Title: The Witches of Eastwick
Author: John Updike
First published January 1, 1984
Audio CD
ISBN: 9780739370810 (ISBN10: 0739370812)
Rating: 3.24
Overview
Everyone has heard of it. Few can explain it.
That is precisely what Emmanuel Jacquart, editor of Ionesco’s theater in the Bibliothèque de la Pléiade, does magnificently. He begins by retracing the history and genesis of the play, starting from the Assimil language-learning method.
The dialogues naturally came together, producing what the author calls an “anti-play,” a true parody of a play, without any particular ideological ambition. In this illustrious masterpiece, the spirit of derision goes against tradition.
A series of hilarious sketches culminate in a thunderous ending worthy of the surrealist movement. We study the secrets of this play, placing it in the tradition of anti-tradition and evolving modernity.
About the Author
John Hoyer Updike was an accomplished American writer, best known for his iconic Rabbit series. This collection of novels includes Rabbit, Run, Rabbit Redux, Rabbit Is Rich, Rabbit At Rest, and Rabbit Remembered.
His works Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest both earned Pulitzer Prizes for Updike. Rather than focusing on grand themes, Updike’s writing delves into the complex lives of the American small town, Protestant middle class.
His attention to detail and diligent writing process allowed him to publish 22 novels, over a dozen short story collections, poetry, literary reviews, and children’s books. Updike’s contributions to The New Yorker since the 1950s have also earned him much acclaim.
His works often touch on controversial topics such as sex, faith, and death, and their interconnectedness. Unfortunately, Updike passed away at age 76 due to lung cancer.
Editoral Review
The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike is a classic piece of American literature. Originally published in 1984, the novel pushed the boundaries of magical realism and satirized the American upper-middle-class society while dealing with themes of female empowerment and sexuality.
John Updike, the author, was a prolific writer and had a reputation for his satirical and introspective style of writing. The Witches of Eastwick takes place in the fictional town of Eastwick, Rhode Island, and revolves around three divorced women – Alexandra Spofford, Jane Smart, and Sukie Rougemont – who come together to form a coven of witches.
They share a deep bond and a love for powerful magic, which they use to seduce and manipulate various men in their town. Their confidence and independence are put to the test when a mysterious and wealthy man, Darryl Van Horne, comes to town and seduces each of them in turn.
The novel is written in Updike’s distinct style of prose, with a heavy emphasis on the inner thoughts and motivations of his characters. The lush and descriptive language is both poetic and provocative, creating vivid and memorable scenes.
The characters, especially the witches, are dynamic and fleshed out, with each woman showcasing unique strengths and flaws. One of the greatest strengths of The Witches of Eastwick is its relevance to contemporary issues.
The novel deals with themes of female empowerment, sexuality, and morality, all of which are still pressing issues in modern society. The witches are powerful and independent women, but they are also victims of sexism and societal norms.
Updike’s exploration of these complex themes is both nuanced and daring. However, the novel is not without its flaws.
The pacing can be slow at times, and some of the male characters, especially Darryl Van Horne, feel like caricatures. The ending is also somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying.
Despite these flaws, The Witches of Eastwick is a masterful work of literature that continues to captivate readers over thirty years after its initial publication. John Updike’s writing is evocative and thought-provoking, and his characters are boldly drawn and memorable.
Fans of magical realism and satirical social commentary will find much to appreciate in this classic novel. In conclusion, I would highly recommend The Witches of Eastwick to anyone who appreciates quality literature.
The novel is a seminal work in the magical realism genre and an insightful exploration of feminine power and sexuality. Although not without its flaws, the book’s strengths far outweigh any weaknesses.
The Witches of Eastwick is a timeless classic that deserves a place on every reader’s bookshelf. I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars.
