'Revolutionary Road' by Richard Yates is a poignant portrayal of a young married couple, Frank and April Wheeler, living in the suburbs in the early 1960s. The book delves into the struggles and disillusionment of the couple, as they grapple with unfulfilled dreams, marital discord, and societal pressures. The narrative captures the essence of the time, showcasing the realistic struggles of the characters and the slow unraveling of their hopes and aspirations. Through subtle and honest storytelling, Yates skillfully explores themes of existential despair, failed aspirations, and the complexities of human relationships, creating a timeless and thought-provoking piece of fiction.

The writing style in 'Revolutionary Road' is highly praised for its raw honesty, emotional depth, and impeccable character development. Readers appreciate Yates' ability to create vivid and relatable characters, whose inner turmoil and conflicts resonate with authenticity. The book offers a stark portrayal of suburban life in the 1950s, highlighting the facade of conformity and the underlying discontentment that lurks beneath the surface. With a compelling narrative that unfolds with emotional intensity, 'Revolutionary Road' presents a powerful commentary on the struggles of marriage, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in a stifling societal framework.

Characters:

The characters, Frank and April Wheeler, are depicted as deeply flawed individuals, grappling with their beliefs and aspirations amidst the constraints of their suburban life.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is marked by elegant prose that captures the emotional intricacies of the characters while providing insightful commentary on their lives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around Frank and April Wheeler, a couple struggling with dissatisfaction in their suburban life, leading them to contemplate moving to Paris for a fresh start.

Setting:

The setting is a suburban neighborhood in Connecticut during the 1950s, mirroring the societal expectations and pressures of that era.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow but deliberate, focusing on deep character development before building tension that leads to the climax.

THE FINAL DYING SOUNDS of their dress rehearsal left the Laurel Players with nothing to do but stand there, silent and helpless, blinking out over the footlights of an empty auditorium. They hardly da...

Notes:

Richard Yates was considered a leading figure in the postmodern movement when he started writing.

Revolutionary Road was published in 1961 and received a National Book Award nomination.

The novel was initially overshadowed by its more famous contemporaries, like works by Updike and Mailer.

The story critiques the idealized suburban life of the 1950s, revealing deep dissatisfaction beneath the surface.

April Wheeler's character represents a critique of women's roles in the 1950s, seeking liberation from traditional pressures.

The book is known for its sharp dialogue and intense character development, particularly of its deeply flawed protagonists.

The novel explores themes of disillusionment, identity, and the consequences of societal expectations.

It wasn't until the 2000s that Yates's work began to gain renewed attention and respect, partly due to film adaptations.

The characters Frank and April Wheeler embody the theme of broken dreams and the emptiness of the American Dream.

Yates's writing style is noted for its brutal honesty and insight into human psychology, drawing comparisons to writers like Fitzgerald and Hemingway.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers/content warnings include themes of marital dissatisfaction, infidelity, mental illness, abortion, and suicide.

From The Publisher:

Hailed as a masterpiece from its first publication, Revolutionary Road is the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a bright young couple who are bored by the banalities of suburban life and long to be extraordinary. With heartbreaking compassion and clarity, Richard Yates shows how Frank and April's decision to change their lives for the better leads to betrayal and tragedy.

Ratings (20)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (7)
Liked It (5)
It Was OK (3)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (51):

Read It (22)
Want To Read (20)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (8)

2 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Loved It

1 month

It wasn't an happy story but a very compelling and page turnery book. I was so excited when I finally got my hands on thos after years of wanting to read it. Tempted to see the movie as well, but not a big movie watcher sadly. Its a book I will surely revisit in the future and one I won't forget easily

greane726

Hated It

2 months

Ugh. "Marriage is hard, we're not as special as we thought we were! we're not better than everyone, blah blah blah."

This was self-indulgence at its very best. A story about adolescents in adult bodies who go through life never really trying at anything because they're so busy looking down on everyone around them. Hubby has a job he hates and spends all of his time snickering behind his hand at all of his coworkers who believes to be so inferior to him. You know, I'm guessing he would have been happier had he actually gotten off his duff and TRIED to do something that he liked. His wife is full of self-martyrdom and loathing for the life that she's "forced" to live because she feels that she was saddled unfairly with children, a house in the suburbs, and a husband with a job. Boo hoo.

I don't understand the people in this story but I DO understand how people in my generation relate to it since we seem to be notorious for self-indulgence and arrested development. But really? Get over it.

I feel like, after reading this book, that this needs to be said: there is nothing wrong with responsibility or with growing up. There is no shame in keeping house, working a normal job, raising a family, and being "middle class." Absolutely nothing. Looking down on everyone around you, having affairs, acting like a jerk, having emotionally violent fights on the side of the highway, and threatening to get abortions doesn't make you interesting - it makes you a jackass.

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About the Author:

Richard Yates was born in 1926 in New York and lived in California. His prize-winning stories began to appear in 1953 and his first novel, Revolutionary Road, was nominated for the National Book Award in 1961. He is the author of eight other works, including the novels A Good School, The Easter Parade, and Disturbing the Peace, and two collections of short stories, Eleven Kinds of Loneliness and Liars in Love. He died in 1992.

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Revolutionary Road

Richard Yates