Book Brief
256
Novel • Fiction
•
Classic Fiction•
FantasyNew York City • 1960s
•
Femininity•
Good & Evil1967
Signet
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin follows Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into the eerie Bramford building, dismissing warnings about its dark history. Rosemary befriends neighbors Minnie and Roman Castavet, whose influence grows unsettling. Experiencing strange events and terrifying dreams, Rosemary discovers she is pregnant but suspects nefarious intentions from those around her, leading to shocking revelations. The book contains scenes of sexual assault and suicide.
Suspenseful
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
150,651 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ira Levin's Rosemary's Baby is heralded for its chilling suspense and masterful storytelling, enveloping readers in a gradual buildup of horror. Critics praise its compelling characters and realistic dialogue. However, some find the plot progression slow and the resolution predictable. Overall, it's a seminal work in psychological horror, leaving a lasting eerie impression.
Who Should Read Rosemary's Baby?
A reader who enjoys gripping psychological horror with a slow-building sense of dread would relish Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin. Similar audiences might appreciate Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House or Stephen King's Pet Sematary, as all these works masterfully blend suspense, paranoia, and the supernatural.
150,651 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A struggling actor from Baltimore, Rosemary's husband, whose career aspirations and interactions with neighbors play a crucial role in the story.
An Englishman and novelist, Hutch is a close friend and supportive figure to Rosemary, known for his knowledge of the Bramford's past.
Rosemary's nosy but seemingly friendly neighbor, her interactions with Rosemary grow more complex over time.
Minnie's husband, an older and reserved man who shares his thoughts on religion and has traveled extensively, lending a mysterious air.
256
Novel • Fiction
•
Classic Fiction•
FantasyNew York City • 1960s
•
Femininity•
Good & Evil1967
Signet
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 10,350+ additional titles.