Brandon J. (bran-flakes14) reviewed on 6/7/2010 + 72 more book reviews

This is a very readable and realistically-written, although depressing, novel about the dissolution of a marriage in what was supposed to be the "ideal" 1950s American suburbs. Telling the tragic story of a quasi-bohemian couple conditioning themselves to suburban life (the classic picket fence, couple of kids, office job, etc.), the book explores the ideas of societal constraints and individuality, and the characters are written believably. I found myself drawn into the plot because the situation was so engaging, but the characters themselves can quickly seem rather sour. At the dark end of the novel, though, these flaws are justified and one realizes they've just read a work that speaks profound, yet very sad, truths still applicable to today's readers. Recommended, as is the splendidly shot and acted film version.

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