60 pages • 2 hours read
The Husbands: A Novel
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Austin, Texas • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Husbands by Chandler Baker is a psychological thriller that follows Nora Spangler, an overworked lawyer and pregnant mother, who becomes intrigued by the seemingly perfect marriages in her new neighborhood, Dynasty Ranch, where husbands are unusually supportive. As she delves deeper, she uncovers secrets and faces unexpected moral and ethical dilemmas concerning gender roles and marital equality. The book includes depictions of abuse and domestic violence.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
41,082 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Chandler Baker’s The Husbands is praised for its sharp critique of gender roles and its timely social commentary. Readers appreciate its engaging mystery and compelling protagonist, but some feel the plot twists are predictable. Overall, it’s seen as a thought-provoking and entertaining read, though occasionally heavy-handed in delivery.
Who Should Read The Husbands?
The ideal reader for The Husbands by Chandler Baker enjoys contemporary thrillers with a feminist twist, akin to The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. These readers appreciate narratives examining gender roles and societal expectations within marriage dynamics.
41,082 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Hayden Spangler
Hayden Spangler
Nora’s well-meaning but oblivious husband who represents societal norms, often unaware of the full extent of household responsibilities managed by Nora. His character illustrates the imbalance in gender roles within their household.
Cornelia White
Cornelia White
The charismatic leader of the Dynasty Ranch community, a psychiatrist with a fiercely protective attitude toward the women in her community. Her leadership style and motives deeply influence those around her.
Penny March
Penny March
A well-known advice columnist and client of Nora’s, whose actions propel key elements of the plot. Her interactions with the Dynasty Ranch reveal underlying tensions and conflicts.
352
Novel • Fiction
Austin, Texas • Contemporary
2021
Adult
18+ years
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