TL;DR
In ‘Practical Magic,’ we meet the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, descendants of a long line of witches living in a small Massachusetts town. Their lives are intertwined with magic, love, and loss as they navigate the challenges of their unique heritage and the complexities of sisterhood.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Author & Writing Background
Alice Hoffman is an American novelist known for her magical realism and coming-of-age stories. Her writing often explores themes of family, love, loss, and the power of women. Hoffman has published numerous novels, including ‘The Dovekeepers’ and ‘The Museum of Extraordinary Things.’ Her lyrical prose and enchanting storytelling have captivated readers worldwide.
Key Takeaways
The Owens Family Curse
The Owens women are believed to be cursed in matters of love. Any man who falls in love with an Owens woman is destined to die an untimely death.
Sisterhood and Family Bonds
Despite their contrasting personalities, Sally and Gillian share an unbreakable bond of sisterhood. Their love and support for each other help them overcome challenges and tragedy.
Magic and Witchcraft
The Owens sisters practice witchcraft, using their knowledge of herbs, spells, and rituals to navigate life’s difficulties. Their magic is both a source of empowerment and a burden.
Love and Loss
The novel explores the complexities of love and loss, as the sisters experience both romantic love and the grief of losing loved ones due to the family curse.
Overcoming Prejudice
The Owens family faces prejudice and ostracization from their community due to their magical heritage. They must learn to live with the fear and judgment of others.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
The novel emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and seeking support from loved ones during difficult times.
The Power of Choice
The sisters ultimately learn that they have the power to choose their own destinies and break free from the limitations of the family curse.
Embracing One’s True Self
The story encourages readers to embrace their unique qualities and find strength in their individuality, regardless of societal expectations.
FAQ about Practical Magic
Is ‘Practical Magic’ part of a series?
While ‘Practical Magic’ is not part of a series, Alice Hoffman has written a prequel titled ‘The Rules of Magic’ and a sequel titled ‘Magic Lessons.‘
Was ‘Practical Magic’ adapted into a movie?
Yes, the novel was adapted into a popular film in 1998 starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
Is ‘Practical Magic’ suitable for young adults?
The novel deals with mature themes such as death, love, and loss. While it can be enjoyed by mature young adults, it may not be appropriate for younger readers.
Practical Magic Quotes
- ”There are some things I know for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck, and fall in love whenever you can."
- "My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage."
- "But there are some things that you learn best in calm, and some in storm.”