The Society for the Complete Extermination of Ethan Frome

A 1971 "LOVE STORY" FOR THE REST OF US



When the largest girl in high school befriends an awkward senior boy, both become the butt of high school ridicule. And then they find something in each other that will change their lives forever.



WHAT IF LOVE REALLY MEANS THAT SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO SAY WE'RE SORRY?



Fifty years ago, while young Americans were dying in Vietnam, the hit movie Love Story served up a paradigm for those too good to serve. Its logline, "Love means you never have to say you're sorry," befits a high school where many students' middle name seems to be "privileged", and the rest are often the object of ridicule or distain. Allen Martin is convinced that the movie quote's a total crock and that he will be shipped to Vietnam after he graduates, rendering both his present and his future bleak.

 

A hike with outcast Mandy Richert surprises Allen when she offers him exactly what he needs if he finds courage to befriend her: unconditional acceptance, support, and understanding. Their awkward friendship blossoms in their final months of high school. Mandy wants to be a nun. Allen fears he's going to die. But for the moment, during one shining, unforgettable senior year, Allen Martin and Mandy Richert have each other.

 

A coming-of-age novel, The Society for the Complete Extermination of Ethan Frome mirrors our current age of privilege and shaming. Journey back a half a century to a not-so-sunny Southern California reminiscent of the way it really was.