In 'Revolutionary Road, The Easter Parade, Eleven Kinds of Loneliness,' Richard Yates delves into the intricate lives of his characters, exposing the raw edges of post-war American society. Each story candidly explores themes of disillusionment, unfulfilled dreams, and the haunting specter of loneliness. Yates masterfully intertwines poignant dialogue and rich, emotional landscapes, inviting readers into a world that feels both familiar and unsettling. As the characters grapple with their aspirations and failures, you'll be left questioning the true cost of societal expectations. This collection is a powerful reflection on the human condition, compelling readers to confront their own journeys of hope and despair.
By Richard Yates
Published: 2009
""The truth is that it never got any better; it just got worse in different ways.""
Three classic works—including the virtuosic Revolutionary Road—that exemplify the remarkable gifts of this great American master "It is Yates’s relentless, unflinching investigation of our secret hearts, and his speaking to us in language as clear and honest and unadorned and unsentimental and uncompromising as his vision, that makes him such a great writer.” —Richard Russo, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Empire Falls Richard Yates’s first novel, National Book Award finalist Revolutionary Road, is the unforgettable portrait of a marriage built on dreams that tragically never come to fruition. In The Easter Parade, he tells the story of two sisters whose parents’ divorce overshadows their entire lives. And in the stories in Eleven Kinds of Loneliness, we witness men and women striving for better lives amid discouragement and disillusion.
Richard Yates (1926-1992) was an American author renowned for his poignant exploration of the human condition, often set against the backdrop of post-war America. His notable works include the celebrated novel 'Revolutionary Road,' which starkly depicts the disillusionment of suburban life, and 'Eleven Kinds of Loneliness,' a collection of short stories that examines the complexities of isolation. Yates' writing style is characterized by its emotional depth, incisive realism, and a knack for capturing the intricacies of personal relationships. His ability to convey the struggles of ordinary individuals has cemented his legacy as a significant voice in American literature.
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In 'Journey to the End of the Night,' Céline takes readers on a dark and unsettling odyssey through the horrors of war, despair, and existential dread. The protagonist, Ferdinand Bardamu, navigates a post-World War I landscape filled with both absurdity and brutality, challenging the conventions of society and morality. The novel is renowned for its raw, fragmented style and unflinching portrayal of human suffering, inviting readers to confront uncomfortable truths about existence. As Bardamu spirals through life, he grapples with questions of fate, meaning, and the human condition. This provocative and groundbreaking work remains a profound exploration of the depths of human experience, leaving an indelible mark on literature.
In 'A Room of One's Own', Virginia Woolf crafts a groundbreaking feminist essay that explores the relationship between women and fiction. She argues that a woman must have financial independence and private space to create art, delving into the constraints imposed by society. Through the lens of history and literature, Woolf challenges the patriarchal norms that have silenced women's voices. With philosophical insights and imaginative storytelling, she illuminates the struggle for identity and expression. This seminal work invites readers to reassess the value of their own creative spaces.
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Showing 8 of 20 related collections
“"The truth is that it never got any better; it just got worse in different ways."”
Revolutionary Road, The Easter Parade, Eleven Kinds of Loneliness
By Richard Yates
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