Revolutionary road

By Richard Yates. Vintage, 2008.

Richard Yates Revolutionary Road is now a movie, but the book, published in 1961, is a work of serious moral intent - about the shortcomings of its characters. Frank and April Wheeler are a living as a dysfunctional couple so she devises an escape plan, one that will enable Frank to realise his potential while she works, at least until her husband finds an occupation more suited to a literate war veteran. As Richard Yates's novel unfolds, however, it becomes apparent that though Frank might rail against the suburbs, he lacks the imagination or boldness for change and so his marriage rapidly unravels.

- Wendy