Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

7 reviews

jeslis's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Notes:
- This book is totally up my alley! Lyrical, atmospheric writing and very character driven.
- Loved the way it describes past and present events that alludes to this undercurrent of emptiness, disappointment and a haunting loss of something unrealised despite the "perfect" facade.

- That breakfast scene man :') Really got me good, that feeling of loss before the loss has happened really hits my wheelhouse.

- Not top tier fav book just yet but getting real close!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Abortion

Moderate: Death and Suicide

signeskov's review against another edition

emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I picked up this read with no larger expectations than a 1950s suburban drama (possibly inspired by the fact that I at one point in my life had watched the DeCaprio and Winslet movie trailer), but was pleasantly surprised that what I got was a suburban tragedy. Especially the last 50 pages or so of the book brought out interesting character arcs, and I think the very last two paragraphs of the book closes off the tale exquisitely.

Revolutionary Road showcases interesting thoughts on gender, toxic relationships, monogamous marriages, bodily autonomy, and the freedom to chase dreams. Part of the act seems the way it is written from a male gaze but somehow still manages to express a critique towards the very same and how patriarcal structures damage not just the lives of women, but also clearly hinders men from achieving true happiness in their relationships and in themselves as individuals. Perhaps this a feminist reading of 2023, but I think it was either way an interesting one.

One thing is sure: this tragedy makes you fear the conformity of surburban life and choosing to lean into the heteronormative roles that society has given you. Playing along without thinking twice carries its consequences.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexism, Abortion, and Toxic relationship

Moderate: Homophobia and Domestic abuse

wondering_hannah88's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Miscarriage, Mental illness, Suicide, and Abortion

mondovertigo's review

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse, Misogyny, Infidelity, Abortion, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, and Mental illness

Moderate: War and Child abuse

gabedon's review

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Abortion, Death, Forced institutionalization, and Mental illness

Moderate: Grief, Medical content, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Forced institutionalization, and Suicidal thoughts

jennalynn48's review against another edition

dark emotional slow-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abortion

Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Pregnancy, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Vomit

lucyembers's review

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

My other favourite piece of fiction. An introspective look into marriage, societal ideals and the position of women in the 1950s. Depicts the frustrations of suburban life in a gritty and honest way- these characters are easily empathised with, even if their actions could be questioned from a moral perspective. Read if you enjoy something that is turbulent, yet set against the mundane nature of married life. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abortion

Moderate: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship