Balanced & Barefoot

by Angela Hanscom
Balanced & Barefoot cover
Good Books rating 4.67
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  • ID: 2959
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
1000hoursoutside.com · Unknown · 2021-11-03
brilliant 5.00

The reviewer found Rosemary's Baby to be an immersive and emotionally engaging read, even if they had seen the film adaptation. They appreciated the character of Rosemary and the way the story made them feel invested in her journey. The reviewer also noted the clever writing and subtle clues that foreshadowed the story's events. They gave the book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to fans of horror classics.

The reviewer started their 2024 reading with a classic horror novel, Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin. They found the book to be an immersive experience, especially since they had seen the film adaptation and could visualize Mia Farrow as Rosemary throughout the reading. The reviewer appreciated the way Rosemary was written as a character, wanting to protect her as she navigated the alienation and manipulation by those around her. They also enjoyed the emotional connection they felt with the story, something they found lacking in some other books they've read. The reviewer noted the clever writing and subtle clues that foreshadowed the story's events, making them feel invested in the outcome. They gave the book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to fans of horror classics, even if they've seen the film many times. The reviewer also expressed interest in reading The Stepford Wives by the same author.

Quick quotes

    I think the biggest takeaway for me is being in Rosemary’s world and wanting to protect her.

    I cheered for her when she started piecing things together and having those thoughts of un-sureness when it came to her neighbors, her husband, or how she got pregnant.

    I gave Rosemary’s Baby a 5 out of 5 stars and if you’re interested in anything else Rosemary’s Baby on the blog, check out [this](https://shotsofhorror.com/2021/12/01/atmospheric-horror/) post as well.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2016-05-01
excellent 5.00

Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby masterfully weaves horror and psychological tension, pushing boundaries of maternal fear, manipulation, and ambition. The book is haunting and leaves readers craving more, with a slow start that builds into excellent pacing. The reviewer gives it a 5 out of 5 rating, praising Levin's dry humor and the book's ability to captivate from beginning to end.

Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby is a chilling psychological horror that explores themes of maternal fear, mental manipulation, and the dire results of ambition. The story starts off slow but gains excellent pacing, maintaining interest despite the known outcome. The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by Levin's dry humor and the book's ability to captivate readers with its suspenseful atmosphere. The climax is particularly thrilling, blending reality with nightmare and showcasing Levin's skill in building fear and suspense. The reviewer gives the book a 5 out of 5 rating, praising it as a literary masterpiece that solidifies its status as a classic horror novel.

Quick quotes

    He could hardly bear to let her go out of the house, for fear something would happen to her.

    It’s alive… it’s alive… oh, God, it’s alive!

    Pain is pain, hurt is hurt, and every time you trap an animal, you are also trapping yourself.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2016-05-01
engrossing 4.00

Rosemary's Baby is a gripping and suspenseful horror novel that kept the reviewer engaged and stressed, with brilliant tension and clever writing. The story's power lies in bringing the threat into the home, making it inescapable for Rosemary.

The reviewer found Rosemary's Baby to be a highly engaging and suspenseful read, so much so that it made them miss their train stop. The novel's tension and drama are expertly built up, with a clever use of reality and dream sequences that keep the reader guessing. The setting of a New York apartment block with a sinister history adds to the story's chilling atmosphere. The reviewer also appreciated the clear and powerful writing style, which effectively plays with the reader's perceptions. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends this psychological horror classic.

Quick quotes

    When I tell you this book made me miss my stop on the train, you’ll get an understanding of how engrossing it is!

    The suspense and sequence of events is so brilliantly done.

    Let’s just bask in the dark, dramatic, wonderfully mad glory of this psychological horror classic.

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