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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
I like Hoffman's style, and I love her use of magic realism.
2022--Second reading
I don't remember when I first read this but it was a couple years ago. And I loved it!
It's actually fairly similar to Practical Magic. And as much acclaimed as PM is, I have to say I like this one better. It's not as... Adult situation and language? There are some innuendo, infidelity, and a few spatterings of unpleasant words even so though.
I love her writing style SO much. AH wasn't my first intro to magical realism but I came to crave it more through her because she does make it so real. And makes you want to look for the little things everywhere.
Wow, how AH weaves misunderstandings and reconciliation. Words unsaid and what should not have been said. How complicated family's can be but focus on what matters most. I love the folklore she incorporates and that it's like a modern fairytale.
In some ways I do think this is more a 4 star now though, there were a few things that didn't match what I remembered, as well as didn't flow as well. Also a couple typos lol
One of the books I bought myself for Christmas
I don't remember when I first read this but it was a couple years ago. And I loved it!
It's actually fairly similar to Practical Magic. And as much acclaimed as PM is, I have to say I like this one better. It's not as... Adult situation and language? There are some innuendo, infidelity, and a few spatterings of unpleasant words even so though.
I love her writing style SO much. AH wasn't my first intro to magical realism but I came to crave it more through her because she does make it so real. And makes you want to look for the little things everywhere.
Wow, how AH weaves misunderstandings and reconciliation. Words unsaid and what should not have been said. How complicated family's can be but focus on what matters most. I love the folklore she incorporates and that it's like a modern fairytale.
In some ways I do think this is more a 4 star now though, there were a few things that didn't match what I remembered, as well as didn't flow as well. Also a couple typos lol
One of the books I bought myself for Christmas
The last book that I read by Alice Hoffman was Here on Earth. I really disliked it. Not only did I not enjoy it, but none of our book group liked it either. We did have a good discussion - because we were all so unhappy. Fortunately, one of my friends wrote a favorable review of The Probable Future, so I tried it. I know that sometimes the book isn't the right one for a reader, but that does not mean you should avoid all of that author's writings. It was time for me to try Alice Hoffman again. This was a good place to start.
The Sparrow women have been part of the town of Unity for 13 generations. Where ever Rebecca came from she brought with her the glue that would hold the small town together The gifts that the Sparrows had seem to be a curse for them and a godsend for their community. The same is true for the latest three generations. Elinor can detect lies; Jenny sees others' dreams and Stella is clairvoyant.
Hoffman does an excellent job of combining magic with real life. I could visualize the town of Unity and was able to suspend my disbelief about the magic. I was captivated from the first sentence until the end. The Probable Future is a good story that I found was even better to listen to. The narrator, Susan Ericksen was excellent.
I recommend this novel to those who like a good family saga, to readers who are able to maintain the tension between magic and "reality" and to folks who enjoy the setting of a book as well as the characters since Unity, MA is an important part of this story.
The Sparrow women have been part of the town of Unity for 13 generations. Where ever Rebecca came from she brought with her the glue that would hold the small town together The gifts that the Sparrows had seem to be a curse for them and a godsend for their community. The same is true for the latest three generations. Elinor can detect lies; Jenny sees others' dreams and Stella is clairvoyant.
Hoffman does an excellent job of combining magic with real life. I could visualize the town of Unity and was able to suspend my disbelief about the magic. I was captivated from the first sentence until the end. The Probable Future is a good story that I found was even better to listen to. The narrator, Susan Ericksen was excellent.
I recommend this novel to those who like a good family saga, to readers who are able to maintain the tension between magic and "reality" and to folks who enjoy the setting of a book as well as the characters since Unity, MA is an important part of this story.
I love this author's prose and her detailed characters.
mysterious
fast-paced
Another great exploration of mother-daughter relationships from Alice Hoffman. This book is perhaps less dark than some of her others and ultimately quite optimistic. A subtle, moving read. Highly recommended.
This is a great book about the relationships between mothers and daughters.
I loved Hoffmans descriptions of nature in this. The natural world had a very real presence that signalled changes in the storyline or within the characters themselves. Her descriptions of rain, the bees, the quality of light made those things almost tangible so that I felt I could see and hear and smell them.
I loved Hoffmans descriptions of nature in this. The natural world had a very real presence that signalled changes in the storyline or within the characters themselves. Her descriptions of rain, the bees, the quality of light made those things almost tangible so that I felt I could see and hear and smell them.
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: Murder
In my opinion, the plot for this book was a bit weak. However, that didn't matter much as the author does an excellent job of weaving together the lives of a family in both the past and present. Her flowing style works to create a world imbued with a faint touch of mysticism that shows just how connected these characters really are.