"The Stepford Wives" is a 1972 novel by Ira Levin that explores themes of gender roles and societal expectations. The story follows Joanna Eberhart, a young woman who moves to the seemingly idyllic town of Stepford, Connecticut, with her family. She soon discovers that the women in the community have been transformed into submissive, perfect housewives, raising questions about identity and autonomy. As Joanna investigates the mysterious changes in the women, she uncovers a disturbing truth about the town's men and their desire for control. The novel critiques the idealized image of domesticity and highlights the dangers of conformity, making it a thought-provoking commentary on feminism and individuality.