"Practical Magic" is a captivating novel written by Alice Hoffman. Known for her unique storytelling style, Hoffman weaves a tale that combines elements of magic, love, and self-discovery. The story revolves around the lives of two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, who grow up in a family of witches. The Owens women are believed to be cursed in love, with any man they fall in love with meeting an untimely demise. As a result, the sisters are wary of romance and try to distance themselves from their family's magical gifts. Despite their efforts to live a normal life, Sally and Gillian find themselves drawn back to their magical roots when Gillian's abusive boyfriend unexpectedly dies.
I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a new book world to get lost in. You don’t need to like fantasy to enjoy this one.
Hundreds of years later, in New York City at the cusp of the sixties, when the whole world is about to change, Susanna Owens knows that her three children are dangerously unique. In this bewitching The New York Times Book Review 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.
Despite their efforts to live a normal life, Sally and Gillian find themselves drawn back to their magical roots when Gillian's abusive boyfriend unexpectedly dies. The sisters embark on a journey to protect themselves and their loved ones from the consequences of their magic. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters and experience the interconnectedness of love, loss, and the power of sisterhood.
Review: Practical Magic
Today I’m sharing my review of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I have stated to do a series of Instagram Reels where I pair a book with a cocktail. Earlier this week I paired Practical Magic with a Empress 75.
Synopsis
The Owens sisters confront the challenges of life and love in this bewitching novel from New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman.
For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. Their elderly aunts almost seemed to encourage the whispers of witchery, with their musty house and their exotic concoctions and their crowd of black cats. But all Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape.
One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic…
Why I Decided to Read this Book
I watched the Practical Magic movie a lot growing up and didn’t even know it was a book until a few years ago. The last book in the series just came out so I wanted to read them all!
Rating
My Thoughts
This book and the entire series is very much outside of my reading comfort zone. I have a hard time with fantasy or magic books but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I loved immersing myself in the Owen sister’s world and ended up really enjoying Alice Hoffman’s writing.
The story was a little bit slow but I didn’t mind it. There is still a plot and I was entertained. I loved the magic and actually wished there was more. I have already started reading The Rules of Magic (second book published in the series but it is a prequel) and I am loving it because there is a lot more magic there. Who knew I was going to want more magic?
I would say it took me a second to get used to Alice Hoffman’s writing but I am in love with it. It is different so I can see some people not loving it but it worked for me and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series. I am hoping to finish them all by the end of November.
Content Warnings
Domestic abuse, Grief, Emotional abuse, Death, Bullying, Sexual violence
Who I Recommend this Book to
I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a new book world to get lost in. You don’t need to like fantasy to enjoy this one.
The Drink
Since I shared a matching cocktail for this book on my Instagram, I thought I’d share the recipe here!
The novel skillfully explores themes of love, identity, and the consequences of magic. It delves into the complexities of relationships and the challenges faced by the Owens sisters as they navigate their own desires and societal expectations. Hoffman's writing style is lyrical and atmospheric, immersing readers in the magical world she creates. She explores the duality of magic, depicting both its wonder and its potential for harm. With her vivid descriptions and vivid characters, Hoffman brings the story to life, capturing the hearts of readers. "Practical Magic" was later adapted into a successful film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The movie further popularized the enchanting story and brought even more attention to Hoffman's work. Overall, "Practical Magic" is a spellbinding novel that explores the power of love, family, and resilience. Hoffman's writing transports readers into a world where magic and reality intertwine, leaving them captivated until the very last page..
Reviews for "The Anonymous Alchemist: Decoding the Writer of Practical Magic"
1. Jane - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Who wrote Practical Magic". The story was scattered and confusing, and the characters lacked depth. It felt like the author was trying to juggle too many plotlines without giving any of them the attention they deserved. I also found the writing style to be rather dull and uninspired. Overall, this book just didn't capture my interest or engage me in any meaningful way.
2. Michael - 1 star
I couldn't get through "Who wrote Practical Magic". The writing was overly flowery and convoluted, making it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, the pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself losing interest in the plot early on. The characters felt flat and uninteresting, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The whole reading experience was a chore, and I ultimately gave up on finishing the book.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
"Who wrote Practical Magic" was a disappointment for me. The plot was predictable and lacked any real surprises. The characters were clichéd, and it felt like I had seen them all before in other, more well-executed supernatural novels. The dialogue was unrealistic and stilted, and the relationship dynamics between the characters felt forced. Overall, it was a forgettable read that didn't live up to its potential for me.