Set in a small town called Eastwick during the Vietnam War era, 'The Witches of Eastwick' follows the lives of three divorced women - Alexandra, Sukie, and Jane - who discover their ability to change the world around them through witchcraft. When a mysterious man named Darryl Van Horne arrives in town, their lives take a dark turn as they vie for his attention and delve into a world of magic and desire. The book is described as a mix of fantasy, romance, and satire, with detailed descriptions of the characters and setting that transport the reader to Eastwick, Rhode Island in the 1960s.

Characters:

The characters are depicted as complex yet often unlikable, embodying various archetypes and serving as vehicles for broader thematic exploration rather than relatable individuals.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by beautiful, intricate prose, although some find it excessively detailed and distracting, intertwining a mix of magical realism with social commentary.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around three divorced witches in a small town, whose lives are transformed by the arrival of a charismatic man, blending elements of magical realism and a critique of gender dynamics.

Setting:

The setting is an idyllic yet politically charged small town, reflecting the social mores of late 1960s America, enriched by the author's vivid descriptive capabilities.

Pacing:

The pacing of the story is generally slow, emphasizing character dynamics and interpersonal relationships, which may frustrate readers expecting a more action-driven narrative.

“Now efter that the deuell had endit his admonitions, he cam down out of the pulpit, and caused all the company to com and kiss his ers, quhilk they said was cauld lyk yce; his body was hard lyk yrn, ...

Notes:

The Witches of Eastwick is set in the fictional town of Eastwick, Rhode Island, during the late 1960s.

The story focuses on three divorced women who discover their magical powers after separating from their husbands.

Magic in the novel is linked to the women's experiences of being left or leaving men.

The introduction of Darryl Van Horne, a mysterious and debauched man, creates a pivotal shift in the witches' lives.

The character dynamics challenge traditional gender roles, depicting women with strong personalities and conflicting desires.

The novel blends themes of witchcraft and sexuality, with a significant focus on the characters' affairs with married men.

Critics have described the book as misanthropic due to its unsympathetic portrayal of its characters, particularly the women.

While some reviews label the book as misogynistic, others argue that it's a more nuanced exploration of human behavior.

The writing style is characterized by dense, descriptive prose, which some find beautiful and others find tedious.

The ending of the book differs significantly from the film adaptation, presenting a darker conclusion.

The novel raises questions about the nature of female empowerment and the role of men in women's lives.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of sexual infidelity, misogyny, potential animal harm, and depictions of emotional distress.

Has Romance?

There is a high level of romance, entwined with themes of sexuality and infidelity among the characters.

From The Publisher:

The air of Eastwick breeds witches - women whose powerful longings can stir up thunderstorms and fracture domestic peace. Jane, Alexandra and Sukie, divorced and dangerous, have formed a coven. Into the void of Eastwick breezes Darryl Van Horne, a charismatic magus of a man who entrances the trio, luring them to his mansions...

Ratings (6)

Loved It (5)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (18):

Read It (6)
Want To Read (8)
Not Interested (4)

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About the Author:

John Updike was born in 1932, in hillington, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Harvard College in 1954, and spent a year in Oxford, England, at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art. From 1955 to 1957 he was a member of the staff of The New Yorker, and since 1957 has lived in Massachusetts. He is the father of four children and the author of more than fifty books, including collections of short stories, poems, essays, and criticism. His novels have won the Pulitzer Prize (twice), the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Rosenthal Award, and the Howells Medal. A previous collection of essays, Hugging the Shore, received the 1983 National Book Critics Circle Award for criticism.

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The Witches of Eastwick

John Updike

Book 1 in the series:Eastwick