Revolutionary Road

Most book lovers would agree that most of the time movie adaptions aren't as good as the original book. And with a few exceptions, I would agree with that. On the positive side, movie adaptions can revive otherwise neglected books. Revolutionary Road, published in 1961, is enjoying a revival of its own, thanks to the Sam Mendes' adaption starring his wife, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.

While some of the novel does seem dated, the major premise of Finding Greater Meaning, still rings true today. Suburban disillusionment, typified by Frank and April Wheeler in this book, has evolved in the passing generations, but is still around in one form or another. While told from the perspective of Frank, it is April who is lost, and ultimately for me the more interesting of the two characters.

While the writing is really good, this isn't a happy book. It starts out rocky, has a slight pick up (though you know even reading that it is doomed), and continues its spiral into despair far beyond where you thought it would go. I would recommend this to any lover of literature, or those interested in mid-Century American history. Just be sure to pick up something light and fun to read next.