Magic Lessons: The Prequel to Practical Magic

by Alice Hoffman

Book Overview

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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1982108843
• ISBN13: 9781982108847
• Release Date: October 2020
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

3.5 stars

MAGIC LESSONS by Alice Hoffman If you’re a Practical Magic fan, you already know all about the Owens family. This is the first (chronologically) book in the series. Essentially, this is the origin story of Maria Owens - the witch that started it all. Abandoned orphan, Maria, is taken in and raised by Hannah Owens, a local woman/witch. Under Hannah’s watch Maria learns the “Unnamed Arts”. Of course, this is the 1600s so any form of plant medicine or healing arts was deemed “evil”. Historical details (witch hunts/persecutions, Judaism etc) and botanical info (herb/plant uses and lore) are woven throughout Maria and her daughter Faith’s storyline. That said, the pacing was incredibly slow and the plot was too drawn out. I felt there was too much info and not enough action or dialogue. Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️