Bard of Loneliness

A ranking of Richard Yates's novels (because: why not?) ......

THE BEST: "The Easter Parade." Amazingly brisk and authoritative. Heartbreaking. Characters who seem "real." Startling twists.

THE RUNNER-UP: "Revolutionary Road." I just think it could be a bit shorter. I do love the garrulous real estate agent and the painful office scenes.

THE MIDDLE: "A Good School" (you feel like you know these people, and you care about them), "Cold Spring Harbor" (cringe-inducing in the best way).

THE REST: "A Special Providence" (the Mom scenes are amazing, and yet the war scenes show Yates is *not* omnipotent), "Disturbing the Peace" (meh), and "Young Hearts Crying" (diverting, but maybe not the most urgent or important thing Yates has written).

And there you have it. Happy Weekend!

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