As a long-time fan of Ira Levin, I was thrilled to revisit his speculative fiction masterpiece, The Stepford Wives, in audio form. The success of an audiobook often hinges on the narrator, and January LaVoy did an absolutely spectacular job. Her vibrant narration brought both the story and its characters to life with remarkable clarity. Unlike many other audiobooks where my attention quickly drifts, LaVoy’s lively articulation and perfect pacing kept me fully engaged throughout. The story was just as exciting, thrilling, and unsettling as it was the first time I read it. I highly recommend this audiobook to both fans of the novel and newcomers experiencing the story for the very first time!

Thanks to NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing for the ARC!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

I was excited to see that Ira Levin books are being released in audiobook format, and I was thrilled to get an eARC copy of The Stepford Wives (one of my all-time favorites) for review.

In the realm of chilling narratives that delve into the uncanny valley of suburban perfection, Ira Levin’s “The Stepford Wives” stands as a paragon, and this audiobook rendition, narrated by the talented January LaVoy and Grover Gardner, breathes new life into the unsettling tale.

Levin’s prose is a masterclass in suspense, weaving a story that is as much a social commentary as it is a psychological thriller. The tale of Joanna Eberhart, a photographer and young mother who moves to the idyllic town of Stepford, Connecticut, only to discover a sinister truth behind the town’s facade of perfect wives, is one that resonates and stays with the listener (the book has stayed vividly in my mind, for numerous decades after I first read this book).

January LaVoy’s narration captures the essence of Joanna’s initial optimism and gradual descent into paranoia with a performance that is both nuanced and compelling. Grover Gardner, on the other hand, provides a counterbalance with his portrayal of the men of Stepford, infusing the story with a sense of foreboding that is palpable.

The production quality of the audiobook is commendable, with clear audio and pacing that mirrors the building tension of the narrative. The dual narration adds a layer of depth to the listening experience, allowing the characters to fully come to life.

This audiobook is outstanding. It not only remains faithful to the source material but also enhances it through the emotive power of voice. The narrators’ ability to convey the underlying dread and critique of societal norms is exemplary, making this audiobook a must-listen for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.

“The Stepford Wives” audiobook is a haunting echo of Levin’s vision, a reminder of the timeless nature of his cautionary tale. It is a testament to the power of voice to evoke the deepest of emotions and thoughts, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s psyche.

For those who dare to listen, prepare to be mesmerized and disturbed in equal measure.

Releasing the Ira Levin novels in audiobook format is sure to create new fans of this captivating and imaginative author.

How many books are still being read over fifty years since they were published? How many book titles literally become dictionary definitions?

I listened to this both with an interest in the history of thrillers, and the cultural impacts. It’s easy to forget just how many hugely popular movies came from books, Psycho, Jaws, The Exorcist, Strangers On A Train, Silence Of The Lambs, even Rebecca, to name a few.

Surely everyone knows the story of The Stepford Wives? Joanna Eberhart and her family move to Stepford, an idyllic suburb, but she quickly realises something’s not quite right.

Told from Joanna’s perspective, her curiosity balanced with self-preservation builds suspense as she gradually gets closer to the small town’s secrets. It works wonderfully in building tension, threat and in examining the patriarchal society and the pressures on women to conform.

The publishers draw a lineage to The Handmaid’s Tale and Get Out, I was thinking of recent psychological thrillers such as The Perfect Wife (JP Delaney), The Last Housewife (Ashley Winstead) and The Favorite Girl (Monica Arya).

The narration by January LaBoy is excellent, distinctly handling a wide range of characters, and injecting a chilling, calm distance into the voices of the Stepford wives.

It’s a short novel, around 150 pages, the films continue past the end of book which ends at a chilling and open-ended point.

‘Modern classic’ gets bandied about, but The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin is a true, timeless modern classic, it still thrills, still carries suspense and the issues raised are still vitally relevant. Grab it from the library or definitely listen to this version of the audiobook if you can.

Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks