Practical Magic by Alice HoffmanI had absolutely no desire to read this book after having seen the movie based on it. The movie was silly and just not one I enjoyed. I kept seeing the book at the library and in bookstores and refused to pick it up even though the description on the jacket sounded like my kind of book.
This book was listed on the EW list of New Classics, so I decided to finally give it a chance. I am so glad I did. This book is a beautiful story with wonderful well-drawn characters with a bit of the fantastical thrown in. And unlike in the movie, the magic that surrounds the Owens' family is not the main part of this book. The sisters' relationships with each other, their aunts, kids and lovers are.
Hoffman's writing style is unique and refreshing. I love the snippets of the past and future as you read along in the present. I love how the magic happens around the characters, how it is ignored by some and embraced by others. It is inter-weaved perfectly into the story to where you don't know if it is real or not.
I did miss the aunts, though, which were the best part of the movie. I didn't expect them to have such a small, but critical part in the book.
4/5
New Classics Challenge
I actually liked the movie but I loved the book. I think I've pretty much read all of Alice Hoffman's books.
ReplyDeleteI didn't much care for the movie, and I hadn't even realized it was based on a book. It sounds good, though, based on your review. Maybe i should seek it out.
ReplyDeleteI've just added this to my wishlist; too many people talk about how good it is, and while I liked the movie (it was fun & mostly lighthearted)--well, you know.
ReplyDeleteNow I am really quite glad I picked this up at the used book sale. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting to know. You know, you're adding way too many things to my reading list. How'm I ever going to get through it all?!
ReplyDeleteI actually liked to movie. It's pretty silly and contrived in a lot of ways, but there's something about it that I find charming as well. I've always wanted to read the book, though. I always figured I would probably like it more and now, based on your review, I know I will!
ReplyDeleteI've heard the book is much better than the movie, but since I've already seen the movie, it's not likely that I'll read the book.
ReplyDeleteThe only Hoffman book I've read is Skylight Confessions. Have you read that one?
--Anna
http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com