Practical Magic is a novel written by Alice Hoffman, published in 1995. The story revolves around the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who are burdened with a family curse. The Owens family has a long lineage of magical powers and the women of the family are known for their supernatural abilities. However, these powers come with a price. Sally and Gillian grow up under the care of their aunts, Frances and Jet Owens, after their parents' sudden death. The aunts teach the girls about their magical heritage and warn them about the dangers of falling in love.
I’ve owned this book for more than 2 years – I think – and this October I had to pick it up because based on the movie it gave me the Halloween vibes. So, because I’ve watched the movie a thousand times and love it I had high expectations. Be prepared for a long review with spoilers from the movie and the book.
Gillian is happier on the outside, we later learn some things from her that are equally sad , she is the prettiest and is not afraid of voicing her opinion. Gillian without knowing because she doesn t pay enough attention in her little world goes over Sally s authority and does things she doesn t need expecting Sally to be happy.
The aunts teach the girls about their magical heritage and warn them about the dangers of falling in love. According to the family curse, any man who loves an Owens woman is doomed to an untimely death. As the sisters grow older, they develop different attitudes towards love and magic.
B&G(on hiatus)
Hi, lovelies! 🌌 A few weeks ago I finished reading Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I have to admit, it’s been a long time since I’ve been conflicted by a book, so many mixed feelings!
I’ve owned this book for more than 2 years – I think – and this October I had to pick it up because based on the movie it gave me the Halloween vibes. So, because I’ve watched the movie a thousand times and love it I had high expectations. Be prepared for a long review with spoilers from the movie and the book.
Sally, the more practical and cautious sister, tries to suppress her powers and live a normal life. On the other hand, Gillian is a wild and reckless spirit who embraces her magical abilities. She constantly seeks love and excitement despite the warnings. The novel takes an intriguing turn when Gillian falls in love with an abusive and dangerous man named Jimmy. Sally, in an attempt to protect her sister, casts a spell to banish Jimmy from their lives. However, the spell backfires, and Jimmy dies, leaving the sisters with a dangerous secret. Years later, Sally and her two daughters, Antonia and Kylie, live a quiet and secluded life in a small town. They use their magical powers discreetly, their main focus being to protect themselves and the ones they love. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when Gillian's abusive past comes back to haunt them. Practical Magic blends elements of love, magic, family bonds, and self-discovery. It explores themes of sisterhood, uncovering one's true identity, and the challenges of navigating relationships in a world where magic exists. Hoffman's storytelling style combines elements of realism and fantasy, creating a captivating and enchanting read. Overall, Practical Magic is a spellbinding novel that delves into the complexities of life, love, and the power of family. It captures the reader's imagination and offers a compelling exploration of the line between the mundane and the magical..
Reviews for "The Importance of Setting in "Practical Magic"
1. Jessica - 1/5 - I really did not enjoy reading "Practical Magic". The story felt dull and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. Despite my interest in the topic of magic, I found the magical elements to be underwhelming and not well integrated into the plot. The writing style was also subpar, with many clichés and a lack of evocative language. Overall, I was disappointed with this novel and would not recommend it.
2. Mark - 2/5 - "Practical Magic" turned out to be a letdown for me. I expected a gripping and enchanting tale of witchcraft, but instead found a convoluted and disjointed narrative. The pacing was off, leaving me feeling disconnected from the characters and uninterested in their fates. The romantic aspect of the story felt forced and lacked chemistry. While the concept had potential, I believe the execution fell flat, making this book a lackluster read for me.
3. Samantha - 2/5 - I didn't find "Practical Magic" to be as charming as it was hyped up to be. The characters felt one-dimensional and their motivations were unclear. The plot meandered, often lacking a clear direction or purpose. The magical elements felt like an afterthought and were never fully explored. Overall, I felt detached from the story and struggled to stay engaged. It just didn't live up to my expectations.
4. Michael - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Practical Magic" given its reputation, but unfortunately, it left me unimpressed. The writing was lackluster, with flat descriptions and uninteresting dialogue. The story felt disjointed and the conflicts lacked depth. It seemed to rely on clichéd tropes rather than offering something fresh and compelling. I found myself struggling to finish the book and ultimately felt disappointed by the overall experience.