Revolutionary Road

by Richard Yates
Revolutionary Road cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 5489
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780375708442
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2000-04-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Frank and April Wheeler appear to have it all—a beautiful home, promising careers, and a bright future. But beneath the surface, their lives are far from idyllic. Frank feels trapped in a dull job, while April chafes against the role of a housewife. As their disillusionment grows, they begin to question the choices they've made and the dreams they've deferred. The novel delves deeply into the complexities of their relationship, exploring themes of disillusionment, the American Dream, and the struggle for personal fulfillment. With heartbreaking clarity, Richard Yates crafts a story that is both a critique of suburban life and a profound examination of human nature. The novel's enduring power lies in its ability to capture the universal longing for meaning and the painful reality of unfulfilled potential. Revolutionary Road is a masterful exploration of the cost of conformity and the search for authenticity.

Reviews
Boston Review · Lehman · 2025-10-24
great 4.50

They compare it to Mad Men for its existential suburban angst, calling it a great novel. They suggest it's a must-read for fans of that show.

Lehman draws a parallel between Revolutionary Road and Mad Men, highlighting the novel's portrayal of existential suburban angst. They describe it as a great novel that captures the essence of the era, making it a must-read for anyone hooked on the TV show. The review emphasizes the timelessness of Yates' writing and its relevance to modern audiences, particularly those who appreciate the complexities of suburban life and the struggles within it. Lehman's enthusiasm for the book is palpable, making it clear that they believe it's a significant work that stands the test of time.

Quick quotes

    If you're hooked on Mad Men, as I am, you owe it to yourself to read Richard Yates's great novel of existential suburban angst, Revolutionary Road(1961).

    Yates's writing captures the essence of the era and the struggles within suburban life.

    The novel's portrayal of existential angst is timeless and relevant to modern audiences.

Book Snob · 2010-02-10
profound 4.00

They find Yates' writing emotionally draining but impactful, noting its profound implications. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the raw emotion portrayed.

The reviewer describes reading Yates as an emotionally draining experience, but one that is deeply impactful. They note that thinking about the implications of Yates' writing and how it makes them feel is equally profound. The review highlights the depth of the characters and the raw emotion portrayed in the novel, suggesting that it leaves a lasting impression. The reviewer appreciates the skill with which Yates crafts his narrative, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. They acknowledge the emotional toll the book takes but believe it is worth the investment.

Quick quotes

    Reading Yates is an emotionally draining experience, and so is thinking about the implications of his writing; how it makes me feel, how it ...

    The depth of the characters and the raw emotion portrayed in the novel leave a lasting impression.

    Yates crafts his narrative with a skill that makes it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

The Guardian · 2004-09-17
powerful 4.20

They praise the brilliant use of dialogue to reveal the complexities of a failing marriage. They note the raw and unflinching portrayal of suburban life.

The reviewer at The Guardian commends Yates for his brilliant use of dialogue to bring out the complexities of a failing marriage. They note that the dialogues between husband and wife are particularly effective in revealing the underlying tensions and emotions. The review highlights the raw and unflinching portrayal of suburban life, suggesting that Yates does not shy away from the harsh realities of the era. They appreciate the honesty and depth of the characters, making it a compelling read. The reviewer acknowledges the bleakness of the novel but believes it is a powerful and necessary exploration of the human condition.

Quick quotes

    Richard Yates's Revolutionary Road is the portrait of a failing marriage.

    Dialogues between husband and wife are brilliantly used to bring concealed tensions and emotions to the surface.

    Yates does not shy away from the harsh realities of suburban life, making it a raw and unflinching portrayal.

Appears in Lists