Since I really enjoyed the movie version of Witches of Eastwick, I decided to read Widows of Eastwick. But I couldn't read Widows of Eastwick without having read Witches of Eastwick first.

The book and movie are vastly dissimilar. That I found this surprising is surprising. I mean, I've read enough books after seeing the movie adaptations to be well acquainted with the fact that the book and the movie are often vastly dissimilar. But I was surprised.

What I also found surprising is how intriguing I found Updike's prose. I read novels for plot. I skim the extraneous details, the superfluous descriptions. If it doesn't move the plot forward, it doesn't hold my attention.

And yet, Updike's prose grabbed me in spite of myself. Yes, even the ridiculously lengthy recitation of Jane's middle of the night cello concert kept me, if not engrossed, at least paying attention.

I enjoyed the story told by the movie better, especially the end but on a more superficial level. I found the book's story deeper, more conflicted, more unapologetic about its main characters' amorality.

Now, on to the Widows . . . ( )

Updike uses the unique idea of utilizing a coven to convey the chaos and moral confusion of the 1960s. I'm still not sure whether I actually liked this book or not, though. It's a bit odd. ( )

Updike understands and clearly represents the feel of New England towns. There are a couple of truly disturbing parts, and the witchcraft seems unbalanced. I can't figure out if it's misogynistic or simply anti the culture of the 1960s. ( )

Set during the Vietnam War, this story takes place in a small town called Eastwick. Three devorcee's, Alexandra, Sukie, and Jane, have discovered that they have the ability to change the world around them. They live an alternative lifestyle in their small town as single mothers, witches, and lovers to the mostly married men who live there. When a loud, rich, and unusual man moves into a mansion on the edge of town, it changes the lives of the three witches.

Full of artsy, rambling prose and odd, questionable character development, I was a little bored by this book. Seeing inside all the different characters was interesting, but but by the end, I disliked some of the characters, and hated the rest of them. There was no reason for the book to be that long either. But it's by a classic writer. ( )