Practical Magic is a novel written by Alice Hoffman in 1995. The author is known for her unique blend of magic and realism in her works. Practical Magic tells the story of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. They are raised by their aunts, Frances and Jet, who teach them about their magical heritage. The book explores themes of love, family, and the power of female relationships. Sally and Gillian have very different personalities and experiences with love.
Sally and Gillian have very different personalities and experiences with love. Sally is a practical and cautious woman, while Gillian is more impulsive and adventurous. Despite their differences, the sisters rely on each other for support and protection.
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!
I found this book to be the most unsettling of the Practical Magic series. It’s due to the time period and the brutal way women were treated back then, especially if the woman was a witch or at least thought to be a witch. I was especially intrigued by the way the women all helped each other and found ways to thwart the evil of the men around them as much as they could.
Through the lens of magic, the author delves into deeper issues such as loss, grief, and the search for identity. The characters face various challenges and confrontations with the past, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Hoffman's writing style is descriptive and lyrical, transporting readers into the world of the Owens family. Practical Magic was adapted into a successful film in 1998, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as the Owens sisters. The movie, although diverging from the original plot, remains faithful to the essence of the book and has gained a significant cult following. Overall, Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic is a captivating and enchanting novel that combines magic and reality seamlessly. The author's skillful storytelling and exploration of themes make it a timeless and beloved piece of literature..
Reviews for "The Ethical Considerations of Practixal Magic in the Works of an Author"
1) Sarah - 2 stars - I have to say, I was extremely disappointed with "Practical Magic" by [author]. The characters were shallow and one-dimensional, and the overall plot felt underdeveloped. I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
2) Mark - 2.5 stars - I found "Practical Magic" to be a rather average read. The writing was decent, but the story lacked depth and complexity. The romance between the main characters felt forced and unrealistic, and the magical elements were poorly developed. I didn't feel invested in the story or the outcome, and overall, it left me feeling underwhelmed.
3) Jessica - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Practical Magic". The writing was dull and uninspiring, and the plot dragged on with no clear direction. The characters were uninteresting and their motivations were unclear. I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end, and even then, it didn't make up for the lackluster storytelling. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
4) Michael - 2 stars - "Practical Magic" had potential, but it failed to live up to my expectations. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of mundane events that didn't contribute much to the overall story. The author tried to incorporate too many themes and plotlines, resulting in a messy and confusing narrative. The characters lacked depth and their actions often felt contrived. All in all, it was a disappointing read.