Back

Review of "Study Guide for Richard Yates's Revolutionary Road" on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I fell in love with this book from the first page (second paragraph, I believe). The author has a gift of describing people's thoughts, and adding little disjointed bits of dialogue here and there, that is unlike anything I have ever read before. I absolutely hated every adult character in the book. They are all terrible people. Still, I felt sorry for them and their bitter, miserable lives, and could not wait to find out more about them. This very much reminds me of The Sound and Fury by William Faulkner and February by Lisa Moore: the book really made it possible to get into the minds of the people in the story, you don't just passively read a story about them.

This is not a happy book. It is not, however, a book that becomes preachy or beats you over the head with forced emotions, tugging at your heart until you break down. It is emotional, but in a very real way.

Absolutely amazing. It is easily one of the best three books I have ever read.

EDIT: Do not read any reviews or plot summaries before reading the book! If you are reading this without having finished Revolutionary Road, immediately stop what you are doing and pick up the book. Do not read more reviews. The book unfolds so well, it would really be a shame if it gets spoiled for you!