The concept of a Practical Magic prequel has generated a lot of excitement among fans of the original movie and book. The idea of revisiting the Owens family and delving into their rich history is an intriguing prospect. A prequel would provide an opportunity to explore the origins of the family's magical abilities and the circumstances that led to the creation of the Owens curse. It could offer insights into the lives of the Owens ancestors, their relationships, and the events that shaped their magical legacy. Such a prequel could delve into the early years of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, and their upbringing in the magical household. It could also explore the romantic relationships of the Owens women and how their love lives intersected with their powers.
“Pure magic. We meet Maria, the matriarch of the Owens family. We get a firsthand account of her life, her love story, and the beginning of the Owens family curse. You don’t have to have read Practical Magic or Rules of Magic to enjoy this gem.”
— Liberty Goldstein, Title Wave Books (NM), Albuquerque, NM
I so wanted to read this slowly and savor every page since this may be the last time we get to venture into this world of magic and the Owens family. Storytelling is in Hoffman s bones, and the skill with which she dispenses information and compresses time, so that a year passes in a sentence, so that a tragedy witnessed becomes the propeller for a hundred-page subplot, is forgive me bewitching.
It could also explore the romantic relationships of the Owens women and how their love lives intersected with their powers. Furthermore, a Practical Magic prequel could focus on the themes of love, family, and sisterhood that are central to the original story. It could delve into the dynamics between the different generations of Owens women, their interactions with each other and with the wider magical community.
Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic (The Practical Magic Series #1) (Hardcover)
This is book number 1 in the The Practical Magic Series series.
- #2: The Rules of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #2) (Paperback): $16.99
- #4: The Book of Magic: A Novel (The Practical Magic Series #4) (Hardcover): $27.99
October 2020 Indie Next List
“I so wanted to read this slowly and savor every page since this may be the last time we get to venture into this world of magic and the Owens family. But as if entranced by Alice Hoffman’s magic, the pages were turning faster and faster and I devoured this book in two sittings. No one tells a story like Alice Hoffman, and I only hope she finds a way to bring this magical family back to us again in the future. I simply loved this book. It’s everything you want from Alice Hoffman — a great story of love and magic!”
— Julie Slavinsky, Warwick's, La Jolla, CA
Winter 2022 Reading Group Indie Next List
“Pure magic. We meet Maria, the matriarch of the Owens family. We get a firsthand account of her life, her love story, and the beginning of the Owens family curse. You don’t have to have read Practical Magic or Rules of Magic to enjoy this gem.”
— Liberty Goldstein, Title Wave Books (NM), Albuquerque, NM
Description
In an unforgettable novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.
Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Nameless Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.
When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.
Magic Lessons is a celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.
About the Author
Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The Book of Magic, Magic Lessons, The World That We Knew, Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic (a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick), the Oprah’s Book Club Selection Here on Earth, The Red Garden, The Dovekeepers, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, The Marriage of Opposites, and Faithful. She lives near Boston.
Praise For…
"Storytelling is in Hoffman’s bones, and the skill with which she dispenses information and compresses time, so that a year passes in a sentence, so that a tragedy witnessed becomes the propeller for a hundred-page subplot, is (forgive me) bewitching. My current reality feels chaotic and confusing; to have a narrator take my hand and tell me that linden root and yarrow will cure a racing heart, that witches turn silver dull with their touch, is an undiluted pleasure. Hoffman’s book swept me away during a time I most needed it." —New York Times Book Review
"Hoffman writes deftly, and often beautifully, about nature, and she can plot like, well, a witch, casting a spell on her reader to flip pages, reading ahead for plot twists... Magic Lessons is a compelling reminder of the past, which as it turns out, is not distant enough from the present.” —Boston Globe
"A gorgeous new novel you won't want to miss" — Bustle
"Vivid and enchanting, with a can’t-miss-it foray into the Salem Witch Trials, Magic Lessons is another sublime entry in an arresting series." — Esquire
“In Hoffman’s luminous prose, all characters, even the villains, are not only vividly, but also compassionately, rendered. Hoffman adeptly highlights that how one uses a talent, selflessly or selfishly, has a sweeping impact on many lives, meaning that one should always choose courage, and that love is the only answer.” —Booklist
"Hoffman offers an eye-opening account of how single women were treated in the 17th century, particularly when their knowledge or intelligence was deemed threatening. [This] page-turning adventure is thoroughly enjoyable. Hoffman’s redemptive story of a fiercely independent woman adds an engrossing, worthwhile chapter to the series." —Publisher's Weekly
"Calling all Alice Hoffman stans. Along the way, [Magic Lessons] shows us how smart, independent women were treated in the 17th century. Don't miss it." —theSkimm
"Full of wonderfully strong women, fascinating history and a plot that doesn't stop spinning, this book is a treat." —AARP Magazine
"Mysterious, magical and with important lessons about love and life, I cannot wait for it!” —Parade
"Heartbreaking and heart-healing…intense and gorgeous…This is an impressive tale, equal parts love story, history, and horror….The whole thing is absolutely riveting and riveting from start to finish.” — BookPage
"A very emotional, mystical, engaging read. The characters in this novel are brilliantly drawn with Hoffman’s skillful writing. It is a magical read." — The Free Lance–Star
- Fiction / Literary
- Fiction / Historical
- Fiction / Occult & Supernatural
- Paperback (September 7th, 2021): $17.99
- CD-Audio (October 6th, 2020): $39.99
- Library Binding, Large Print (February 1st, 2021): $38.95
“I so wanted to read this slowly and savor every page since this may be the last time we get to venture into this world of magic and the Owens family. But as if entranced by Alice Hoffman’s magic, the pages were turning faster and faster and I devoured this book in two sittings. No one tells a story like Alice Hoffman, and I only hope she finds a way to bring this magical family back to us again in the future. I simply loved this book. It’s everything you want from Alice Hoffman — a great story of love and magic!”
— Julie Slavinsky, Warwick's, La Jolla, CA
The prequel could also introduce new characters and relationships that provide context and depth to the Owens family history. While a Practical Magic prequel is an exciting prospect, it would be important to approach the story with care and respect for the original material. It would need to stay true to the heart and spirit of Practical Magic while expanding on the mythos and lore of the world. Additionally, a prequel could provide an opportunity to address some of the criticisms and questions that arose from the original movie and book. For example, it could explore the issue of consent and the ethical implications of the Owens women's use of magic on others. It could also offer a more nuanced and diverse portrayal of witchcraft and the wider magical community. Overall, a Practical Magic prequel has the potential to captivate audiences and offer a fresh perspective on the beloved story and characters..
Reviews for "A Glimpse into the Magical Past: The Prequel to Practical Magic"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the Practical Magic prequel. The book lacked the magical charm and atmosphere that made the original so enjoyable. The characters were one-dimensional and their actions often felt forced and unrealistic. The pacing was slow and there were several plot holes that were never fully explained. Overall, it just didn't capture the magic of the first book and left me feeling unsatisfied.
2. Emily - 1 star
I found the Practical Magic prequel to be a major letdown. The writing was clunky and lacked the poetic style that I loved in the original book. The story felt disjointed and the plot twists were predictable. The characters were uninteresting and I struggled to connect with them on any level. As a huge fan of the first book, I was really hoping for something special with the prequel, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
3. Michael - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Practical Magic prequel but ultimately found it to be a disappointment. The story felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more. The characters lacked depth and their motivations were unclear at times. Additionally, the writing style was inconsistent, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, it just didn't live up to the magic of the original book and I was left feeling unsatisfied.