Books: Revolutionary Road
April 8, 2009 | Books
I just finished reading Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates. Gah. Why didn’t anyone tell me not to read this right after reading The Reader?
This was on the last page with an odd “coming soon from Vintage Books” heading:
In Young Hearts Crying, Yates movingly portrays a man and a woman from their courtship and marriage in the 1950s to their divorce in the 70s, chronicling their heartbreaking attempts to reach their highest ambitions. Michael Davenport dreams of being a poet after returning home from World War II Europe, and at first he and his new wife, Lucy, enjoy their life together. But as the decades pass and the success of others creates an oppressive fear of failure in both Michael and Lucy, their once-bright future gives way to a life of adultery and isolation. With empathy and grace, Yates creates a poignant novel of the desires and disasters of a tragic, hopeful couple.
Know what? Yates covered plenty of that ground — and more — in Revolutionary Road. Nah. I think I’m good.
April 8th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
Oh, dear, wish I had known. I’d have suggested you read almost anything else after “The Reader” experience. Again, I didn’t READ it (but plan to), but did see the film with my friend Dale (the twins mom) when they were visiting this winter. OY! Dale doesn’t get to the movies very often, and I suggested this poke in the eye.
Must say, the film stayed with me and provoked some thought. But it’s just such a drag.