The Stepford Wives

By: Ira Levin

Narrated by: 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

Solid horror from a natural storyteller

The best thing about this novel is Ira Levin, who writes so transparently that the story tells itself. The author's voice isn't there, leaving us a clearly understood and genuinely experienced reality we effortlessly believe in.
Great book from the author of my favorite creepy story of horrific witchery, Levin's masterpiece, Rosemary's Baby.

A 5 star psychological thriller.

The Stepford Wives, my first read from author Ira Levin. A 5 star psychological thriller/satirical feminist horror read. Never having read it I purchased an Audible copy of this book when it was on sale on September 29th and am voluntarily leaving a review. Originally published in 1972 I can see why it's stood the test of time & has had two feature film adaptations. I'll read more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Enjoyed the read of classic thriller Stepford and appreciate the legacy

The reader did a great job of showing the listener the appropriate inflections of the characters of the story in stepford wives.

The Voices of Joanna and Bobbie

I thought it was tightly woven, expertly narrated and performed, and genuinely thrilling and tragic

A classic

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

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

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.

this is just a classic, scary, wonderful book

definately order this audiobook; this is one of Levin's best, & that's saying A LOT. The audiobook version of this novel may have been better with multiple readers, or simply a male reader; it might have been more chilling, but this reader's rendering was quite good, so I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing this version.

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.