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prairiedog's review
5.0
One of my favorite books, not just because of the heartbreaking story and characters, but because of Yates' stunning language and observations. This novel about spiritual delusion and death in 50s suburbia is absolutely haunting.
sp00kyx's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book made me feel physically sick. Just writing this makes me feel anxious and makes me shake. When I finished it all I wanted to do was to cry, but I couldn’t I just sat there, shaking and feeling nauseous. If you compare the movie to the book, the movie was literally a children’s movie in comparison to the book. The book was so well written and was really immersive. I loved seeing Frank’s thoughts and emotions behind the scenes I had seen in the movie, though I would have loved to have seen April’s point of view as well. Frank was an even bigger asshole than he was in the movie and I felt for April even more. Watching their relationship fall apart with each page was so unnerving (the plan to move to Paris being way less prominent than it was in the movie) and the ending broke my heart into a million pieces. I knew what was coming, but I spent so much time with the characters, especially April and to read what happened to her honestly hurt so bad. It was also so much more descriptive and the aftermath was described so much more vividly, exasperating the pain I felt. By the end all I wanted to do was to scream and cry and punch a wall. I have so many emotions inside of me right now I can’t even put it into words.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Abortion, Emotional abuse, Grief, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Suicide, Body shaming, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, and Pregnancy
Minor: Child abuse, Alcohol, Cursing, Abandonment, Physical abuse, Medical content, Blood, and Sexual content
dylansb's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
m_e_d_b_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sabrinaliterary's review against another edition
5.0
"…if you wanted to do something absolutely honest, something true, it always turned out to be a thing that had to be done alone."
I thought this would be another book about tired, pretending suburban lives in the 1950s, and I actually surprised myself when I bought it and cracked it open. As cliched as these subjects might be, Yates' narrative is disturbing and devastating. At the end of the second-to-last chapter, I was paralyzed. I am still haunted by Frank's insecurities and April's emotional numbness, and I can only hope the movie does this story justice.
I thought this would be another book about tired, pretending suburban lives in the 1950s, and I actually surprised myself when I bought it and cracked it open. As cliched as these subjects might be, Yates' narrative is disturbing and devastating. At the end of the second-to-last chapter, I was paralyzed. I am still haunted by Frank's insecurities and April's emotional numbness, and I can only hope the movie does this story justice.
kippersandjam's review against another edition
4.0
#1 Revolutionary Road - Yates
This is my number one of my 50 book challenge for 2011, and I hope that this started book reflects the rest of my choices. I’d never read any Yates before, and I’m really pleased I gave this book the time of day. As a some-what synic about relationships, love and ever-happy endings, this novel was perfect for me (and was the basis for my recommendation!). Yates depicts the not-so-wholesome life of a married couple, the Wheelers, and their problems that they encounter throughout marriage. There’s love, love-loss, affairs, tragedy, sex, whiskey and a jazz bar I’d love to visit. Plus, a rather massive twist.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’m pleased it wasn’t a rose-tinted depiction of a some highly functional suburban Americans. I found myself wanting to see what happened; would they end up making one of the biggest decisions of their lives? how would it happen? what could possible happen next? At each turn, I just wasn’t sure where Yates was going to take me. I would whole-heartedly reccomend this book to anyone and everyone - especially those who don’t want something too happy, too muchy, too perfect. My only problem with this book was, however, it’s lack of direction on the long-term. Upon reflection, I don’t feel that much happened. Still, it’s exceptional.
This is my number one of my 50 book challenge for 2011, and I hope that this started book reflects the rest of my choices. I’d never read any Yates before, and I’m really pleased I gave this book the time of day. As a some-what synic about relationships, love and ever-happy endings, this novel was perfect for me (and was the basis for my recommendation!). Yates depicts the not-so-wholesome life of a married couple, the Wheelers, and their problems that they encounter throughout marriage. There’s love, love-loss, affairs, tragedy, sex, whiskey and a jazz bar I’d love to visit. Plus, a rather massive twist.
I really enjoyed this book, and I’m pleased it wasn’t a rose-tinted depiction of a some highly functional suburban Americans. I found myself wanting to see what happened; would they end up making one of the biggest decisions of their lives? how would it happen? what could possible happen next? At each turn, I just wasn’t sure where Yates was going to take me. I would whole-heartedly reccomend this book to anyone and everyone - especially those who don’t want something too happy, too muchy, too perfect. My only problem with this book was, however, it’s lack of direction on the long-term. Upon reflection, I don’t feel that much happened. Still, it’s exceptional.
chorlsss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cozylittlebrownhouse's review against another edition
3.0
This is a prime example of why we should follow that golden-rule of readers: Read the book, then see the movie. I actually liked the movie MUCH more than I liked the book, probably because Kate and Leo brought to life the roles of Frank and April Wheeler SO WELL, the book couldn't stand a chance for me. The movie did follow the book very closely, but the performances (as mentioned) were so fantastic the book just seemed flat after the film. (I should also mention that the role of the realtor's son, played by Michael Shannon, won awards.) Stephanie=still in shock that Kate and Leo not up for awards for this film.
Hard to read AND hard to watch, the story of reluctant suburbanites, the hesitancy to conform to societal norms of the time period, and a failing marriage all contribute to a rather grim book and movie. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into, but be forewarned. I read several reviews on fandango about the film - people shocked at how depressing it was - um, hello...did you SEE a trailer?
If you are curious about the book, pick the right time in your life to read it.
Hard to read AND hard to watch, the story of reluctant suburbanites, the hesitancy to conform to societal norms of the time period, and a failing marriage all contribute to a rather grim book and movie. I knew exactly what I was getting myself into, but be forewarned. I read several reviews on fandango about the film - people shocked at how depressing it was - um, hello...did you SEE a trailer?
If you are curious about the book, pick the right time in your life to read it.