Friday, March 20, 2009

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

I often find that I'm usually in the minority when it comes to appreciating and enjoying popular books and movies. It's happened again with Revolutionary Road. Those of you that have been following my reviews know that I tend to base my opinions on how the characters and story affect me. This was the most stressful and depressing story I've ever read.

Frank and April Wheeler, a restless young suburban couple of the fifties, are disenchanted with their seemingly traditional life. April devises a plan to jaunt off to Paris which she thinks will bring life to their dull existence and save their relationship. For awhile this brings harmony to the discord. Unfortunately, it's short-lived.

Was it well written? Absolutely. You experience and feel all the turmoil, angst and struggle Frank and April suffer individually and as a couple on every page. Your heart breaks for their two children.

After the book I'm not sure I'm quite ready for the movie.

~Submitted by Lisa