A review by noraestelle
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

So I wanted to read this book before ever watching the movie. I always heard the movie was a classic, so I figured the book is too. Honestly, it took me way too long to figure out if I was even reading the first/right book or not. My opinion, the aunts are the only like-able characters in the whole book and I find they’re not in it enough. If you came for a cute witchy book, you’ve come to the wrong place. The only time there is any “witchy” elements in the book is when the aunts are around which isn’t often. They had too many side characters that they would insert their thoughts in, but didn’t really build those characters. Over half of the side characters I did not care about. Honestly, I would have much rather listen to Sally and her husbands love story which we barely got any of. To me that was the only love story in the book, the others were all rushed and felt forced. Not to mention literally every sexual scene feeling uncomfortable and on the verge of not consent. I kept reading this book waiting for it to get good and don’t get me wrong there were cute moments. Maybe I just had too high expectations going into it, but I don’t know. I’d say for 75% of the book I was just waiting for it to be over. I will say the narrator I liked. She sounded like Cher and I lowkey loved that. 
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