Ratings12
Average rating4.1
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.
Featured Series
2 primary books4 released booksPractical Magic is a 4-book series with 2 primary works first released in 1995 with contributions by Alice Hoffman.
Reviews with the most likes.
I really enjoyed this book! The pace, the people, the surprises. I can't wait to read the next one.
I was ready to fall in love with this book, it has some of my favourite tropes, tashreads catnip if you will. Strong female leads, witches, magic (but not too much!), revenge, narrow escapes and complicated mother daughter relationships.
But I'm sorry to report that I failed to connect to the way it was written. I felt the writing style kept me at arm's length from the characters - I never really knew them. The story was great (and I think it would translate well to screen - just like Practical Magic). I am in the minority, most people loved it, but the magic of this novel fell a bit flat for me.
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
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1,237 booksWhen you think back on every book you've ever read, what are some of your favorites? These can be from any time of your life – books that resonated with you as a kid, ones that shaped your personal...