The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin, Peter Straub
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Book Reviews of The Stepford Wives
Book Review: A True Landmark
Summary: 5 Stars
Very few suspense novels achieve historic status, and this 1972 gem is one of them. Short, swift, and genuinely terrifying, it had an impact on the world that still resonates. The phrase, "Stepford wife," is now part of our language, and a certain type of woman will always be described that way. Ira Levin managed to make a profound sociological statement disguised as entertainment, and there aren't many other examples of that in suspense fiction.
There is no substitute for reading this chilling novel, although the solid 1975 film version with Katharine Ross is infinitely better than the ill-advised "comic" remake with Nicole Kidman. To turn Levin's dark, pro-feminist statement into a campy farce was a disservice to him and an insult to women everywhere. Stick with the novel--you'll never forget it, I promise.
Book Review: Careful: Someone left a review and spoiled the entire book.
Summary: 5 Stars
Watch out when reading the reviews below. Someone decided to stupidly leave a review that went on about men's reaction to women's lib in the 70s, while saying NOTHING AT ALL about whether or not they found the book an enjoyable read and why. (Never mind the fact they seemed to be thinking of the movie instead of the book).
What's worse is that they give away the deep, dark secret of the book and completely ruin it. I was glancing at the reviews to get an idea of the book, and I expected a lot of things in the way of minor spoilers, but I never thought someone would be idiotic enough to just outright give away the ending without so much as a spoiler warning. This is supposed to be one of those classic chillers; thanks to that anonymous moron below I'm deprived of the point of reading The Stepford Wives.
Book Review: Levin sees the future
Summary: 5 Stars
In many ways, Ira Levin is a visionary. His greatest works were written decades ago, yet they are more significant today than ever. The Stepford Wives, while downright spooky, is at the same time a glimpse at the runaway science that makes the concept of humanistic robots seem more plausible every day. In it's day, the novel was viewed as dark and slightly absurd. Today? Who's to say that tidy, smiling woman who lives next door isn't filled with circuitry and microchips instead of blood and bone? One of my all-time favorite books. And written with the cut to the bone conciseness Levin has mastery of. Not a wasted word to be found.
-- Mark LaFlamme, author of "The Pink Room."
Book Review: A quick and worthwhile read
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end (although the introduction part gave away much of some interesting parts) and although I put it down several times it only took me about an hour and a half to read in total (without even really concentrating on it). It's interesting to note that Joanna (and Ruthanne later on) begins to become a Stepford wife long before her "transformation" into the extreme type. Her character is deeply wrung and realistic and, although she is the central character in the novella, she is not the only one who gets a strong development. But I'll let you see that for yourself if you so wish. :p
Book Review: A word of Caution
Summary: 5 Stars
I really love this book, it was very short, and it only takes a few days to read at a leisurely pace. But, if you ever decide to see the film version go with the one made in 1975, not the newer one, this one sticks more to the novel and doesn't have gaping plot holes (which I very graciously overlook when I watch the newer one - it is pretty funny at points). But don't skip the book in favor of the film, the book is better and so short that it's a shame to nat read it.