The original witch Sofia is a mysterious figure in the world of witchcraft and folklore. She is believed to be the first witch to have ever existed, possessing extraordinary powers and knowledge. According to legend, Sofia was born in a remote village centuries ago and showed signs of her magical abilities from a young age. It is said that she possessed immense wisdom and a deep connection to the spiritual realm. As she grew older, Sofia dedicated her life to expanding her knowledge of magic and honing her skills. She delved into ancient texts and rituals, learning the secrets of spellcasting, divination, and potion making.
"My grandparents had lived there for 50 years so I had been there since it was full of sticker bushes," he said. "The cul de sacs began when I moved there—the entire development of South High School was under construction."
The plot follows Chrissie, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood trying to survive the travails of teenage suburban limbo a heroin-addled older brother, an AWOL dad, a mom about to marry a creep, a race-car driving mechanic boyfriend in trouble with the law, a carload of testosterone-bloated cretins and the Senior Curse. Although those forking over ticket money in the hopes of a straightforward horror film might disagree, this is not necessarily a bad idea for a story but neither co-writer Bret Easton Ellis the bad boy author of Less Than Zero, The Rules of Attraction and American Psycho nor director Derick Martini seem to have any idea of what they are trying to say or how to say it.
She delved into ancient texts and rituals, learning the secrets of spellcasting, divination, and potion making. She was revered by her community as a wise woman and became a trusted advisor to those seeking guidance and assistance. Sofia's magic was not limited to healing and guidance, however.
'The Curse of Downers Grove' movie to be released Aug. 21
Adolescence is a perilous time, says author Michael Hornburg whose second novel explores that transition in a place where he spent a large part of his youth: Downers Grove.
Hornburg's novel "Downers Grove" was published in 1999 and eventually was made into a movie, "The Curse of Downers Grove." The film should be released digitally and in theaters Aug. 21. It will be available on DVD/Blue Ray on Sept. 1.
AdvertisementHornburg lived in Downers Grove from 1974 to 1978 while his parents, Harry and Barbara, were separated. He graduated in 1978 from Downers Grove South High School.
"My grandparents had lived there for 50 years so I had been there since it was full of sticker bushes," he said. "The cul de sacs began when I moved there—the entire development of South High School was under construction."
AdvertisementIn the book, Hornburg's characters are on the verge of adulthood and living in a place marked by cornfields converted to tract houses, fast food joints and convenience stores.
Hornburg, who now lives in Brooklyn, devised the plot for the book after reading about a high school in Connecticut that was said to have a curse. He recalled young people dying while he was in high school in the 1970s.
"It's a time when you're reckless," he said. "I had more people (I knew) die in high school than at any other time in my life."
The book was adapted for the screen by "American Psycho" author Bret Easton Ellis and directed by Derick Martini. The plot follows Chrissie, "a young woman on the cusp of adulthood trying to survive the travails of teenage suburban limbo: a heroin-addled older brother, an AWOL dad, a mom about to marry a creep, a race-car driving mechanic boyfriend in trouble with the law, a carload of testosterone-bloated cretins and the Senior Curse. The latter ordains that a senior must die before graduation," according to a 1999 article in the Tribune.
Hornburg said his book's tone is not as dark as the one set in the movie which is being distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment.
"My novel is not a horror story," Hornburg said. "It's more like a grungy Clueless with a curse. Hollywood likes to make things scary."
Though the movie was not shot in Downers Grove, the book references many familiar settings including Downers Grove South, the Tivoli Bowling Lanes, and the Speedway Gas Station at Lemont Road and the Stevenson Expressway.
This book is the second of Hornburg's novels in a planned trilogy. The first was "Bongwater," which was adapted into a film by the same name.
AdvertisementHis two books share a recurring character, David, who also will be in Hornburg's third book, which he is currently writing. It will be set in New York, San Francisco, and Portland and have flashbacks to Downers Grove.
Meiko Fujiura-Landers, adult and teen services librarian at the Downers Grove Public Library, said readers have continued to check out "Downers Grove" over the years and the library is preparing for requests for the movies. It has a DVD on order.
"I imagine when the movie comes out it will spark local interest," she said.
After high school, Hornburg and a friend moved in 1979 to Portland, Ore. Hornburg worked in a window blind factory, played in a band, and attended Portland State University where he wrote for the school newspaper. He then moved to New York where he worked in the publishing industry for 20 years. Today, he writes while also selling books and vinyl records on-line and raising a daughter who is now in college.
As far as he's traveled, it's safe to say Downers Grove has never left Hornburg's mind, and it's been a fruitful source for his imagination.
"I lived there from the time I was 14 to 18 so I knew it well, " he said. "I had plenty of background and stories to tell. I knew the history from my grandparents. My father grew up there. It was on old Indian land so I used that as a potential source of the curse."
AdvertisementBoth the titles of the book and the movie contain a spelling quirk that locals will recognize.
"It was always a funny name for a town," said Hornburg. "And it's actually spelled wrong. Pierce Downer was the founder — or the first land owner — so it should be Downer's Grove with an apostrophe s."
His two books share a recurring character, David, who also will be in Hornburg's third book, which he is currently writing. It will be set in New York, San Francisco, and Portland and have flashbacks to Downers Grove.
She was said to have the ability to control the elements, communicate with animals, and even shape-shift. Her power was said to be limitless, and her presence alone emanated an otherworldly energy. Legends of Sofia spread far and wide, attracting the attention of both admirers and skeptics. Many sought her out in hopes of learning from her or witnessing her immense power firsthand. However, Sofia preferred a solitary life and rarely accepted visitors. She believed that her magic was a sacred gift that should not be exploited or taken lightly. Throughout history, many stories and myths have been inspired by Sofia's life and legend. She is often portrayed as a wise and benevolent figure, using her magic for the greater good. In folklore, she is often depicted as a protector of the weak and a defender against evil forces. Her image is symbolized by various mystical artifacts, such as a wand or a crystal ball. While Sofia's existence may be shrouded in mystery and legend, her influence on the world of witchcraft and magic is undeniable. Many modern witches and practitioners draw inspiration from her story and strive to emulate her wisdom, kindness, and connection to the spiritual realm. She continues to be a symbol of female power and magic, reminding us of the rich and ancient traditions of witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Forgotten Tale of Sofia, the First Witch"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The original witch Sofia". The storyline felt flat and uninteresting, and the characters lacked depth. I couldn't connect with any of them, and found myself losing interest quickly. The writing style was also quite basic and lacked creativity. Overall, I felt like this book didn't live up to the hype and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 3 stars - "The original witch Sofia" had an intriguing concept, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The character development was also lacking, as the protagonist, Sofia, felt one-dimensional and her motives were unclear. Additionally, there were several plot holes and inconsistencies that were never addressed. While there were some enjoyable moments, overall, this book didn't leave a lasting impression and I wouldn't consider it a standout in the genre.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - I had high expectations for "The original witch Sofia", but it ultimately didn't deliver. The writing was average at best, with lackluster descriptions and dialogue that felt forced. The romance subplot felt contrived and lacked chemistry between the characters. The world-building was also underdeveloped, leaving many unanswered questions. While there were a few interesting twists, they weren't enough to redeem the overall mediocrity of this book. I wouldn't recommend it to those looking for a captivating and well-written fantasy read.