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The Stepford Wives

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The Stepford Wives

Written by: Ira Levin
Narrated by: January LaVoy, Grover Gardner
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About this listen

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
Horror Psychological Suspense Marriage Witty Fiction
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What listeners say about The Stepford Wives

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Liked It

This book has been on my reading list for a while - it's a true classic in the sci-fi-infused horror genre. Ira Levin wrote the book in the wake of rapid scientific advancement (including the moon landing and the advent of computers) and was inspired by a childhood filled with alien/monster invasion films.
The vocabulary/prose is impressive, the description is vivid, and Levin has a nice touch with suspense and macabre/occult conventions.
The book is disappointingly implausible, and there are some issues with pacing, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Doubtless, praiseworthy narration from January LaVoy adds to the quality of the book. She's occasionally overdramatic but reads the book with spot-on enunciation, timbre, cadence, and voice-acting.

Altogether, this 8/10-star recording of 'The Stepford Wives' was an excellent way to spend a quiet snowy afternoon. Even if it leaves the 'Plus' menu, it merits a Credit.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Still holds up

I suppose today this would be considered a novella but the fact that it holds up 50+ years after release says something about the talent of Ira Levin. Wickedly clever and well narrated as an audiobook (though occasionally the voice is a bit too quiet, it's not terrible). I would skip the Afterword which is tedious and unnecessary.

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Interesting!

This was a short book. Really interesting concept and had me thinking about social programming.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Elegantly Read and Perfectly Unsettling

I had read this novel decades ago, and after finishing Mia Farrow’s reading of Rosemary’s Baby (also superb) I was excited to see that a production of Stepford Wives was in the works- it did not disappoint. The narration is smooth, elegant and inviting as Stepford itself, with incredible range and personality for each of the characters — or a disquieting absence of personality, as the case may be…

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Very bad

30 minutes of listening and I was out. Damn it’s bad. Real bad ! Too many characters. Got lost. Story … hum…. There’s no story…..

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The kids' voices

The voices were too obnoxious to go beyond 10 minutes. Don't do it. I want my $2.99 back.

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