet consecutively, through the years. Nothing, success or failure, lasts forever. Fame, power and money should not be the goals of life.
A duly recommended book !!
A duly recommended book !!
February 16, 2013
one of the MOST BOOORING BOOK i've ever read. I guess the only reason i ever read it was because i had spent my money and bought the book. i read this book with my earphones plugged in and even then it was unbearable !! i laud myself for the exemplary courage i possessed in having finished this book !!
September 24, 2016
Entertaining!! Childhood, life at Harvard ,pressures ambitions , relationships and profession . Our parents, people who touch our lives and people who leave our lives impact it in certain ways. A book that leaves us thinking. Studying in one of the best college, ambitions to reach the top and some do make it to powerful places.Still emptiness in personal lives! Who is a successful person ?
February 17, 2017
This is the first book I've read by Erich Segal and I really enjoyed it.
Each of the main characters was relatable as each exhibited his own distinct human failings.
The author also weaves the story and the characters' emotions through some key moments in history, adding much to how much I enjoyed this book.
Each of the main characters was relatable as each exhibited his own distinct human failings.
The author also weaves the story and the characters' emotions through some key moments in history, adding much to how much I enjoyed this book.
May 23, 2020
Read this twice. Once many years ago and again in 2015. I loved this book so much. It's probably my favourite Erich Segal novel of all time. He is a master storyteller.
January 20, 2016
Przyjemna, wielowątkowa lektura, przy której można się zarówno pośmiać, jak i zasmucić. Świetne kreacje bohaterów, w których z łatwością można odnaleźć samego siebie. To typ lektury, przy której dobrze się odpoczywa i odrywa od codziennych obowiązków. Polecam :)
June 22, 2016
Yes its a good book, filled with lots of twists and turns. But being a classic, Erich has won my heart in writing such it so beautifully. You can enjoy his writing flair and his brilliance. At the same time I felt it dragging... and I cheated with a few pages. All in all, a good grasp for summer
December 18, 2017
Strong characters.. excellent message.. One sees the real picture of his life at the end and will be able to differentiate the real success and happiness with the smaller periodic achievements which were aimed at and thought to be the victories..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews