Book Review: Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
Spooky szn is upon us! I've been embracing this magical season by reading horror books, thrillers, and books about magic and witches. One of my recent reads was Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman. Thank you to Simon & Schuster for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review!
Synopsis from the publisher
In an unforgettable 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 “Unnamed 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 celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.
My thoughts on Magic Lessons
What I like about the Practical Magic series is Hoffman's poetic writing, the themes of family and love, and, well...the magic infused throughout the whole story. She frequently includes spells and herbal remedies in her books, and that really makes each story feel "magical." Strong female characters in historical settings are always a draw for me too.
Magic Lessons was a bit of a slow start for me, more so than The Rules of Magic and Practical Magic. But once I got into the story, I couldn't stop reading. If you enjoyed the other books in the series, this is definitely a must-read.
Rating: 4/5
Magic Lessons is out now, so buy your copy from your local bookstore. Or, support them by buying online from Bookshop!