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Dramatic,
Gloomy,
Interesting

8 reviews

Revolutionary Road (Modern American Fiction)

by Richard Yates

Published: 2001-02-01
Paperback : 346 pages

8 members reading this now
31 clubs reading this now
11 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 5 of 8 members

With a new introduction by Richard Ford

"A deft, ironic, beautiful novel that deserves to be a classic." --William Styron

From the moment of its publication in 1961, Revolutionary Road was hailed as a masterpiece of realistic fiction and as the most evocative portrayal of the opulent ...

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Introduction

(With a new introduction by Richard Ford

"A deft, ironic, beautiful novel that deserves to be a classic." --William Styron

From the moment of its publication in 1961, Revolutionary Road was hailed as a masterpiece of realistic fiction and as the most evocative portrayal of the opulent desolation of the American suburbs. It's the story of Frank and April Wheeler, a bright, beautiful, and talented couple who have lived on the assumption that greatness is only just around the corner. With heartbreaking compassion and remorseless clarity, Richard Yates shows how Frank and April mortgage their spiritual birthright, betraying not only each other, but their best selves.

In his introduction to this edition, novelist Richard Ford pays homage to the lasting influence and enduring power of Revolutionary Road.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

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Discussion Questions

Suggested by Members

Discuss your impression of the book without using "like" or "dislike".

What is the meaning of the last line in the book? Why would Yates end the story this way?

What character did you most relate to?

by grannyreads (see profile) 04/10/10

Roe v Wade

Mental Health/Treatment

by rkarpinecz (see profile) 11/13/09

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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 5 of 8 members.

Member Reviews

Overall rating:

by Kevin G. (see profile) 03/09/20

"Great discussion!"by Allison L. (see profile) 04/28/12

Even though it's a dark book, when we put it in context (it was written in 1961) we were able to explore the themes and characters from that perspective. We had a great discussion about this dark novel.... (read more)

"Well-written but depressing"by Michelle M. (see profile) 02/14/11

Some have said that Richard Yates’ books is an indictment of marriage, suburbia, or both. Yates himself said in an interview that it is actually more about aborted dreams.

Frank and Apr

... (read more)

"UGH"by Bobbi H. (see profile) 01/12/11

"Revolutionary Road"by Jennifer D. (see profile) 08/26/10

A sad depressing story written beautifully.

"Crazy"by Jennifer L. (see profile) 07/18/10

The "crazy" guy in the book is the only one who makes sense!

"Interesting"by Kristine S. (see profile) 06/24/10

I think we will have interesting dicussions as we analyze the characters and the choices they made. All we who did not live in that era have to see of it is the TV reruns, not an idyllic era and this... (read more)

"Revolutionary Road"by Sally H. (see profile) 04/10/10

I thought the overall writing was very good; the characters were well written; it was a sad narrative with little hope in the end but it rang true. Yates didn't try to give the reader a happy ending but... (read more)

"Revolutionary Road"by Helen P. (see profile) 04/10/10

I listened to this book on CD. Not such a great reader which of course influenced mine perception of the whole story. Mostly, I could have done without this one.

"The dark side of Ward and June Cleever?"by Roberta K. (see profile) 11/13/09

For me, Revolutionary Road represented the possible "dark" side of all those happy, well adjusted 50s sitcom families. Maybe they weren't as happy and well adjusted as they seemed. The Revolutionary... (read more)

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