The Stepford Wives

De: Ira Levin

Narrado por: January LaVoy, Grover Gardner

Ira Levin’s dark suburban tale remains as compelling—and frighteningly relevant—as ever. Psychological suspense mixes with elements of science fiction to create an extraordinary thriller tinted with Levin’s sly, satirical wit.

Few novels have enshrined themselves in the collective consciousness to the degree The Stepford Wives has. Levin’s biting critique has been spun off into countless film and television adaptations, from 1975’s original Katharine Ross filming to 2004’s Nicole Kidman offering—and its influence can be felt in later works from The Handmaid’s Tale to Get Out. Its title alone has become part of our common lexicon.

Joanna Eberhart is a creative, self-possessed wife and mother, newly arrived in seemingly idyllic Stepford, Connecticut. But as she and her family begin settling in, she’s jarred by the unaccountable sameness of the local wives: all flawlessly attractive, with perfectly maintained homes—and little seeming interest in anything else. As curiosity turns to concern, Joanna finds herself unraveling a web of malice that threatens her very existence.

Prepare to be captivated, unnerved, and utterly engrossed by Ira Levin’s dark and unforgettable modern classic, The Stepford Wives.

This edition includes an afterword by Peter Straub.

©2011 Ira Levin (P)2024 Blackstone Publishing

Creepy

This is a creepy anti-feminist tale that will curl your toenails if you don't already know it.

Womanhood

A feminist critique of societal expectations for women and their desire to rebel against it.

A classic

Great narrator and story just like the original movie. Let’s not talk about the remake…. Ever

4.5 star story with 5 star performance

The writing is pretty good. I struggled with whether to do 4 stars but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. It was a pretty original story and obviously influential if only for the classic movie based on it. The author does a good job maintaining that delicate balance of keeping you wondering if it might all be in her head after all.

Amazing narration with just the right nuance.

Oh, and, skip the weird final chapter. Someone tacked on an irritating book report for some reason and it adds nothing to the experience.

Pissed me off

The story was amazing. The beginning - yep. The middle - yep. The last - Just NO! So frustrating. The author totally failed the protagonist

Well-narrated Horror Classic

Strong narration makes this tense, well-paced classic even better. A quick listen from a time when publishers released shorter genre novels, this story takes on misogyny and the dark, conformist side of upward mobility in American suburbs. Offers more character devleopment than the many movie and TV adaptations it has inspired.

Reminded me how good the movie was

Sobering story… very well written! To get to 15 words, I’ll add that it is well worth the listen time.

I see why this is a classic

A little corny at times but I overall actually really enjoyed this. Fun horror and an interesting perspective on gender dynamics

Not as good as I expected

It starts off strong then picks up toward the end. Solid entertainment just not up to your ears entertainment.

Tightly written

Very well written and very well read. Even the original movie did it justice. Will listen again