Revolutionary Road was first published in 1961. A moving story that reflects the attitudes of the 'fifties' realistically yet transcends time and can be meaningful to anyone in today's world. Click here to learn more about Richard Yates.
I finally read Revolutionary Road over the holiday’s this year - just in time to see the movie. I was able to envision Kate Winslet and Leonardo DeCaprio in the roles of Frank and Alice. The movie isn’t in my city yet, but I will see this in the next month or so.
The plot is powerful in that it deals with the economical, social and emotional impacts of the era from the point of view of both women and men. It’s a wonderful read told in three parts. The first and third sections read quickly and keep you involved, the second section moves at a slower pace but keep reading – it’s relevant to the overall storyline. Not one of my favorite books but at the end I was happy I read the book (I enjoy a well written novel and it’s nice to read a book written decades ago that is still relevant today).
I finally read Revolutionary Road over the holiday’s this year - just in time to see the movie. I was able to envision Kate Winslet and Leonardo DeCaprio in the roles of Frank and Alice. The movie isn’t in my city yet, but I will see this in the next month or so.
The plot is powerful in that it deals with the economical, social and emotional impacts of the era from the point of view of both women and men. It’s a wonderful read told in three parts. The first and third sections read quickly and keep you involved, the second section moves at a slower pace but keep reading – it’s relevant to the overall storyline. Not one of my favorite books but at the end I was happy I read the book (I enjoy a well written novel and it’s nice to read a book written decades ago that is still relevant today).
BWAV rating of this book: 4.5 stars
Type: Fiction, 368 pages, trade paperback
Synopsis:
"A deft, ironic, beautiful novel that deserves to be a classic." —William StyronFrom the moment of its publication in 1961, Revolutionary Road was hailed as a masterpiece of realistic fiction and as the most evocative portrayal of the opulent desolation of the American suburbs. It's the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a bright, beautiful, and talented couple who have lived on the assumption that greatness is only just around the corner. With heartbreaking compassion and remorseless clarity, Richard Yates shows how Frank and April mortgage their spiritual birthright, betraying not only each other, but their best selves.
Type: Fiction, 368 pages, trade paperback
Synopsis:
"A deft, ironic, beautiful novel that deserves to be a classic." —William StyronFrom the moment of its publication in 1961, Revolutionary Road was hailed as a masterpiece of realistic fiction and as the most evocative portrayal of the opulent desolation of the American suburbs. It's the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a bright, beautiful, and talented couple who have lived on the assumption that greatness is only just around the corner. With heartbreaking compassion and remorseless clarity, Richard Yates shows how Frank and April mortgage their spiritual birthright, betraying not only each other, but their best selves.
Reviews:
“One of the few novels I know that could be called flawless.” – James Atlas, The New York Time Book Review
“Richard Yates belongs with Fitzgerald and Hemingway as the three unarguably great American novelists of the twentieth century.” – David Hare, The Guardian
“One of the few novels I know that could be called flawless.” – James Atlas, The New York Time Book Review
“Richard Yates belongs with Fitzgerald and Hemingway as the three unarguably great American novelists of the twentieth century.” – David Hare, The Guardian