The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike, Knopf, 1984
When I first chose to read this book, it was because I had seen the title on a Netflix menu and wanted to read the book before seeing the film. I had no idea how racy it would be! Updike describes the lives of three recently divorced Rhode Island women who have simultaneously been gifted “powers.” The women are also endowed with the “freedom” of being single and often are found in fantasies or real-life sexual encounters. In doing so, the women (Jane, Alexandra, and Sukie) gain more than a few enemies in the small town of Eastwick, where gossip travels fast.
With so much negativity being spread about them, the women spare no vindictiveness. They have absolutely no problem resorting to spells and curses being cast upon their “friends.” This past-time only becomes more inherent after Mr. Daryl Van Horne moves in to an old mansion on the outskirts of town. Each woman is abruptly taken aback by the man, despite each having their own qualms about him, as well (Alexandra “hates” him). Van Horne is devilishly charming, and soon leads all three women into some crazy sex scenes. He also begins to bend the women to his will, suggesting to Alexandra, a sculptor that she try creating bigger masterpieces, after which she becomes depressed about her work.
However, despite their knack for “sharing” each woman soon vies for more independent attention, and the friendship begins to waver. That is, until the daughter of one of their victimized enemies comes to town. Jenny grabs hold of all of Van Horne’s attentions, and the women soon erupt into a jealous frenzy. The end result, as ironic as it is, is quite abrupt and shocking.
This novel definitely parodies the feminist movement of the sixties (the time period in which it is based), but I believe it also parodies the ideas of sexuality, both straight and gay. Updike may be a mysoginist, as many other reviewers have stated, but I believe that he is more or less a critic of human sexuality, a theme quite common throughout the novel.
Characterization is vital to the plot. None of the characters are very likeable, but each one has a knack for pulling you deeper into the storyline. Each character is portrayed as ugly, both inside and out, which furthers the dark tones of the story. The powers held by each woman is hardly as much of a trait as their desires- first to be promiscuous and then to be back in a stable relationship. The powers are a little weak in effect, the most powerful being Alexandra’s ability to control the weather. The others are much more watered-down, Jane can fly (an overused power in literature) and for some strange reason Sukie can turn milk to cream.
All in all, if you’re not a prude or are not offended by murderous plots, this book is quite fun to read. Updike uses many similes and metaphors, often taking more than a few paragraphs to describe a character or setting. So, if you’re not opposed to reading a long, well-written novel that offers much explanatory language and racy sex scenes, I’d recommend this novel to anyone.