The Stepford Wives
by Ira Levin

The term “Stepford Wife” has become a staple of American pop culture. Everyone knows what a Stepford wife is even if they do not know or understand the exact origin of the term. With this in mind I decided to review this classic psychological/science fiction thriller in hopes of luring new readers to this piece.

I myself had not read this book until recently. I confess to being a fan of the 1975 film, and no I have not seen the remake, but I really never had gotten around to reading this book until last week. I am immensely glad that I did read it though.

The story takes place in the fictitious town of Stepford, Connecticut. Joanna Eberhart, the heroine of the story, has just recently moved in to the idealistic and peaceful town with her husband Walter and their two children. The first hint you get that something is not quite right is the blatant refusal of the citizens of the town to address women by their names, only as So-and-so’s wife or Mrs. Blank. If that doesn’t tip you off that things are a bit off then the women’s interest in nothing but cleaning and staying home should. Really, who waxes the floors while their husband is out boozing? Something the reader needs to remember is that this work of fiction is set during a much earlier time. Women were lobbying for fair and equal treatment as well as the right to vote. So the determination of the women of Stepford to cling to these patterns during the changing times is both odd but not completely way out there.

I have heard people say that this book’s ending was poorly done and too many questions were left unanswered. I disagree completely. This book is not meant to be a clear cut piece that tells a tale in just twelve easy steps. This is not the AAA people. Levin’s goal was to provoke emotion and thought, which is the goal of any thriller, and he did so magnificently. This book pushes the lines of one’s comfort level and makes the reader question not only themselves but society as well.

What is it we really seek to attain in life? What is the ideal and what is reality? Those are but a few of the questions that this book brings up and forces us to ask. But don’t think that the focus of this book is the housewives or that the emphasis is placed upon the perfection of these women. That is just the tip of the iceberg my friend and you must read and look deeper to catch Levin’s true meanings. This book has been acclaimed as a satirical piece as well for it satires the genre that it was written for. Keep that in mind while reading this.

The style that Levin uses to write this masterpiece is simple and flowing. Levin does not waste time in detailing the scenery and characters beyond the necessary. Instead the emphasis is placed upon the words and actions of the characters and there are no cluttering or flowery effects to detract from this. I have heard critics cite this style of writing as amateurish and lacking. Here’s a newsflash, it’s not. Rather the style of writing utilized by Levin adds to the story and makes the tale’s climatic scenes and haunting cliffhangers that much more poignant.

Have you only watched the movie, as was my case? If so you’re doing this tale a great disservice. I advice all readers to go out and pick up a copy today. You will place it among your favorite works upon completion.

Joana’s rating: