Magic Lessons - Alice Hoffman

Magic Lessons

By Alice Hoffman

  • Release Date: 2020-10-06
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 674 Ratings

Description

In this “ bewitching” (The New York Times Book Review) novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.

Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Nameless Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.

When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.

Magic Lessons is a “heartbreaking and heart-healing” (BookPage) celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.

Reviews

  • Beautiful and chanting and haunting

    5
    By decidedlyclare
    One of the more beautiful stories about women and the voiceless. Every woman has a bit of witch in her, don’t they?
  • Favorite

    5
    By bookloverjenna
    One of my favorite stories of all time. Highly recommend. The author’s writing is enchanting and magical. If you enjoy women empowerment, love, and witchcraft, this book is for you! 🖤
  • A Solid Prequel and Origin Story

    4
    By Originalhubcub
    Hoffman gave a lovely gift to her fans with this one in the story of Maria Owens, the start of her bloodline, her romantic missteps and of course, the curse. Her subsequent books fit better with the movie than the original book, Practical Magic so if you saw the movie then read the book, but preferred the movie (as many seem to), you will find this an enjoyable read. Despite being a fan, I must say that Hoffman’s writing style is admittedly a little strange: at times it is brilliantly descriptive, at other times a bit rushed and matter-of-fact. Nonetheless, it’s a beautiful book all-said, blending the genres of fantasy, romance and historical fiction.
  • Captivating

    5
    By Oshi fish
    There wasn’t a thing I didn’t like about this book. It was wonderful reading.
  • Could hardly wait

    3
    By partime reader
    This was the most depressing book. I could hardly wait until this book was over. They gave you a bit of the other book.I read it thinking it would be better,but no.
  • Amazing

    5
    By Sukayhar
    And enchanting.
  • Looooooved!

    5
    By ElizA_35
    Such a fun and beautiful story. For any one that likes Practical Magic this book is a must read.
  • This is my favorite one!

    5
    By Bookjunkie71
    I think this one is my favorite! Such details and descriptions! You fall under a spell while reading this book! What a well put together story of love, magic, and mother’s and daughters! I love the world of the Owen’s women!! And I can’t wait to read more!!!
  • Magic Lessons

    5
    By AnnieNettie
    I loved this book. I have loved all the books about the Owens women and crave more. I read Practical Magic when it first came out. Read the prequel again as soon as it premiered. And now Magic Lessons. I want more. Alice Hoffman is a joy to read. Her gift as a story teller is something I envy, but hope she’ll continue with whatever thrills her. I just want to tell her again I want more on the Owens women. Thank you Ms. Hoffman for the hours of pleasure you have given me.

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