A review by pantslint
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin

dark funny mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I picked up this book because I've read that Don't Worry Darling (2022) was a poorly-done film copycat of The Stepford Wives. I love Levin's writing style; it's straightforward and easy to read, all the while being so descriptive that I can visually see the scenes and settings.

The premise is still so relevant (sadly) and the language and mechanics still hold up pretty well, so I can see how this book is a timeless classic. However, it's interesting to see how far feminist theory and female characters have come—it's clear in Joanna's characterization.
She's not a perfect feminist (no one is), though the way that she, Charmaine, and Bobbie are written feel a little bit like caricatures in present-day. They're bad housewives: messy, loud, and they shirk responsibilities in favor of their personal hobbies. They eat McDonald's cheeseburgers in the car and play tennis. There is such a sharp contrast between them and the robotic Stepford Wives, for emphasis on how different and liberated they are in comparison, I guess?
Though now, I'd say there's room for more nuance in feminist literature, and not so not-like-other-girls.

When Joanna meets Carol in the very first chapter, she observes how beautiful Carol is, and how perfect of a housewife she is. But Joanna's attitude irks the hell out of me.
No, she didn't know how it was, thank God. Not to be like that, a compulsive hausfrau. Who could blame Ted for taking advantage of such an asking-to-be-exploited patsy?
Like, ew, Joanna. Way to be a girl-hater. You don't have to hate housework and hate women who choose to be home to be a feminist... though I think this kind of characterization is just of-the-time!


I have to read more of Levin's work. And I don't think I'll watch Olivia Wilde's movie.
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