#IraLevin #Corsair #Review #LibraryRead #RosemarysBaby
Rosemary Woodhouse and her struggling actor-husband, Guy, move into the Bramford, an old New York City apartment building with an ominous reputation and only elderly residents. Neighbours Roman and Minnie Castavet soon come nosing around to welcome them; despite Rosemary's reservations about their eccentricity and the weird noises that she keeps hearing, her husband starts spending time with them. Shortly after Guy lands a plum Broadway role, Rosemary becomes pregnant, and the Castavets start taking a special interest in her welfare. As the sickened Rosemary becomes increasingly isolated, she begins to suspect that the Castavets' circle is not what it seems.
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My Review
Shamefully, I've never read this book or seen the film version, although I have read another of this author's books. It's that time of year when I feel the need to read scary books, and I've heard people say the film based on this book is very unsettling, so what better book to read!
The story introduces us to Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse who have moved into a new apartment in New York City. Before moving, they discover the building has a history of tragic events, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons as far as the apartment is concerned. Their neighbours are however very strange and when Rosemary falls pregnant, they take a very unhealthy and weird interest in her.
The book is simple and easy to read, capturing me from the very beginning. The author's descriptions are very unnerving in parts, turning up the fear factor just a notch each time. As I read, I felt uneasy for Rosemary, but couldn't put a finger on why! I liked Rosemary's character but felt frustrated with her on occasions for being so naive with regards to her own self care. I did have to keep reminding myself that it was set in the 1960's and how things were different then.
The book did pull me in and I was hooked into the story right from the beginning. I have to admit the ending did leave me a little confused and puzzled as it seemed to end quite suddenly with no real closure to the story. I have since realised that there is a follow up book (which I now have!) where perhaps the story is explained more and may answer some of my questions!
Overall, it was a creepy, unsettling read which was exactly what I was needing! I can watch the film now to see if it differs at all and hopefully I might understand the ending a bit better! A classic horror read which I definitely should have read before now!
The Author
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.
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