I really enjoyed reading this book. Contrary to the other reviews posted, I found it very interesting and insightful. I have not yet seen the movie, and am curious about how it will be done, because in general the story of the book is bland and sad, but the way the book is written, with pages and pages of inner monolouge which gives you insight into the emotion of the characters, makes the story worthwhile. Without all of the details you get from the characters thought life, I don't think I would like the story line very much.

The characters are real, they go beyond the cliche of middle life suburbia, and they made me think about my own priorities and future. I thought the book was well written, however if you don't like "deep" "contemplative" literature, this may not be the book for you. It takes a bit of engagement to get into it fully.

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This was a very different read for me. I enjoyed it but found it bitter sweet. It leaves you with a real complacent feeling, as though you too should be doing more with your life. I felt bad for both main characters, April is totally misunderstood by her husband and subject to his endless manipulation and Frank doesn't know how diluted he is. Although many aspects of this book are dated, (its set in the 1950s) it is remarkable how the general theme of the book is very applicable today.

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This book was very hard to get into and a bit boring at times. I found myself thinking about other things rather than this book. Although, it does have a good story line. Its message is clear and makes you wonder about others "perfect" lives. It ends sad and somewhat predictable.

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I picked up Revolutionary Road because I mistakenly thought it was on the list of 1001 books you must read before you die, but I feel it could be. Richard Yates eloquently writes about alienation in the 1950s. Frank and April Wheeler seem like the quintessential middle-class couple, but Yates' characterization gives a rich, nuanced picture of how they feel trapped in their dystopian suburban Connecticut existence. However, unlike many novels with psychologically detailed portrayals, the plot moves along and touches on profound themes such as love, mental illness, morality and gender roles. It is a satisfying book that makes one reflect on what constitutes a well-lived life.

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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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Extraordinarily true dialogue. A great read.

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"I think the writing is first-rate. The plot avoids making melodramatic martyrs out of the characters. There is no portrayal of Frank and April has being these intrinsically Byronic repressed-artist types. The closest the book comes to that are April's vague thespian ambitions. What we have is more of a sense of unsettledness in the milieu of Eisenhower-era suburbia.

The interesting part of their characterization is the depiction of the events of their youths, April's loveless childhood and Frank's wanderlust and his vague sense that he was meant for something big. Thus, it isn't just the intrinsic qualities of suburbia but the Wheeler's ill-adaptedness to it.

At the risk of giving too much away, the shifting in the perspective of the story to the Campbells from the Wheelers was a deft choice. I have to think that having a mentally unbalanced character making the trenchant observations he makes in the book has a cliched feel to it (sort of like having a blind character be the most insightful).

I think that back in 1961, the idea of a dry rot lying inside 1950s suburbia was probably had more of an impact then it would now. This is largely because the Wheeler's of the 1960s and 1970s were, in fact, more daring in living out of the box then their 1950s predecessors. Likewise, the use of the consideration of abortion as a plot device would've carried more weight pre-Roe v. Wade"...http://books.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977964287

I recommends this book; it maybe slow to read at frist, but it is more in detail than the movie. This story shows the lifestyle of the 50's and a deeply troubled couple.

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