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A review by queer_bookwyrm
Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.5
3.5 ⭐ CW: Death of animal familiar, murder, public execution (witch trials), slavery, domestic violence
"Do as you will, but harm no one. What you give will be returned to you threefold. Fall in love whenever you can."
Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman is the prequel to Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic. Although this was an enjoyable read with Hoffman's classic style, I definitely enjoyed Practical Magic more, mostly because I've read so many books on the Salem Witch trials, that some elements felt too familiar to other books.
We follow the life of Maria Owens, the original Owens witch. We follow her from Essex County England to Curiçao to Salem to New York and back to Salem. We also learn of her Daughter Faith, who turns to left-handed magic.
We get to see Maria struggling to figure what (romantic) love is, and though she vows not to ever fall in love (spoiler alert) she does, although what she thinks is love, isn't. Unfortunately this leads her to avoid the person who is her true love. She even calls down a curse on any man who falls in love with an Owens' woman.
Although this was a story about the Witch Trials and how women didn't get to do as they as they please, ultimately, this was a story about love: how it can destroy you when it goes wrong and how it can save you when it's true. Similarly it's also the story of a Mother's love and the complicated relationship between mother and daughter that witches and non-witches alike can relate to.
The 3rd person omniscient that Hoffman uses is a bit impersonal and feels a bit like you're floating above the characters. There was also a lot of repetition of the same descriptions and listing out the same ingredients throughout the book. I'm glad I read this prequel and now. Looking forward to seeing where the Owens women go in The Rules of Magic.
"Do as you will, but harm no one. What you give will be returned to you threefold. Fall in love whenever you can."
Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman is the prequel to Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic. Although this was an enjoyable read with Hoffman's classic style, I definitely enjoyed Practical Magic more, mostly because I've read so many books on the Salem Witch trials, that some elements felt too familiar to other books.
We follow the life of Maria Owens, the original Owens witch. We follow her from Essex County England to Curiçao to Salem to New York and back to Salem. We also learn of her Daughter Faith, who turns to left-handed magic.
We get to see Maria struggling to figure what (romantic) love is, and though she vows not to ever fall in love (spoiler alert) she does, although what she thinks is love, isn't. Unfortunately this leads her to avoid the person who is her true love. She even calls down a curse on any man who falls in love with an Owens' woman.
Although this was a story about the Witch Trials and how women didn't get to do as they as they please, ultimately, this was a story about love: how it can destroy you when it goes wrong and how it can save you when it's true. Similarly it's also the story of a Mother's love and the complicated relationship between mother and daughter that witches and non-witches alike can relate to.
The 3rd person omniscient that Hoffman uses is a bit impersonal and feels a bit like you're floating above the characters. There was also a lot of repetition of the same descriptions and listing out the same ingredients throughout the book. I'm glad I read this prequel and now. Looking forward to seeing where the Owens women go in The Rules of Magic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Animal death, Murder, and Slavery