39 pages • 1 hour read
Ira LevinThe Stepford Wives
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1972A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin follows Joanna Eberhart, who moves to Stepford, Connecticut, and suspects something is amiss with the town's women who are eerily obsessed with housework and submissive to their husbands. As Joanna investigates, she uncovers unsettling truths about the Men's Association and the mysterious transformation of the Stepford wives.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin is lauded for its suspenseful narrative and sharp social commentary on suburban life and gender roles. Critics appreciate Levin's gripping and eerie prose, though some feel the character development is thin. The novel's satirical edge remains impactful, making it a thought-provoking read despite its brevity.
Who Should Read The Stepford Wives?
Readers captivated by societal satire, psychological thrillers, and feminist themes will enjoy Ira Levin's The Stepford Wives. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and 1984 by George Orwell will appreciate this chilling exploration of conformity and control in suburban life.