Reviews

Les femmes de Stepford by Ira Levin

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jcpdiesel21's review against another edition

4.0

An effective satirical thriller with an intriguing take on feminism. I appreciate how Levin doesn't beat around the bush and throws readers right into the story with the Eberharts already living in Stepford. The events that occur are often dark and creepy, but there is room for occasional humor as well as keen observations about gender roles and society. The ending is rather bleak unless you have a more hopeful interpretation of the epilogue that focuses on newest resident Ruthanne. A quick, suspenseful read that could most likely be completed in one sitting.

abmochapman's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

an incredible psychological thriller (apart from peter straub’s introduction, which — rather than introducing the novel — explains its entire plot)

Content Warnings

hookerkitty's review against another edition

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Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No

1.0

…what in the hell did I just read? I borrowed this on Hoopla, so I’m not sure just how much was formatting errors from Hoopla or if it’s the actual book’s fault.

There was rarely any indication that there’d be a scene change between lines/paragraphs, which was hella confusing (once in a while I’d get a — between lines, or an extra space between lines, but the majority of the time I got neither).

I also had to keep checking to see if I accidentally skipped a page, because it’d seem like I was missing gaps of info. But judging by other reviews I’ve seen, that’s how the book was actually written. Which is atrocious. Especially when giant gaps take place at the end. There was no huge twist, you just have to decide for yourself what happened. Or, in the case of the edition I read with Peter Straub’s (awful) intro, you can basically read a quick summary/cliffs note version of the book, before you actually read any of it yet. Who the hell approved that‽

I’m glad this was a short book, because I would’ve been hella pissed wasting more time than I did (still irked even with it being shorter though). I’m SO glad I didn’t buy it in a whim to make sure I had the entire book.

I mean, just, why? I picked this book for one of my challenges, both because it fit, but mostly because Rosemary’s Baby wasn’t available to borrow on Libby or Hoopla. I’d always wanted to read Rosemary’s Baby, but now I’m questioning whether or not it’ll be worth my time because this was so bad. Argh.

Content Warnings

flubbinit's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.5

A must-read of classic literature especially feminist literature. Regardless of its short length it's a real page turner beginning to end. I would have devoured the story if it were expanded to a full novel 3x its length, but it serves its purpose as a poignant, haunting novella.

simon_reads03's review against another edition

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4.0

What a ride! Beautifully crafted, ingeniously written, and way ahead of its time, Levin's The Stepford Wives is a Sci-Fi view of the normality of a society's way of order.
The novel follows Joanna, a photographer living in a rather oppressive 20th century America when she moves from the progressive New York City to the small yet tightly-managed town of Stepford with her husband Walter, and two children. After arriving though, she starts noticing something very strange about the town's housewives and how they behave, puzzling Joanna into confusion and even concern.
But as time goes on, Joanna will discover that something far more twisted and sinister is happening in the town of Stepford, and it's certainly not run by the women...

I had a blast reading this. For the first quarter of the book, I was very confused about what the point of the book would be. I wasn't sure why anything was relevant -- other than Joanna and her family being painted as very progressive -- and I wasn't even picking up on the little clues, but upon delving deeper and deeper, the book makes a complete twist that had me on the edge of my seat. It was thoroughly enjoyable.
I do have to say, a few sections of the book felt a tad disconnected like I was taken out and put back in the book very rapidly. I wanted to be able to delve 100% and I felt like I really couldn't for some parts.

Overall, flaws and all, The Stepford Wives was a delightful and, most importantly, insightful read. Ahead of its time, knowing and serving its purpose, and useful for all ages; a very important look into society's ideals and the ends they'll go to force them. A must-read.