OPENING LINE:

The final dying sounds of their dress rehearsal left the Laurel Players with nothing to do but stand there, silent and helpless, blinking out over the footlights of an empty auditorium.

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Revolutionary Road is the story hidden behind the 1950′s American dream. Frank and April Wheeler struggle with reality which clashes in the face of their imagined-perfect, suburban life. In a way, this story echos what all relationships must go through, and the characters show us how dangerous their (and our own) crises can be. This is good tragedy that gives the reader or viewer a warning about decisions they make about their personal lives and has a great message about American culture in general! The book was adapted into a screenplay by Justin Haythe and the resulting movie was directed by Sam Mendes and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. It was thoroughly enjoyable and very faithful to the spirit of the book. Though, the book gives the reader more detail into Frank’s mind and develops the secondary characters more fully. Because of that I found it particularly enjoyable to read the book after watching the movie first.

Check the BPL catalog for this title: Revolutionary Road