The book "Practical Magic" was penned by Alice Hoffman. Published in 1995, it tells the story of the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grow up with their magical heritage but also with a curse that states any man who loves an Owens woman will die prematurely. The novel explores themes of family, love, and the power of magic. It delves into the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial, and examines the bond between sisters. With vivid and poetic prose, Hoffman creates a world that is both enchanting and grounded in reality.
Sally breaks your heart with her grief after her husband dies, and it made me realize that this is just one of the many reasons I love this film.
I guess I don t have too much to say because it would just be stating the differences, but I LOVE this movie and it turns out, even after reading the book which was awesome, I still love the movie more. We don t need to be told that only pretty ones are loved, moreover we absolutely don t need to be told that one pretty woman s looks can act like a spell and take true love away.
With vivid and poetic prose, Hoffman creates a world that is both enchanting and grounded in reality. The strength of her storytelling lies in her ability to seamlessly blend the magical elements with the relatable emotions and struggles of the characters. "Practical Magic" captures the reader's imagination while also tugging at their heartstrings.
Practical Magic: Film VS. Book
I loved the spooky vibe from the very beginning of this! It was so interesting to see the differences between this and the film adaptation. While the movie was set in that gorgeous house in a small town, the book was actually set in the suburbs in Sally’s house.
That was a huge shock to me but I really enjoyed that, it gave it more of a realistic view, oh and not to mention that the sisters have a more complicated relationship. There’s a lot of hurt and resentment that built up over the years and while Gillian is home for the same reasons as in the movie, it’s not as whimsical. They’ve tried to cover their tracks, Angelov was still a horrible guy and kinda got what he deserved if you asked me.
Sally’s daughters are older and they have their own relationship that’s just as complicated as Sally and Gillian’s. And Sally’s older daughter is a bit of a meanie, but, I loved her development.
Trying to be normal is a stronger theme for Sally but let me tell you guys, seeing Gillian work in the burgershack was one of the best things ever. Real life means sometimes taking a job you may not always want, so, you know, at least that was realistic. Gillian also though deserves love and we see that she’s made a lot of mistakes in picking a partner but the book gives her a worthy love arc, and I think it was a really great relationship for her.
The ending was less bombastic but just as satisfying in my opinion and while the movie was more whimsical, this was still whimsical in its own right and maybe because it was set in the suburbs but there was a heavy magical realism vibe to it because of it.
The Aunts were great and I loved having them come to Sally’s house, again having them come to the suburbs, it was truly great, and such a different vibe than I expected after seeing the movie first.
Overall, super fun read and perfect for any spooky or witchy tbr. 4/5 cups of coffee now onto the film!!
I can’t help it, I adore this film, in fact last night I watched it with Ruby of Bookishly Ruby and we had a blast. I was so glad she watched it with me! I did like the suburbs in the book, totally different vibe but really, I love this gorgeous old house from the movies. I thought it was fantastic and I love that the Aunts are a bit more prominent to the plot in the movie.
Sally’s daughters are younger and sweeter, and a bit more of an innocent addition to the story and Sally and Gillian themselves are closer and more connected. The stress and strain from the book isn’t as consuming in the movie though they still have their problems.
Sally breaks your heart with her grief after her husband dies, and it made me realize that this is just one of the many reasons I love this film.
The setting of the house and the town were great, the creepiness of Angelov is also so well done, you’re on edge with the sisters at times as things are obviously not okay after his death, and Sally is a bit more accepting of magic in the movie.
Sally’s love interest is also very nice, and if you ask Ruby, she’ll tell you all about his amazingness. It’s truly worth asking her and hearing lol.
I guess I don’t have too much to say because it would just be stating the differences, but I LOVE this movie and it turns out, even after reading the book which was awesome, I still love the movie more.
The differences:
- Sally and Gillian have a more strained relationship in the book
- Gillian has a love interest in the book!
- The daughters are younger and sweeter in the movie
- Book is set in the suburbs
- The Aunts are seen as more aloof in the book.
- There’s more of what the Aunts do for the local women in the book.
- Sally’s importance of being normal is more focused on in the book
- Acceptance of magic feels more dramatic in the book
Final Verdict
The book is so creative and intriguing but I love the movie more
And then we waited for years, without even knowing we were waiting.
The book's success led to a film adaptation in 1998 starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Overall, "Practical Magic" is a captivating and beautifully written novel that reaffirms the power of love and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity..
Reviews for "The Hidden Hand that Wrote Practical Magic: Unmasking the Author"
1. Alice - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Who penned practical magic". I felt like the book did not stay true to the original story and characters created by Alice Hoffman. The writing style of the author who penned this book was completely different and it ruined the magical atmosphere that was portrayed in the original. The plot felt weak and forced, and overall, it just didn't live up to my expectations.
2. Robert - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Who penned practical magic". The writing was dull and lacked the enchantment that captivated me in Alice Hoffman's original book. The characters felt flat and uninteresting, and the plot was predictable and unimaginative. I regret wasting my time and money on this poorly executed attempt to continue the story.
3. Emma - 2 stars - "Who penned practical magic" was a letdown for me. The new author tried to recapture the magic of Alice Hoffman's world, but fell short. The pacing was off, with slow moments that made the story drag, and the new characters introduced didn't feel well-developed or connected to the original ones. The book lacked the charm and unique atmosphere that made the original "Practical Magic" so special, and I struggled to engage with the story.
4. Mark - 2 stars - I was eagerly anticipating "Who penned practical magic", but unfortunately, it failed to live up to my expectations. The writing style was clunky and felt forced, and the plot was uninteresting and felt like a recycled version of the original. The author who penned this book failed to capture the essence of Alice Hoffman's storytelling, and it left me feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.