IBR - The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike

[Ashley, The Tipsy Challenger]

Members Starting the BR: Jessica & Danielle
Challenge: Toys/Objects Roundup
Book: The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike

Anyone is free to join in this Buddy Read! Happy Reading!

[danielle]

I have this one out in libby. Will look to start tonight or tomorrow. Probably tomorrow! I'm nervous about this one if I'm being honest!

[Jessica]

Yeah, not sure how I feel about it either. I am very apprehensive, but hoping I will be pleasantly surprised.

[Jessica]

I think I liked the movie, but its over 30 years since ive seen it.

[danielle]

Jessica wrote: "I think I liked the movie, but its over 30 years since ive seen it."

same. Don't remember if I liked the movie, just vaguely remember watching it.

[danielle]

I started this one tonight. I honestly don't know what I was thinking when I listened to the sample and thought she sounded posh & from the UK? Maybe the sample was from a very specific part?

I mean... so far, not for me? But I'm hanging in there and will continue. For a minute it got more interesting (view spoiler)[when they started talking about the new neighbor and gossiping! (hide spoiler)]

I'm giving it a chance! I'll stop for the night around 20% (am at 17% now).

[danielle]

No chapter numbers... so I'm in "He had sensed that".
Some of the language is so jarring to hear in today's world. I mean, first, I have "classic" in my brain, and then there suddenly something that reminds me it's more modern that what my brain thinks it is. Usually in said words vs internal musings, etc. But, some of the derogative words are the ones that yank me out of the story.

... still plugging along.

[Jessica]

danielle wrote: "No chapter numbers... so I'm in "He had sensed that".
Some of the language is so jarring to hear in today's world. I mean, first, I have "classic" in my brain, and then there suddenly something tha..."

I was just coming here to type the same exact thing!!! I just looked it up and it was published in 1984. The language!!! I mean the guy is supposed to be crass, but just in general i have to remind myself that this wasn't written today.

[Jessica]

The movie is from 1987. I didn't realize that this was made into a movie so quickly. Also I am not sure I really would have picked Jack Nicholson to be the neighbor.

[Jessica]

I can't tell if the view of women is the real view of the author or just for the purpose of this book. I have never read John Updike before.

[Sarah]

I'm planning on trying this one at some point in October. Lol.

[danielle]

Sarah wrote: "I'm planning on trying this one at some point in October. Lol."

Welcome! The more, the merrier!

[Jessica]

Sarah wrote: "I'm planning on trying this one at some point in October. Lol."

I will admit, it took a minute to get into. I am doing the audio and kept zoning out and rewinding, but now I'm invested! I'm at 29%.

[danielle]

Jessica wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I'm planning on trying this one at some point in October. Lol."

I will admit, it took a minute to get into. I am doing the audio and kept zoning out and rewinding, but now I'm invest..."

I especially like the audio when there is dialog, which is the best parts of the story so far! I'm at 47%.

[danielle]

Ok... have to share... crude, but nearly made me spit my drink out!

Chapter Anyway the two of them
(view spoiler)[She was full of hate, darling. It was the hate coming out of her mouth that did her in. ... She had lost touch with her womanhood. She needed pain to remind her she was a woman. She needed to get down on her knees and drink some horrible man's nice cold cum.

😳 Talk about imagery!
(hide spoiler)]

[Jessica]

The whole book is pretty crude. Not only with sexual comments, but the random slurs that are dropped by all characters. The more I listen, I wonder how much is social commentary and almost more of a satire or if the author really believes that in order for women "to be free" they have to give up all inhibitions. But at the same time, their "freedom" almost seems like a facade since they are still being influenced by a man.

[Jessica]

Also, I take back what i commented earlier. I think Jack Nicholson was the perfect person for the role.

[Jessica]

With all that being said, i am actually really enjoying the book now. Hopefully the book sticks the landing.

[danielle]

Jessica wrote: "Also, I take back what i commented earlier. I think Jack Nicholson was the perfect person for the role."

Agreed. What little I remember from the movie, he was the right pick. Although later stuff in the book had me snort laugh thinking of him in the role.

[danielle]

Jessica wrote: "The whole book is pretty crude. Not only with sexual comments, but the random slurs that are dropped by all characters. The more I listen, I wonder how much is social commentary and almost more of ..."

So my barometer when it comes to this, or books like it, is how mad am I? I actually didn’t get mad. Sure, could have done without the slurs, but I try to keep in mind publication date. So, while not mad, I don’t think of this book as some sort of female empowerment. It’s not. If it was, it wouldn’t be so focused on a man, or any men. Even in the beginning, that’s what drove many conversations. Or is what I picked up on.

[danielle]

Ok.. my final thoughts - all random
(view spoiler)[
I landed at a 3.75 for this. I liked some parts, got bored in the beginning and in the middle. I managed not to get mad, which I sort of thought I would. The ending was kind of meh, and if I dwell on it, I'll start lowering my rating.

I would have expected a bit more growth after the guilt from causing Jenny's death. Missed opportunity.

The ending... very... meh. Again, I didn't knock the book because of this. I just don't get how they went from guilt, to breaking up their bond. Did I miss something? Maybe. And Daryl leaving (and who with) seemed to have zero impact. So, what was the point? And I guess I don't understand the end, or the messaging. So, for women to be more free (to Jessica's earlier point), they have to give up their inhibitions, but they toss away their bond & friendship (their coven) because of a man and then their big solution is to each find a NEW man to tie themselves to. If I don't stop talking I WILL end up getting mad afterall!

You know what? After thinking through what I wanted to say (even if it is disjointed, I'm lowering my rating. 3.25.

(hide spoiler)]