Imagine being a young woman in New York in the 60s. We all know location matters to the young, trendy New York’er and if you are offered an apartment in the prestigious Bramford building, you accept. Yeah ok, there are some rumours about an unusual number of suicides and weird ongoings, but why would a young woman on the cusp of realising her dreams believe in such nonsense?
Imagine you move into this dream apartment and things are looking good. You make the aquaintence of some of your neighbours and in particular the elderly couple next door seem friendly. Your handsome actor husband is doing well and getting new roles. But – yes, of course there is a “but” – you slowly start to see teeny, tiny signs that something isn’t right. However, you can’t put your finger on it and your husband dismisses it out of hand. You wonder. Hasn’t something changed about your husband as well? Or is it all inside your head…
Imagine your biggest wish is a baby. And now it’s happening. So what if conceiving the baby didn’t happen quite the way you’d hoped for? You are expecting! Now imagine things taking a turn for the worse. Argh, this is creepy! Are you going mad? Who can you trust? Imagine your reaction when you finally realise the truth.
Reading Rosemary’s Baby was a treat. I believe, I’ve outgrown more explicit horror, but nothing scary happens in this understated, well-written story. It is the continuous, more or less innocent, incidents which trigger the readers’ imagination into overdrive, thereby creating the spooky atmosphere themselves. This is cleverly done by the author.
There are no scary characters such as Freddy Krueger or Annie Wilkes either, just an elderly couple and some of their friends. The real culprit was, in my opinion, Rosemary’s husband. He of all people should have supported her and stood by her side. Really, I shouldn’t have been surprised by his actions. But I still wanted to slap him. Or worse. Rosemary herself was the prototype of a naive, compliant housewife and I occasionally wanted to slap her as well. Although not as hard. The narrator, whom I wasn’t keen on, exaggerated this characteristic, which grated on me.
The build-up of the story was a master class in suspense and I regretted having watched the adaptation before reading the book. Admittedly, it has been a while since I’ve watched it, but I clearly remembered the ending. I mean, how can you not remember that ending? Probably, I would have enjoyed the book more without knowing in advance, where it was all going. However, this was still a great read and perfectly suited for Halloween. Thanks to Nicki for recommending.
Title: Rosemary's Baby [1967] Author: Ira Levin Format: Audiobook narrated by Katherine Fenton Genre: Horror
Fab review so glad you enjoyed it! Totally agree about the husband and Rosemary at times! 😀
Thanks Nicki, I am so glad your review persuaded me to read it! Haha, yes even Rosemary was sometimes a bit annoying, but I guess you have to allow for a different view on women back in the 60s.
I remember reading this when I was in high school, I loved it! Great to get your take on it. I agree, her husband was the most sinister to me. Just that idea of the person supposed to be closest to you, always on your side and yet…
Yes, exactly. After having worked a number of years in London City, I really shouldn’t be surprised, because it truly is extraordinary the lengths some people will go to, in order to further their careers. But still, he wasn’t a very good husband, was he. 😈
I really enjoyed this one too! I’m glad you still liked it despite having seen the film beforehand.
It really was a good read wasn’t it. And a great adaptation as well!
Yes! A very successful adaptation 😊
I caved in and saw the movie first this month and absolutely adored it! And yes… the ending sure was unforgettable hahaha I’ll still read this one just to see how it was originally structured and told but it sounds like it’ll still be a fantastic read! Great review! 😀
I loved the adaptation as well and it follows the book quite closely. I read that it was Polanski’s first adaptation and he didn’t know, he was allowed to change things, which is why they are so close. Quite a funny story.
It’s decades since I read it but still remember feeling completely spooked by it. Not one I have the courage to read now …
I agree, it is quite spooky, but in an understated fashion. I found it much more enjoyable than some of the more explicit horror I’ve read or watched.
I can’t do explicit horror in any shape or form.
Gahhhhh I’ve not seen the movie!! But I’ve read the book quite a few years back and remember loving it! Really enjoyed reading your review!!
Ah, the movie is great! But the tension probably doesn’t work quite as well, when you are already familiar with the story.
Your review is so fun and entertaining, Stargazer! I’ve always wanted to read and/or watch this one and I need to make the time for it. Loved the images too! 😱
Thanks Jennifer! It really is a classic, so I hope you find the time to read it. Perfect for Halloween, perhaps you should save it for next October? Haha, yes I thought the images convey the sinister atmosphere of the story perfectly! 😱
Haha, fortunately I have a shocking memory and it’s years since I saw the film, so I’ve completely forgotten the ending! I intended to read this for spooky season this year but it didn’t happen – will definitely add it to next year’s list… 🎃
FF, great to see you back! 😀 Haha, yes there are positive aspects of a “selective” memory. But don’t you sometimes experience, when you reread a Christie for example: You think you have forgotten all about the plot, and then a few chapters in, it all comes back! Anyway, I hope you will enjoy Rosemary’s Baby, if you pick it up next year.
Haha, yes, sometimes – but sometimes I can still be surprised by the ending. It’s a major bonus – I’d hate to have a great memory… 😉
Absolutely, it’s great to be able to enjoy old favourites again “for the first time”.
Ooooh this sounds interesting. I’m glad to hear Ira Levin continues writing with feminist themes. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome! I need to try other of Levin’s books.