From Amazon:
The genre-defining classic that ushered in the era of modern horror.
Rosemary Woodhouse and her struggling-actor husband Guy are thrilled to move into the Bramford, a sought-after Manhattan apartment building prized for its Victorian details and gargoyled facade. Yet as they learn of a darker side to the building’s history—and become acquainted with their overly attentive neighbors, the Castevets—unspoken tensions enter into the young couples’ relationship. Matters improve when Guy lands a major role, and Rosemary at last becomes pregnant. But as her pregnancy takes frightening turns, Rosemary begins to question if her neighbors’ heightened interest is strictly innocent, or if their motivations—and those of Guy himself—portend terrifying consequences for her, and her unborn child. Is Rosemary “…going mad, or going sane?”
Series: Rosemary’s Baby (#1)
Format: 308 pages, Hardcover
First Published: January 1, 1967
Genre: Paranormal, Horror, Fiction, Classics, Thriller, Mystery, Fantasy, Suspense, Supernatural
I wasn’t going to do this. For the month of December, I wanted to only read holiday books. I was so excited about my plans. But my plans seldom work out, so here we have another of the horror genre. SIGH
My Impressions: This book appears to be simple reading but there is a lot going on here.
It is a horror classic book. While it appears dated, it is well written enough that you can imagine yourself in that time period. In fact, this book only really works because of the time period it is in, the 1960s (the baby is supposed to be born 6/66). There were no cellphones, and there is a feeling of isolation during Rosemary’s desperate situation. As a pregnant woman, she is also treated as if she is merely being emotional instead of anyone taking her seriously.
Rosemary is a sympathetic character. You just want to help her out and make sure she safely has her baby.
Rosemary’s Baby will have you on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
Regarding the movie: The film, Rosemary’s Baby is also a work of perfection. With lines taken straight from the book, there isn’t a lot of difference between the book and movie. While the movie is a work of art and very impressive, I can bet you will feel uncomfortable as you watch. When it’s over, there is a feeling of displeasure that hangs in the air.
Final Thoughts: This is a great book that I would recommend to anyone.
I’ve read a lot of books by Ira Levin, and I highly recommend his works.
The genre-defining works of novelist and playwright IRA LEVIN (1929-2007) include such indelible titles as Rosemary’s Baby, The Stepford Wives, The Boys from Brazil and Deathtrap – the fifth longest-running play in Broadway history. At home in nearly every genre – horror (Rosemary’s Baby), crime (Edgar-winning A Kiss Before Dying), science fiction (This Perfect Day), comedy (No Time for Sergeants), even a Broadway musical (Drat! The Cat!) – Levin’s enduring works continue to resonate with readers and audiences, serving as iconic cultural and creative touchstones.
Ira Levin died from a heart attack at his home in Manhattan, on 12 November 2007. He was seventy-eight at the time of his death.
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I read the book and saw the movie years ago. Scared the beejeebers out of me!
They are scary, for sure! 😀
so nice to see a new review of this classic, it STILL manages to get under my skin every time i read it
Thank you so much. I know what you mean about it getting under your skin. It does the same thing to me. 😀
I’m surprised I’ve never read the book seeing as I love the movie and watch it every few years. It’s encouraging to know that it’s not that different, though I would’ve liked to read it even if it was. I guess I just never got around to it. Didn’t know that about the date 6/66 that’s so cool! I don’t think it came up in the movie (but of course I could be wrong).
It’s a terrific movie; a masterpiece. I don’t remember if the date comes up in the movie or not. If you read the book, I’d love to hear what you think of it. 🙂
Hi!
I believe this was my very first encounter with the horror genre, and the book still gives me goosebumps…
Right? lol I know what you mean. What’s really neat is, I found out if you listen to the Audible book, Mia Farrow narrates it.
Sounds amazing. I love movies from the 1960s, and very genius that the baby was born 6/66. (Interesting side note, my sister had a friend born on 6/6/66. He was a nice guy, definitely not the devil. He passed a few years ago).
But, yeah, I’ll definitely check out the movie first, then read the book, because the book is always better and it fills in what the movie doesn’t.
Maryanne (not anonymous! LOL!)
I love that time period, too. Wow, to be born on 6/6/66! That’s so wild! I’m glad he wasn’t the devil. 😀 I’m sorry for your loss.
I’m glad you’re checking out the movie. It is so good! If you get the Audio book, Mia Farrow narrates it. She played Rosemary in the movie.
I’m sorry it showed up as Anonymous. I’m working on that.
Mia Farrow is so gorgeous. I remember seeing scenes from the movie, but never watching it. I still need to watch The Omen too, from around that same time period. And “The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane” as well.
Oh, yes, with Jodie Foster and Martin Sheen, I think? I love that movie! Jodie was so talented, even at that young age.
I agree wholeheartedly about Mia Farrow. She was so young, when she made Rosemary’s Baby. She was married to Frank Sinatra, he was 50, and she was 21, I think. Frank Sinatra served Mia Farrow divorce papers while she was filming Rosemary’s Baby. He wanted her to quit acting, but she was a rising star.
The Omen is really good, too. Kind of freaky. lol
I would love to know what you think of all those movies, if you’re able. 🙂
The story became an interest film adaption. An iconic horror chronicle of the 1960s.
Yes, I so agree with you on that. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
That’s a great and succinct review of a book I did not even know existed. I certainly heard of the movie, but I haven’t seen it. It is nice that the movie is following the book so closely.
I found that to be refreshing as well. I’d love to hear what you think of the book if you ever decide to read it. 🙂
It’s been years since I both read the book and watched the movie, but I remember enjoying both. Maybe it’s time for a re-watch. Great review, Kymber!
Thank you, Teri! I’m glad you enjoyed the review. I sure would love to hear your thoughts on it if you read the book or watch the movie again. 🙂
It made me chuckle that while trying to do holiday books, you ended up doing Rosemary’s Baby. I don’t think I can do any holiday/Christmas stuff this year, I feel too grumpy. Or maybe that’s what we need when we’re grumpy?
I just realised I never read the book version. D’oh! I watched the film many years ago and I agree with your thoughts on it. It’s such a classic. It’s interesting to hear what you thought of the novel, too. I hope Levin got a feel while he was alive for just how big a difference his work made, how that cult classic changed the genre and set the bar higher. Too often the popularity of such things only happen when someone dies, which I always think is so damn sad.
What’s next up on your holiday books? xx
Hi, Caz!
That’s a good question. I’m so lost right now, it’s pitiful. LOL If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears.
It’s okay to be grumpy. Maybe that’s why I haven’t done the Christmas reads I’ve been wanting to.
I think you’d like the book version, although, as I said, it’s very similar to the movie. I agree with you about Levin. I, too, hope he felt how successful this was before he died. It’s got quite the following, that’s for sure.
You know, he also wrote The Stepford Wives. I read that once, years ago, but would really enjoy reading it again.
That is an iconic horror story I never read. Great review, Kymber.
If you ever decide to, I’d love to know what you think of it. 🙂