"Practical Magic" is a novel written by Alice Hoffman. It was first published in 1995 and has since become a beloved classic. The story follows the lives of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Growing up in a small New England town, the sisters must navigate the challenges of love, family, and their own magical abilities. Hoffman's writing style is hauntingly beautiful and lyrical. She effortlessly weaves together themes of love, loss, and the power of family bonds.
BIOGRAPHY
I begin my paintings with questions like those of "Tunnel Talk" times. What is the color of amber, iron-ore, pollen? How can wind and water be suggested? The paintings gradually grow in layers. In the strata of paint, the shape of a microscopic protein hovers beneath a planet's elliptical orbit and decorative ironwork cancels out dense foliage. It is these strange alliances between the common and uncommon, natural and synthetic that I find compelling to paint. The compressions, connections, and contradictions of the layers shape the personality of the painting.
This knotted, painted combination forces a continual shift of attention among the many levels. I compare this to a single moment in landscape and the competing levels of activity. When I stand on Devonian limestone on the levee of the Mississippi, the barges and riverboats pass, herons fly, behind, a train noisily rumbles and streetlights flicker on, the smell of diesel fuel drifts in while rain clouds build. It's the density of experience that continues to raise questions and excite me as a painter.
On long car trips, we passed the time with questions to stump Dad Why was the sky orange, what caused hail, and how were tunnels built under the bay. In the strata of paint, the shape of a microscopic protein hovers beneath a planet s elliptical orbit and decorative ironwork cancels out dense foliage.
She effortlessly weaves together themes of love, loss, and the power of family bonds. The novel explores the complex relationships between the sisters, as well as their struggles with their own identities and the prejudices they face in their community. "Practical Magic" was later adapted into a successful film in 1998, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters.
Witches Broom
STATEMENT
I grew up in a house of optical phenomena. My father was a physicist with a specialty in optics (although neighbors claimed he worked at the Optical Department at Sears). Lasers, lenses, prisms, and holographs were plentiful; as were lessons on the natural world. In our house, a solar eclipse became a graduate level seminar. On long car trips, we passed the time with questions to stump Dad: Why was the sky orange, what caused hail, and how were tunnels built under the bay? (Incidentally, we refer to these questions now as "Tunnel Talk" questions).
BIOGRAPHY
I begin my paintings with questions like those of "Tunnel Talk" times. What is the color of amber, iron-ore, pollen? How can wind and water be suggested? The paintings gradually grow in layers. In the strata of paint, the shape of a microscopic protein hovers beneath a planet's elliptical orbit and decorative ironwork cancels out dense foliage. It is these strange alliances between the common and uncommon, natural and synthetic that I find compelling to paint. The compressions, connections, and contradictions of the layers shape the personality of the painting.
This knotted, painted combination forces a continual shift of attention among the many levels. I compare this to a single moment in landscape and the competing levels of activity. When I stand on Devonian limestone on the levee of the Mississippi, the barges and riverboats pass, herons fly, behind, a train noisily rumbles and streetlights flicker on, the smell of diesel fuel drifts in while rain clouds build. It's the density of experience that continues to raise questions and excite me as a painter.
Education
INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, IN., M.F.A. - Painting, 1988
TYLER SCHOOL OF ART, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA., B.F.A, Painting,1984
Professional Experience
ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY, Davenport, Iowa, Professor, 1989-present UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, El Paso, Texas, Visiting Professor, 1988-1989
STATEMENT
I grew up in a house of optical phenomena. My father was a physicist with a specialty in optics (although neighbors claimed he worked at the Optical Department at Sears). Lasers, lenses, prisms, and holographs were plentiful; as were lessons on the natural world. In our house, a solar eclipse became a graduate level seminar. On long car trips, we passed the time with questions to stump Dad: Why was the sky orange, what caused hail, and how were tunnels built under the bay? (Incidentally, we refer to these questions now as "Tunnel Talk" questions).
The movie, like the book, blends elements of fantasy and romance, while also delving into deeper themes of female empowerment and self-discovery. Hoffman's storytelling in "Practical Magic" is rich and enchanting, drawing readers into a world where magic and reality intertwine. Her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters create an immersive reading experience that stays with you long after the final pages. Overall, "Practical Magic" is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of love, magic, and family. Alice Hoffman's talent as a storyteller shines through in her lyrical prose and thought-provoking themes, making it a book that continues to resonate with readers..
Reviews for "The Lost Name: Rediscovering the Author of Practicap Magic"
1. Ethan - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Who Wrote Practical Magic" because I loved the movie, but it completely fell flat for me. The characters were shallow and uninteresting, and the story dragged on with unnecessary details. The writing style was also quite bland and lacked the magic and charm that I expected from a book set in the world of Practical Magic. Overall, it was a disappointing read that didn't live up to its potential.
2. Olivia - 3 stars - While I enjoyed revisiting the world of Practical Magic, I found "Who Wrote Practical Magic" to be lacking the depth and complexity that made the original book so captivating. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, and the new characters introduced weren't compelling enough to hold my interest. Additionally, the writing style felt choppy and unpolished in comparison to Alice Hoffman's earlier works. It's an okay read for fans of the movie, but not something I would recommend to those expecting the same level of quality as the original book.
3. Benjamin - 2 stars - As a fan of the Practical Magic series, "Who Wrote Practical Magic" was a major disappointment. The characters were poorly developed and lacked the charm and depth that made me fall in love with the original book. The plot was convoluted and confusing, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the story. Overall, it felt like a cash grab rather than a meaningful addition to the series. I would recommend fans of Practical Magic to skip this one and stick with the original book instead.