I highly recommend “Revolutionary Road” by author Richard Yates. The story was intense, I found at times I didn’t like the characters, and the display of human nature was raw. I became invested in the story and the outcomes of the characters by the way Richard Yates wrote on the interactions between the characters. I had a hard time putting the book down.
This is my first novel by Richard Yates. I selected this novel as I try to read at least one novel a year that is considered a “classic” and from the mid 20th century. This novel was published by Vintage Books in 2000, with an Introduction by Richard Ford. Mr. Ford helped to put the story in perspective of the 1950s and in perspective of its timeless, unapologetic look at human nature.
I can honestly say I didn’t like the main couple in the novel, Frank and April Wheeler, or their neighbors, co-workers or friends. I understand Frank and April (and the other characters) found themselves in a time and place that was not agreeable to them. Some of their actions in the story were so raw, that it was difficult to like a character when he or she performed an act of kindness or a moral consideration.
The redeeming parts of the book and which drew me into the story were the interactions between the characters. Several of the interactions were unexpected, were simple and beautiful to read, and so insightful a commentary on us as humans.
A few interactions I wanted to mention –
- The chapter that ends Part One, April shares her plan with Frank on how to escape their current circumstances. The plan was from the perspective of 1950s with a focus on Frank’s happiness. I felt the plan was in truth April’s last chance for sanity.
- The interactions April and Frank have with John Givings, the adult son of a neighbor. The adult son has problems as defined by the society of the 1950’s. The interactions shed light on who really has the problems.
- The interaction between April and Shep Campbell (a married neighbor) at Vito’s Log Cabin. While the interaction covers a few pages, the last few sentences clearly recap the interaction and define the shared question we deal with daily – who are we?
I highly recommend “Revolutionary Road” by Richard Yates. The book is intense, so plan on a time to be able to truly get lost in the read. I consider his works more than just a story and more so a commentary on human nature.
Me: I am Diane M. Spolar and I live in Willowbrook, Illinois (a suburb outside of Chicago) with my husband, son and cat. I am a CPA by day and a reader by night and on the weekends. I am a lifelong lover of books.
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