Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic - Book Review

 

Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Publication date: October 6, 2020
Pages: 384 pages
Genre: Magial realism, historical fiction, series
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ☆☆☆☆☆
Strengths: Incredible story and detail, beautiful writing
Weaknesses: Lots of detail

I have a hard time writing down weaknesses. Either I really liked the book and can't think of something I didn't like, besides the fact that the book ended, or I at least respect that writing a book is hard and I don't want to say something too nit-picky or damning after someone put in all the work of writing and editing. Anyway, just my random two cents.

I LOVED this book as much as the rest of the series! There are two prequels to the original Practical Magic book (which also has a movie based on it), and a sequel coming this fall (October 2021). I'd be interested to read one of the author's other books to see if I love them as much, or if it's mostly the Owens women I'm so crazy for.

This story follows the beginning of the line of Owens women. A baby is found in the woods, not too far from the cottage of a healer named Hannah Owens. Hannah takes the baby in, raises her, and teaches her everything she knows. But Hannah recognizes that the woman is marked and likely a natural witch as well. 

Eventually Maria has to make her way without Hannah. She finds herself spending a few years in Caraçao before making her way eventually to what we're familiar with as the eastern seaboard of the U.S. Those already familiar with Practical Magic will recognize the area where Aunt Franny and Aunt Jet eventually take in their nieces in the big house where the Owens women live.

Overall, I'd give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I love the story, I love the characters, and I'd love to read it all again.  Looking forward to another modern story later this year.