The Book of Magic is a novel written by Alice Hoffman. It is a part of the Practical Magic series, which revolves around the lives of the Owens women, a family of witches. This book, in particular, focuses on the lives of three women who are trying to navigate the complexities of their magical abilities. The story is set in the fictional town of New York City, where the three main characters, Franny, Jet, and Vincent Owens, reside. Franny is the great-aunt of the Owens family, Jet is her sister, and Vincent is her brother. Each of them possesses unique magical powers, and the book explores their experiences in dealing with these powers.
Pub Date: Oct. 5, 2021
Instead, she leaves clues that send her survivors on a circuitous path involving a mysterious book filled with magic that could be dangerous in the wrong hands. A frantic attempt to save a young man s life spurs three generations of the Owens women, and one long-lost brother, to use their unusual gifts to break the curse as they travel from Paris to London to the English countryside where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced the Unnamed Art.
Each of them possesses unique magical powers, and the book explores their experiences in dealing with these powers. The Book of Magic explores themes of love, loss, and the connection between magic and reality. It delves into the deep and complex relationships between the three characters, as they try to navigate their magical abilities while also dealing with the challenges of everyday life.
The book of nagic alice hoffman
The final installment in the "Practical Magic" series is a whirlwind journey of magic, curses, and familial love.
Good to know
- 400+ pages
- Family drama
- Forbidden love
- International
Synopsis
The Owens family has been cursed in matters of love for over three-hundred years but all of that is about to change. The novel begins in a library, the best place for a story to be conjured, when beloved aunt Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle and knows she has only seven days to live. Jet is not the only one in danger—the curse is already at work.
A frantic attempt to save a young man’s life spurs three generations of the Owens women, and one long-lost brother, to use their unusual gifts to break the curse as they travel from Paris to London to the English countryside where their ancestor Maria Owens first practiced the Unnamed Art. The younger generation discovers secrets that have been hidden from them in matters of both magic and love by Sally, their fiercely protective mother. As Kylie Owens uncovers the truth about who she is and what her own dark powers are, her aunt Franny comes to understand that she is ready to sacrifice everything for her family, and Sally Owens realizes that she is willing to give up everything for love.
The Book of Magic is a breathtaking conclusion that celebrates mothers and daughters, sisters and brothers, and anyone who has ever been in love.
Free sample
Get an early look from the first pages of The Book of Magic.The Book of Magic
I.
Some stories begin at the beginning and others begin at the end, but all the best stories begin in a library. It was there that Jet Owens saw her fate in a mirror behind the reference desk. Even in her eighties, Jet was still beautiful. Each day she washed with the black soap the family prepared in March during the dark phase of the moon, with every bar then wrapped in crinkly cellophane. Jet had no aches or pains and had never been ill a day in her life, but fate is fate and it can often be what you least expect it to be. On this day, when the daffodils had begun to bloom, Jet saw that she had seven days to live.
The deathwatch beetle had begun to call from within the walls of the Owens Library, a sound that often went unnoticed until it was so loud it was all a person could hear. When your time came, the black beetle would withdraw from hiding and follow you everywhere, no matter where you went. Its presence meant that the past was over and the future no longer existed. This was the moment that revealed how you had walked through the world, with kindness or with fear, with your heart open or closed. It had take this long for Jet to appreciate that every instant was a marvel. Now everything she saw was illuminated. The sun streaming through the library windows in fierce bands of orange light. A moth tapping at the glass. The sweep of the branches of one of the last elm trees in the commonwealth, which shadowed the library’s lawn. Some people unravel or run for shelter when their time has come, they curse their fate or hide under their beds, but Jet knew exactly what she wished to do in the last days she’d been granted. She didn’t have to think twice.
Why I love it
Zoraida Córdova
Author, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina
I believe. In what, I’m not always sure, but there’s always a pulse of it there. Sometimes it’s that a cup of tea or coffee can cure any mood. Sometimes I believe that the constellations have conspired to steal my luck. The Book of Magic is a book about belief in the most ephemeral things—love, magic, and hope.
Alice Hoffman concludes the story of the Owens family with a joyous cry of a novel. When I opened the first page, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these witchy women I got to know in the classic Practical Magic. But I returned to their curious house in Massachusetts because it felt like being welcomed home after a long time away. The large cast of characters welcome you and whisper their secrets in prophetic dreams and old spell books waiting for fate to open their pages. Here are three generations of the Owens family doing everything they can to break the curse that has plagued them for over two centuries. But like the wise aunt Jet says, “Everything worthwhile is dangerous.” What is more worthwhile than family and love?
Hoffman’s words are a love song to the people who go against the grain. Those of us who don’t quite fit—witches, rebels, bookworms, free spirits. So, grab a cup of Courage Tea, and a slice of Tipsy Cake, and settle in for an enchanting tale.
I believe. In what, I’m not always sure, but there’s always a pulse of it there. Sometimes it’s that a cup of tea or coffee can cure any mood. Sometimes I believe that the constellations have conspired to steal my luck. The Book of Magic is a book about belief in the most ephemeral things—love, magic, and hope.
Alice Hoffman's writing style is often described as whimsical and lyrical, and The Book of Magic is no exception. Her prose draws readers into a world where magic and reality intertwine, creating a captivating reading experience. The book also touches on themes of female empowerment and the strength that comes from embracing one's true self. The Owens women are portrayed as strong and resilient, using their magical abilities to overcome obstacles and protect their loved ones. Overall, The Book of Magic is a story that combines fantasy, magic, and human emotions to create a unique and enchanting reading experience. It is a must-read for fans of the Practical Magic series and for anyone who enjoys stories that transport them to a world where magic is real..
Reviews for "The Symbolism of Alice Hoffman's 'The Book of Magic"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Book of Magic" by Alice Hoffman. The story was slow and lacked any sense of excitement or adventure. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard for me to feel invested in their struggles. Overall, the book just felt like a jumbled mess. I was hoping for a magical and enchanting read, but unfortunately, I was left feeling bored and underwhelmed.
2. Emily - 1 star
I couldn't even finish "The Book of Magic" by Alice Hoffman. The writing style was so dull and uninteresting that I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The plot was confusing and disjointed, jumping around with no clear direction. The characters were forgettable, and their actions and motivations were never properly explained. I don't understand the hype around this book, as it failed to captivate me in any way. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable reading experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"The Book of Magic" by Alice Hoffman was a huge letdown for me. The narrative was convoluted and all over the place, making it hard to keep track of the story. The magical elements felt forced and lacked the wonder and awe I expected. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself getting bored and disinterested as I read on. The book had potential, but it fell short in execution. I honestly can't understand why it received so much praise, as it just didn't live up to my expectations.