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.

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.

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

- The Husbands by Chandler Baker explores the dynamics of gender roles through a unique suburban mystery, inspired by classic tales of domestic suspense.
- The book was selected as the August 2021 pick for Reese's Book Club, a popular book club curated by Reese Witherspoon, which shines a spotlight on stories with strong female protagonists.
- Chandler Baker, also the author of Whisper Network, uses her background in law to weave narratives that address workplace and societal inequalities, often incorporating sharp social commentary.

Chandler Baker

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Husbands and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Husbands Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Husbands Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 7

The Husbands Prologue-Chapter 7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-14

The Husbands Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-22

The Husbands Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-29

The Husbands Chapters 23-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 30-Epilogue

The Husbands Chapter 30-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Husbands Character Analysis

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Themes

The Husbands Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Husbands Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Husbands Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Husbands Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

The Husbands Book Club Questions

The Husbands: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Husbands?

Reading Age

Book Details