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pantslint's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I picked up this book because I've read that Don't Worry Darling (2022) was a poorly-done film copycat of The Stepford Wives. I love Levin's writing style; it's straightforward and easy to read, all the while being so descriptive that I can visually see the scenes and settings.
The premise is still so relevant (sadly) and the language and mechanics still hold up pretty well, so I can see how this book is a timeless classic. However, it's interesting to see how far feminist theory and female characters have come—it's clear in Joanna's characterization.
She's not a perfect feminist (no one is), though the way that she, Charmaine, and Bobbie are written feel a little bit like caricatures in present-day. They're bad housewives: messy, loud, and they shirk responsibilities in favor of their personal hobbies. They eat McDonald's cheeseburgers in the car and play tennis. There is such a sharp contrast between them and the robotic Stepford Wives, for emphasis on how different and liberated they are in comparison, I guess? Though now, I'd say there's room for more nuance in feminist literature, and not so not-like-other-girls.
When Joanna meets Carol in the very first chapter, she observes how beautiful Carol is, and how perfect of a housewife she is. But Joanna's attitude irks the hell out of me.
The premise is still so relevant (sadly) and the language and mechanics still hold up pretty well, so I can see how this book is a timeless classic. However, it's interesting to see how far feminist theory and female characters have come—it's clear in Joanna's characterization.
When Joanna meets Carol in the very first chapter, she observes how beautiful Carol is, and how perfect of a housewife she is. But Joanna's attitude irks the hell out of me.
No, she didn't know how it was, thank God. Not to be like that, a compulsive hausfrau. Who could blame Ted for taking advantage of such an asking-to-be-exploited patsy?
I have to read more of Levin's work. And I don't think I'll watch Olivia Wilde's movie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Murder
Minor: Racism and Blood
looney_lily's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Minor: Racism and Murder
caughtbetweenpages's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is haunting me and I don't think it'll ever stop.
The story is simple: something weird is happening to women in Stepford, where the longer they live there, the less agency they exert, the more their attentions turn toward domesticity and making themselves look "perfect", and the cagier their husbands get about discussing the changes that have happened in their wives. However, despite many a decade passing since Levin first wrote this story, the underpinnings of misogyny in the men of Stepford echo all too closely the grumblings of alphaholes in the mannosphere demaning trad-wives and a return to a hyperpatriarchal familial structure (as though our backs aren't already breaking under the yoke of patriarchy even now). ( If you don't understand those words, please tell me where you're from so I can go there and escape, since it's not too late for me quite yet.) Given the twitter and reddit threads that pop up in the year of our lord 2023 where men fully talk about the "part of the relationship where you start to hate your girlfriend/wife" as though that's a normal relationship step and the gaslighting and emotional abuse they put her through is par for the course since she's being annoying enough to try to make things work... yeah, it's not a far stretch of the imagination to think men like that would love the option to have a council of techbros in a little boy's club kill their female partners and have them replaced with cooking, cleaning, child-minding robots who never gain weight or smell bad or aren't fully made up and dressed to the nines . Hating women and yet wanting them as a trophy for proof of one's own masculinity is a disease and it looks like it's reaching pandemic proportions. I only hope it's not terminal.
On a structural level, Levin's mastery of pacing can't be overstated. The exponential ramping up of the tension in the story as the characters within became more aware of Something Going On made me real-life nervous, and I felt true sorrow when the protagonist, whose name escapes me, is killed by a robot wearing her former friend's face even as she's trying to escape the town and her husband's attempted murder . The slow attitude change on the protagonist's husband was chilling and so insidious, it very much felt like I turned a page and realized "oh. oh, despite his promise to try to change the patriarchal structure from within, he has found in it a way to assert power and feel in control, and he's forsaken the woman he claimed to love for it. got it. nobody is safe here." The final chapter, where the cycle begins anew made me full body shiver. The prose is tight, the characters feel modern and resonant even decades after they were written, and the themes stick with you long after you close this book. Absolute masterpiece.
