Neglected American Masterpece: REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

This 1962 novel by Richard Yates may well be the finest post-WWII fiction by an American writer. It's the poignant story of suburban couple frank and April Wheeler, their passage from young married love to disillusionment and tragedy. Kurt Vonnegut praised the book as "THE GREAT GATSBY of my generation." REVOLUTIONARY ROAD is Yates' first novel, a stunning debut performance. His later work is also excellent and includes THE EASTER PARADE, YOUNG HEARTS CRYING, and the classic short story collection ELEVEN KINDS OF LONELINESS. Yates is one of those excellent but underappreciaetd writers who deserves a far wider audience than he ever had. He excels at portarying the subtleties of love, neurosis, and downbeat moods. He's one of the best novelists America has ever produced.