THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK

Alexandra, Sukie, and Jane are real witches who cast spells, cause thunderstorms, transform objects, and are the twentieth-century embodiment of their seventeenth-century New England sisters. When the devilishly charismatic Darryl van Horne moves into Eastwick, the magical mischief and sexual high jinks move into high gear. Kate Reading's narration creates another era, allowing Updike's lush prose and keen sense of satire to sketch the background, which includes the Women's Movement, the Vietnam War, and the suburban hypocrisies of provincial Eastwick. In addition to solidly delivering their preternatural philosophizing, Reading's intelligent narration revels in the women's wicked antics yet manages to take the sting from their more diabolical practices. Listening to Updike's careful craftsmanship is pure pleasure for this listener, but if his writing and Eastwick's witches don't seduce you, Kate Reading's performance will. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2009]