sarahcoller's review against another edition
4.0
I read Hoffman's The Museum of Extraordinary Things this summer and was not super impressed. I'm so glad I gave her another try though because I LOVED The Probable Future!! I don't believe in "magic" but I do believe in giftings so I loved how it was mystical without being magicky. I also love the New England setting as that is where my father's side is from and I know almost nothing of that history. I read books like this and know that it's my history, too---and I imagine that these characters are my ancestors! Ha!
rj42's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Probable Future dates from one of the strongest periods in Hoffman's career, and picks up many of the central themes she was dealing with at that time – murder, small town stagnation, gender relations, and all imbued with her usual sense of magic and mystery. There is nothing in this book which breaks her template, but there is still plenty to enjoy – our central character, Stella, is a 13-year-old girl with apparent powers to determine how people will die, simply by looking at them. If that sounds fantastical, Hoffman wears the idea as lightly as ever and uses it simply as a jumping off point for a beautifully woven family saga with strong elements of romance, fate and small town politics. The characters are breathtakingly drawn and always surprising, the descriptions of rural American life always deftly done and the conclusion delightful, if not entirely unexpected.
sudderthae's review against another edition
4.0
Predictably enjoyable Alice Hoffman. Read before bed for good dreams.
aneton's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
wanderaven's review against another edition
4.0
I'm always a little bit surpised how, when I start a Hoffman novel, it just feels like I'm entering a warm, magical world that just makes me happy.
aristeegan's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the book but didn't love it. the enjoyment came from the writing and the somewhat magical quality of the story. What kept me from loving this book were the flat and miserable characters as well as a rather flat story.
ljstrain28's review against another edition
5.0
Something about this book hooked me from the start! I especially liked the way the author shifted POV; it was masterful. Loved this one.
mandimartin's review against another edition
4.0
The synopsis made me hesitant to read this because it sounded mystical and cheesy. It ended up being more about love and family than anything else though. It was interesting, but not a page turner. The author didn't tie a lot of plot details up at the end, but this was fitting for the book. The floaty indefinence seemed natural. I found the character's relationship between each other very interesting. The story was sweet I. That homey way fresh bread is. It was simple and easy to relate too. It left me feeling peaceful but questioning so many of life's happenings. A nice read when in a reflective mood but not too seriously. It's light but well thought.
mbsteblein's review against another edition
4.0
I love a little bit of magic in books. Some might say it's impossible, but in the book world, I choose to believe in fantastic things - like the ability to see how someone will die. It's creepy, and I can't imagine it, but I love how it's turned into something positive. There's a tiny bit of suspense in this book but overall it's a tale of generations of females and how different - or the same - they are. I do agree that things are a little too "tidy" at the end - I don't think real life always works out like that, but it's what I want in a feel-good novel.