Scan barcode
mfrisk's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was surprised to find how relevant this book felt 50+ years later.
This book discusses feminism, women’s rights and liberation within the context of its time. However reading this now with misogynistic men’s rights activists feeling emboldened to spew more vitriol than ever without even sugarcoating it as the men in this book do is chilling. Considering men still are choosing to be willfully incompetent to avoid splitting the work often taken on solely by women and men continuing to commit violence against women (and to greater degrees those with marginalized identities) this book still holds immense weight.
Ultimately, the women in this book are asking for similar issues as we are today (with of course additional added pressures) in terms of division of household labor, feeling heard in their relationships, and feeling they can be a whole person with hobbies, interests, and civic engagement that isn’t solely tied to their romantic partner. This isn’t necessarily a feel good read but it’s one I’d highly recommend.
This book discusses feminism, women’s rights and liberation within the context of its time. However reading this now with misogynistic men’s rights activists feeling emboldened to spew more vitriol than ever without even sugarcoating it as the men in this book do is chilling. Considering men still are choosing to be willfully incompetent to avoid splitting the work often taken on solely by women and men continuing to commit violence against women (and to greater degrees those with marginalized identities) this book still holds immense weight.
Ultimately, the women in this book are asking for similar issues as we are today (with of course additional added pressures) in terms of division of household labor, feeling heard in their relationships, and feeling they can be a whole person with hobbies, interests, and civic engagement that isn’t solely tied to their romantic partner. This isn’t necessarily a feel good read but it’s one I’d highly recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Toxic relationship
marageorge's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Murder
savvylit's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Stepford Wives is a fast-paced thriller that I read in just one sitting. Prior to reading, I had already seen the 2004 film version featuring Nicole Kidman. If you've seen that film, then you probably feel like I do - the movie is silly and lackluster. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised that Levin's original story is much more interesting and well-executed. And funny! Levin perfectly (and disturbingly) satirizes the type of men who think of their wives as property, as sex objects. The slow creep of realization that dawns on Joanna as she realizes what's really happening in Stepford is so skillfully portrayed. Even though I knew what was coming, I still found myself horrified and disgusted.
Overall, I'd highly recommend The Stepford Wives to anyone looking for a quick and unsettling read!
Overall, I'd highly recommend The Stepford Wives to anyone looking for a quick and unsettling read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Gaslighting, Sexism, and Emotional abuse
add_a_little_spook's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body horror and Sexual content
Minor: Child death
chrisljm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A plot-based novel that’s pretty straightforward. I enjoyed the simplicity in which the themes came across and how it didn’t detract from the thriller aspects, especially towards the ending which I really liked. However, the thrill is also rooted in the fact that, despite the sci-fi elements, it is a very realistic outcome if men were given the opportunity. I think one of the most chilling parts was when Bobbie’s son observed his mother’s change in behavior, and instead of being upset and viewing it as a loss, he’s grateful for it. It was such a small, but important detail.
This was a short read but it was concise, well written, and so interesting, and the use of Joanna as the narrator was done brilliantly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual content, Gaslighting, Body shaming, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Blood, Racism, and Self harm
More...