The Witches of Eastwick

The Witches of Eastwick cover
Good Books rating 2.83
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Technical
  • ID: 11061
  • Added: 2026-02-18
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9780449912102
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Toward the end of the Vietnam era, in a snug little Rhode Island seacoast town, three women—Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie—uncover their magical abilities. Alexandra can summon thunderstorms, Jane can float on the air, and Sukie can turn milk into cream. Their lives take a dramatic turn when a wealthy and enigmatic stranger, Darryl Van Horne, moves into the town and invites them into his refurbished mansion. The women's newfound powers and their interactions with Darryl lead to a whirlwind of scandal and dark fantasies that ripple through the town's collective psyche. John Updike's novel is praised for its dark comedy and intricate exploration of female power and desire. The story blends elements of fantasy and realism, creating a captivating narrative that delves into the complexities of human nature and the supernatural.

Reviews
disappointing 1.00

The book is criticized for carrying too many stereotypes and portraying women in a negative light.

This reviewer is quite critical of the book, finding it riddled with stereotypes that paint women in a negative light. They mention that the characters are often depicted as hating each other and submitting to unsatisfying and hurtful relationships. The overall tone of the review is one of disappointment, as the reviewer feels the book falls short in its portrayal of women and their relationships.


Quick quotes

    It carries too much stereotypes like women hating each other, being friends to hate other women

    submitting to unsatisfying, hurtful sex while pretending to enjoy it

    It's just sucks.

exquisite 4.00

The prose is exquisite and the themes are complex, but the movie adaptation should be avoided.

This reviewer is captivated by Updike's prose, describing it as exquisite and his evocations as magnificent. The themes are complex and defy easy analysis, making the book a rich and rewarding read. However, they strongly advise against watching the movie, as it doesn't do the book justice. They appreciate the depth and intricacy of Updike's writing, which makes this novel a standout piece of literature.


Quick quotes

    The prose is exquisite, the evocations magnificent and the themes complex and defy analysis.

    Just avoid the movie.

    The themes are complex and defy easy analysis, making the book a rich and rewarding read.

Honest Broker · Ted Gioia · 2000-01-01
panache 3.50

Despite its flaws, the novel has considerable panache and Updike was charmed enough to write a sequel.

Ted Gioia acknowledges that the novel has its flaws but still finds it to have considerable panache. He notes that Updike himself was charmed enough by his creation to write a sequel, indicating that there is something special about the book. Gioia appreciates the novel's style and charm, even if it is not perfect. He sees value in the book's unique qualities and its ability to captivate readers.


Quick quotes

    For all its flaws, the novel has considerable panache.

    Updike himself was charmed enough by his creation to write a sequel

    Hollywood was charmed enough to make a movie out of it.