This is a superb novel.

In short, Revolutionary Road is the great suburban novel. Frank and April, a young married couple, have sold out their dreams for a nice house in a pleasant Connecticut suburb. But they're dying inside. Can their dreams of a special life, a life that is worthy of their undeniable uniquenesses, be rekindled?

Yates's prose is fluid, intense and compelling. I haven't seen the movie, and after reading this, I don't want to. I don't think I'd like to tolerate any simplification or distortion of Yates's bittersweet vision.

I recommend this book highly. ( )

A fantastic book about a young suburban couple in 1950's America. Even as I was reading it I knew I wanted to read it again. The words and sentences are a delight to read. ( )

What a beautifully written book! The prose is just breath-taking. Now I really want to see the movie, too. I would recommend this book to anyone who looks for great contemporary novels. ( )

I really liked this book. A powerful story of life in suburbia that takes place in the 50's. If you've seen Mad Men, you'll be familiar with the territory. The delineation of the characters and the dialogue are just brilliant. Frank Wheeler is one of the most self-absorbed characters ever. He and April have lied to themselves, each other, and anyone they come in contact with. They're living a lie. They're not happy. And who does it take to cut through to the truth? A mental patient. He has no interest in impressing anyone or making nice inane conversation. When he exposes the lie that has been The Wheelers' "raison d'etre" everthing starts to unravel. They aren't the ultra cool, super-intelligent, cut-above the rest, people that they think they are. They've become the people they loathe. ( )

I wanted to read this before the movie came out on DVD. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio star and they are two of my favourites so I was really looking forward to the story.
But I didn't like the book! I didn't care for either character nor the author's style.
I will still rent the DVD but I'm not reading Richard Yates again. ( )