Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic Magic Lessons, written by Alice Hoffman, is the prequel to her beloved novel Practical Magic. It takes us back to the origins of the Owens family and explores the history of magic within their lineage. Set in the 1600s in England and eventually crossing the Atlantic to Massachusetts, the story follows the life of Maria Owens, a fiery-haired young woman who is accused of witchcraft and seeks refuge in Salem. In Magic Lessons, Maria is introduced as a young girl who discovers her gift for magic at a very young age. However, the novel does not solely focus on her supernatural abilities, but also delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the strength of family bonds. Maria's journey is not an easy one, as she faces numerous trials and tribulations, including heartbreak, betrayal, and the constant threat of persecution due to her magical powers.
When the pace picked up at the second half of the book, I couldn’t stop reading. Faith’s life took a sudden turn, Samuel Dias who had been away, decided to return to Maria despite the curse, and Maria decided to seek the woman who took Faith from her. What was to become to all of them? Will there be a happy ending? It was hard to say because I was proven wrong time and time again throughout the story.
Not only did her skills save lives and give hope to many, but it also brought her to Samuel , the son of Abraham Dias, captain of a ship that was headed to Boston, where she wanted to go. There were many women depicted or at least mentioned in the story women with complicated destinies, women with opinions, convictions and goals that didn t go along with what society deemed to be correct or allowed.
Maria's journey is not an easy one, as she faces numerous trials and tribulations, including heartbreak, betrayal, and the constant threat of persecution due to her magical powers. Hoffman skillfully weaves together historical events, such as the Salem witch trials, with magical elements, creating a captivating narrative that transports readers to a time when those who practiced witchcraft were seen as both enchanting and dangerous. Through Maria's story, the author explores themes of female empowerment and resilience, reminding us of the strength and power that lies within each woman.
Practical Magic Concludes, Or Rather Begins, With An Amazing Prequel Magic Lessons (Practical Magic #0) by Alice Hoffman
Being kind of a fan of Alice Hoffman’s, I loved Magic Lessons from the very start! I didn’t even doubt I would. I have loved the entire Practical Magic series, as spaced out over the decades as it was, but I think I loved Magic Lessons by far the most. I got immediately attached to the main character, Maria, and the tone of the story was just so good.
If you have read the Practical Magic series, Magic Lessons will be a definite treat for you, but I can recommend reading it even if you haven’t heard of the books before – I’m almost 100% sure I would have loved it just as much if I hadn’t even read the books or known the story beforehand, or perhaps only watched the movie and then read this one.
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★★★★☆ 4 stars
How I read this:
free review copy through Edelweiss
Magic Lessons tells the story of the original Owens witch, the first one that came to the Western lands, the one mentioned originally in Practical Magic as the woman who started it all, the woman who starts both the curse, as well as the family lore.
Being a prequel, the interesting thing about Magic Lessons, is that you kind of know the outlines of what will happen, because you’ve already read two books, perhaps watched the movie as well. But you’d be surprised by the amount of things you didn’t actually know! Alice Hoffman still finds it easy to enchant the reader with the wonderful story of Magic Lessons.
The novel also introduces readers to other memorable characters, such as Maria's mentor, Hannah Owens, and her descendants, who play significant roles throughout the Owens family saga. These characters add depth and richness to the story, creating a sense of connection between the prequel and its predecessor, Practical Magic. One of the most notable aspects of Magic Lessons is Hoffman's lyrical prose, which beautifully captures the essence of magic and its allure. Her descriptive writing style paints a vivid picture of the settings, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world she has created. Magic Lessons is a must-read for fans of Practical Magic, as it provides a fascinating backstory to the Owens family, shedding light on their magical lineage and the challenges they faced. However, even for those who have not yet read Practical Magic, this novel stands on its own as a compelling and enchanting tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of magic..
Reviews for "The Art of Witchcraft: Mastering the Magic Lessons in "Practical Magic"
1. Emily - 1 out of 5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with "Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic." I had high hopes for this book as a fan of the "Practical Magic" series, but sadly, it fell short. The story felt disjointed and lacked the enchanting and captivating tone I loved in the previous books. The protagonist's journey was dull and I couldn't connect with her as a character. Overall, this prequel did not live up to my expectations and I would not recommend it to fans of the series.
2. Michael - 2 out of 5 stars
As someone who has enjoyed the "Practical Magic" series, I was excited to dive into "Magic Lessons." However, I found it to be a slow-paced and repetitive read. The story lacked depth and failed to hook me in the same way the original series did. The characters felt one-dimensional and their motivations were unclear. While there were glimpses of the magical world I enjoyed in the previous books, it was not enough to salvage this prequel. I was left disappointed and would not recommend it to avid fans of the series.
3. Sarah - 3 out of 5 stars
Having loved the "Practical Magic" series, I was eager to explore the origins of the Owens family in "Magic Lessons." Unfortunately, I found this prequel to be somewhat underwhelming. While the historical setting and references were interesting, I struggled to stay engaged with the story. The pacing felt uneven, with long stretches of exposition that failed to hold my attention. Despite its flaws, there were occasional moments of magic and enchantment that reminded me why I loved the series. However, overall, "Magic Lessons" did not meet my expectations and I would advise fans of the series to approach it with caution.