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heddas_bookgems's review against another edition
4.0
For centuries, the Owens women have shouldered the blame for every misfortune in their Massachusetts town, burdened by an alleged witchy lineage that ostracizes sisters Gillian and Sally. Despite their desire to flee their eccentric aunts' mystical abode, their unbreakable bond inevitably pulls them back, as if compelled by unseen forces.
Practical Magic brews a delightful concoction of ordinary women facing extraordinary challenges. From lousy boyfriends to sudden losses and breaking with the past. Hoffman deftly weaves together themes of suburban tranquility, sisterly love, and the quest for sanctuary for Sally's daughters, resonating deeply with our universal longing for acceptance and belonging.
The narrative exudes whimsy and dark humor as Hoffman crafts vibrant characters and maintains a steady pace. It's a decent read, quite charming, really. It relies heavily on telling over showing and lacks dialogue. But apart from that, the plot is solid. I understand why opinions are mixed, especially if you're expecting the magical vibes of the movie. It leans more towards character development than magical elements, touching on themes like abuse, sibling bonds, and family dynamics. If you enjoy character-driven stories, this might be right up your alley. Her daring narrative choices, such as shifts in perspective and glimpses through a magician's rabbit, add a unique flair to the story, although they may disrupt cohesion for some readers.
While Practical Magic"receives mixed reviews, largely due to expectations set by the movie's witchy atmosphere, the book prioritizes character-driven storytelling over magical escapades. It explores themes of abuse, sibling bonds, and family dynamics, offering depth and heart and it might just cast its spell on you.
Practical Magic brews a delightful concoction of ordinary women facing extraordinary challenges. From lousy boyfriends to sudden losses and breaking with the past. Hoffman deftly weaves together themes of suburban tranquility, sisterly love, and the quest for sanctuary for Sally's daughters, resonating deeply with our universal longing for acceptance and belonging.
The narrative exudes whimsy and dark humor as Hoffman crafts vibrant characters and maintains a steady pace. It's a decent read, quite charming, really. It relies heavily on telling over showing and lacks dialogue. But apart from that, the plot is solid. I understand why opinions are mixed, especially if you're expecting the magical vibes of the movie. It leans more towards character development than magical elements, touching on themes like abuse, sibling bonds, and family dynamics. If you enjoy character-driven stories, this might be right up your alley. Her daring narrative choices, such as shifts in perspective and glimpses through a magician's rabbit, add a unique flair to the story, although they may disrupt cohesion for some readers.
While Practical Magic"receives mixed reviews, largely due to expectations set by the movie's witchy atmosphere, the book prioritizes character-driven storytelling over magical escapades. It explores themes of abuse, sibling bonds, and family dynamics, offering depth and heart and it might just cast its spell on you.
e_jjay's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
jsw2701's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
radioisasoundsalvation's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
pbandjamie's review against another edition
I’m so sorry to say this, but the movie was better.
esthr's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
2.75
micksgotkicks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
4.25
t00b00ked_t00busy's review against another edition
5.0
The moon is always jealous of the heat of the day, just as the sun always longs for something dark and deep.
Practical Magic is my favorite movie ever!
Practical Magic is my favorite movie ever!
natprince's review against another edition
4.0
Awww! Really sweet, so imaginative, and spell binding! I think that the rules of magic, the prequel which was written after, is better but this one is still good. I guess it’s hard for me to stomach that they just buried Jimmy in the backyard... its just something I couldn’t do! But I liked the story nonetheless. If you liked this one, you should read the rules of magic