The Stepford Wives
Ira Levin's The Stepford Wives, published in 1972, is the iconic tale of a seemingly idyllic suburban community where women are transformed into robotic housewives. This dystopian novel seamlessly blends feminist themes with a disturbing vision of conformity. Permanently etched into pop culture, it has been adapted into two notable films, and the term 'Stepford wives' is now synonymous with unquestioning conformity to traditional gender roles.
Hardcover. FIrst Edition, First Printing. Octavo, cloth backed boards. New York: Random House, 1972. ISBN: 0394481992. #10458.
Near fine in near fine dust jacket. The front flap is clipped with sticker price of $4.95 added. Purportedly, this was done by the publisher on all first printings.
Ira Levin's 1972 novel, The Stepford Wives, holds a unique and iconic place within the dystopian genre, weaving a narrative that explores conformity, gender roles, and the erosion of individuality within the picturesque suburban enclave of Stepford, Connecticut. While it may not adhere to the conventional dystopian archetype of post-apocalyptic or totalitarian societies, the novel unveils a disturbing vision within the facade of a seemingly idyllic community.
At its core, The Stepford Wives revolves around Joanna Eberhart, the protagonist who relocates to Stepford with her family, only to uncover a nightmarish secret: the women of Stepford are systematically transformed into submissive, robotic housewives by their husbands. The novel boldly addresses themes of societal pressures, the subjugation of women, and the consequences of blindly conforming to traditional gender roles.
The Stepford Wives has left an indelible mark on popular culture, with the term 'Stepford wives' becoming a ubiquitous phrase symbolizing women who conform unquestioningly to traditional gender roles, often at the cost of their individuality. This cultural impact has resulted in numerous references, parodies, and adaptations across various media forms.
The story has been adapted into two notable films. The classic 1975 film, directed by Bryan Forbes and starring Katharine Ross as Joanna Eberhart, faithfully brought the chilling atmosphere of the book to the big screen. In 2004, a comedic interpretation directed by Frank Oz and featuring Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick offered a satirical take on the Stepford concept.