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Book Review of Revolutionary Road (Movie Tie-in Edition) (Vintage Contemporaries)

Revolutionary Road (Movie Tie-in Edition) (Vintage Contemporaries)
reviewed on + 289 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


I picked up Revolutionary Road because I mistakenly thought it was on the list of 1001 books you must read before you die, but I feel it could be. Richard Yates eloquently writes about alienation in the 1950s. Frank and April Wheeler seem like the quintessential middle-class couple, but Yates' characterization gives a rich, nuanced picture of how they feel trapped in their dystopian suburban Connecticut existence. However, unlike many novels with psychologically detailed portrayals, the plot moves along and touches on profound themes such as love, mental illness, morality and gender roles. It is a satisfying book that makes one reflect on what constitutes a well-lived life.