BEWITCHING UPDIKE

The Reading Public Library will be hosting two book discussions of John Updike's novel, The Witches of Eastwick, both to be held on Wednesday, April 8.

The first discussion will be our Brown Bag event from 12:15 to 1:00 pm, with beverage and dessert provided by the library. The second will take place that evening, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Pre-registration is requested; you may visit the Reference Desk at the Main Library or call us at (610) 655-6355.

PLOT SUMMARY (from Wikipedia)

The story, set in the fictional Rhode Island town of Eastwick in the late 1960s, follows the witches Alexandra Spofford, Jane Smart, and Sukie Rougemont, who acquired their powers after leaving or being left by their husbands. Their coven is upset by the arrival of a devil-like character, Darryl Van Horne. The mysterious Darryl seduces each of the women, encouraging them to play with their powers and creating a scandal in the town.

The three women share Darryl in relative peace until he unexpectedly marries their young, innocent friend, Jenny, whom they resolve to have revenge on by giving her cancer through their magic. The witches doubt their judgment after Jenny's death when Darryl flees town with her younger brother, Chris, apparently his lover. In his wake he leaves their relationships strained and their sense of self in doubt. Eventually they each summon their ideal men and leave town.

The novel was made into a popular film in 1987, with Jack Nicholson starring as Darryl, Cher as Alexandra, Susan Sarandon as Jane, and Michelle Pfeiffer as Sukie.