The story is simple: something weird is happening to women in Stepford, where the longer they live there, the less agency they exert, the more their attentions turn toward domesticity and making themselves look "perfect", and the cagier their husbands get about discussing the changes that have happened in their wives. However, despite many a decade passing since Levin first wrote this story, the underpinnings of misogyny in the men of Stepford echo all too closely the grumblings of alphaholes in the mannosphere demaning trad-wives and a return to a hyperpatriarchal familial structure (as though our backs aren't already breaking under the yoke of patriarchy even now). ( If you don't understand those words, please tell me where you're from so I can go there and escape, since it's not too late for me quite yet.) Given the twitter and reddit threads that pop up in the year of our lord 2023 where men fully talk about the "part of the relationship where you start to hate your girlfriend/wife" as though that's a normal relationship step and the gaslighting and emotional abuse they put her through is par for the course since she's being annoying enough to try to make things work... yeah, it's not a far stretch of the imagination to think men like that would love the option to have a council of techbros in a little boy's club
On a structural level, Levin's mastery of pacing can't be overstated. The exponential ramping up of the tension in the story as the characters within became more aware of Something Going On made me real-life nervous, and I felt true sorrow when
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Murder
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
catriona176's review
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Misogyny, Murder, Domestic abuse, and Gaslighting
Minor: Lesbophobia and Mental illness
harpygon's review against another edition
tense
4.5
I went into this book already knowing the answer to what is wrong with Stepford‘s women (that happens when one watches enough critics of hello darling whatever the florence pugh movie is called) but the book was gripping nonetheless.
Joanna going through the stages of growing mistrust and paranoia (is it still paranoia if one is correct?), her losing first her entire support and social system and then trust in herself.
The last couple of segments where she is fleeing from her own husband, running through the snow and just slowly coming to doubt her own sanity hit soooo hard
Also the open ending regarding how exactly Joanna was replaced. The questions she posed about how they dispose of the wives and all that are never answered, we are still clueless, the secrets firmly guarded by the men’s association.
I dont know how I am supposed to interpret the epilogue… I believe it is meant to be a „they are both understanding and equal and thats why she is save?“ or maybe it is „he is showing the same understanding and open nature that Joanna‘s husband showed in the beginning but just give it a couple months?“
I personally choose to believe that its the first, because this couple is different. They‘re black, they only have daughters while all other families whose children are mentioned have at least 1 son, the wife is successful in her own manner and earns money (Joanna did too, but less successfully), the husband is more of a partner. Neither of them strive for a social life. They are written as the complete and utter antithesis to Stepford‘s Robot wifes (I guess I know how i‘d interpet the epilogue after all)
The last couple of segments where she is fleeing from her own husband, running through the snow and just slowly coming to doubt her own sanity hit soooo hard
Also the open ending regarding how exactly Joanna was replaced. The questions she posed about how they dispose of the wives and all that are never answered, we are still clueless, the secrets firmly guarded by the men’s association.
I dont know how I am supposed to interpret the epilogue… I believe it is meant to be a „they are both understanding and equal and thats why she is save?“ or maybe it is „he is showing the same understanding and open nature that Joanna‘s husband showed in the beginning but just give it a couple months?“
I personally choose to believe that its the first, because this couple is different. They‘re black, they only have daughters while all other families whose children are mentioned have at least 1 son, the wife is successful in her own manner and earns money (Joanna did too, but less successfully), the husband is more of a partner. Neither of them strive for a social life. They are written as the complete and utter antithesis to Stepford‘s Robot wifes (I guess I know how i‘d interpet the epilogue after all)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Sexism
Minor: 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
ottercorg's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Another book I never really knew the plot to but always heard referenced - and whose movie I'd never seen. What a delight! This is exactly the kind of plot I enjoy. Very mid sci-fi, a bit of spookiness, and overall well written. Levin writes in a way that immersed me into the story, felt like I was there, without being overly descriptive or wordy.
I don't always love an open ending, but I think this one was just right. Poor Joanna.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Alcohol, Sexual content, Murder, and Racism
lukerik's review against another edition
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The heroic Men’s Association must defend their traditional way of life against a dreadful feminist who has moved into their territory. Levin cleverly maintains the tension by making her a liberal feminist. If she were a radical feminist they would of course have no chance of success.
Seriously though, a fun little read. Very much like Rosemary’s Baby, but without the meat you normally get in a novel. Reads almost like a play.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Sexism
Minor: Murder
notthatcosta's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Unfortunately, my introduction to the Stepford Wives was via the appalling FLOP 2004 film starring Nicole Kidman, which in typical early noughties fashion was totally sanitised as to appease middle America and the production company.
