The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike (1984)

(Found this write-up from 2006)

From the give-away pile of a Chicago friend. I think I’ve never really read anything by John Updike, and I liked the movie years ago, so I thought I’d try reading the book. Updike’s language is very rich and enjoyable. The story, though, is a bit strange. Three single women, two with kids that get neglected throughout the story, who are close friends and find they have some extraordinary powers, especially when they are together. Jane is the musician, Sukie writes, though mostly for a paper, and Alexandra sculpts. Into their lives comes Darryl Van Horne, who moves into the local mansion, sets up an alchemy lab, and invites them to hang out regularly with him. He has a hot tub, tennis court, booze, etc. They each have their own relationship with him, as he encourages each of them to expand their artistic talents, but I don’t quite get it. I remember him being a devilish figure – and with Jack Nicholson playing the part, he was very deliciously devilish. Darryl seems to thrive on their energy, but he really doesn’t help any of them, and later takes on a different trio of even younger women. Updike seems to get at some of the issues of single women, their fairly run-down homes, their frustration with exes, their concern about making ends meet, and I didn’t mind their ways with men, but something was missing.  Their witchiness was also not satisfying. They used their powers in mostly random ways. I guess I’ll try reading what others have said about this. I do want to see the movie again, but am not tempted to read any more Updike.