BOOK BRIEF

The Witches of Eastwick

John Updike
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The Witches of Eastwick

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996

Book Brief

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John Updike

The Witches of Eastwick

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Eastwick, Rhode Island • 1960s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike follows three women in a small Rhode Island town who discover their latent magical abilities when a mysterious man arrives. Their powers lead to personal empowerment, complicated relationships, and unforeseen consequences, exploring themes of femininity, desire, and transformation in a tightly-knit community.

Mysterious

Dark

Fantastical

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.5

18,676 ratings

42%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

24%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike is praised for its rich prose and insightful exploration of female empowerment and community dynamics. However, some critics find its portrayal of gender and sexuality dated and problematic. The novel's mix of magical elements with suburban life offers a unique yet divisive narrative experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Witches of Eastwick?

Fans of The Witches of Eastwick by John Updike revel in tales of magic and female empowerment set in small-town America. Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with a blend of satire and fantasy, similar to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, will find this novel captivating.

3.5

18,676 ratings

42%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

24%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

307

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Eastwick, Rhode Island • 1960s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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