Thankfully, I later discovered the original 1975 cult classic, which is every bit as chilling and dark and twisted as this book. I will go ahead and say that this is one of the better paced novels I have read, and I could have happily blown through the entire book in a single sitting, because it is so gripping. I say this even though I knew how the book would end becauseI knew that the original film is quite loyal to the book.
However, it was interesting to see how much more of a major character Ruthanne is in the book, only to make a brief cameo in the final scene of the film. I think both the book and the ORIGINAL film do an excellent job of being refined and edited to perfection, but I think the original stakes of Joanna having an ally until the end would have been interesting to explore. That said, I think the book ending of robot Bobbie stabbing her to death while Bobbie's children are upstairs is even more chilling than Joanna being strangled by her eye-less robot self. Actually, maybe they're as disturbing as each other. I liked how both Book Joanna and film Joanna were both equally screwed but had equally slim chances of escape that were missed by fatal flaws - Book Joanna said 'fuck the kids' but had the keys stolen (should have driven straight from the psychologist to New York), where as film Joanna fully had the car and could have escaped but went to the Men's Association to get her stupid kids. I think both endings worked for their respective contexts - a final showdown in the Men's Association with the reveal of Robot Joanna was the gag the film needed to punctuate it, where as the ending of the book felt suitably quiet.
When it comes to Joanna's undoing, I think her refusal to leave her children is more 'obvious' and therefore lame, where as the opportunity to see her internal monologue in the book where she oscillates between believing the lies she was fed and second guessing herself but also knowing deep down that she was right was fascinating and grounded in both reality and felt consistent with the way her character had progressed until that point in there book.
The commentary on feminism, race in America and class is incredibly timely despite being over 50 years old, which is very impressive; I have read books published a couple of years ago that have already aged terribly by comparison. The book also features some picture perfect examples of gaslighting, and nails the nuances of manipulation and LYING, those men are LIARS. Above all, Joanna, Bobbie, Charmaine and Ruthanne are fully realised and LIKEABLE characters, which is impressive considering how short the book is.
Justice for literally every woman in this book, except maybe the therapist look she was useless.
Thankfully, I later discovered the original 1975 cult classic, which is every bit as chilling and dark and twisted as this book. I will go ahead and say that this is one of the better paced novels I have read, and I could have happily blown through the entire book in a single sitting, because it is so gripping. I say this even though I knew how the book would end because
However, it was interesting to see how much more of a major character Ruthanne is in the book, only to make a brief cameo in the final scene of the film. I think both the book and the ORIGINAL film do an excellent job of being refined and edited to perfection, but I think the original stakes of Joanna having an ally until the end would have been interesting to explore. That said, I think the book ending of robot Bobbie stabbing her to death while Bobbie's children are upstairs is even more chilling than Joanna being strangled by her eye-less robot self. Actually, maybe they're as disturbing as each other. I liked how both Book Joanna and film Joanna were both equally screwed but had equally slim chances of escape that were missed by fatal flaws - Book Joanna said 'fuck the kids' but had the keys stolen (should have driven straight from the psychologist to New York), where as film Joanna fully had the car and could have escaped but went to the Men's Association to get her stupid kids. I think both endings worked for their respective contexts - a final showdown in the Men's Association with the reveal of Robot Joanna was the gag the film needed to punctuate it, where as the ending of the book felt suitably quiet.
When it comes to Joanna's undoing, I think her refusal to leave her children is more 'obvious' and therefore lame, where as the opportunity to see her internal monologue in the book where she oscillates between believing the lies she was fed and second guessing herself but also knowing deep down that she was right was fascinating and grounded in both reality and felt consistent with the way her character had progressed until that point in there book.
The commentary on feminism, race in America and class is incredibly timely despite being over 50 years old, which is very impressive; I have read books published a couple of years ago that have already aged terribly by comparison. The book also features some picture perfect examples of gaslighting, and nails the nuances of manipulation and LYING, those men are LIARS. Above all, Joanna, Bobbie, Charmaine and Ruthanne are fully realised and LIKEABLE characters, which is impressive considering how short the book is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Murder, and Sexism