The Probable Future: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

by Alice Hoffman

Book Overview

When the women in the Sparrow family reach thirteen, they develop a unique ability. In young Stella's case, the gift, which is both a blessing and a curse, is the ability to see a person's probable... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345455916
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Alice Hoffman does NOT knock another one out of the park

Alice Hoffman is a very prolific writer who always flirts with the supernatural or manages to make nature act in very bizarre ways. A few of her books are on my favorite top ten list; this is not one of them. As a matter of fact, I was not able to finish this book because I realize half-way through that I didn't care about the characters and what happened to them. Ms. Hoffman has a seed of greatness in her, but only taps into it on rare occasions. This is not one of those occasions.

the magic of our realities

I loved this book. I read a lot and haven't been so engaged in a novel in a long time. Alice Hoffman paints pictures of depth and beauty, in a way that seems natural and effortless...the mind just follows her down her winding paths. As she says herself, the characters come to a life of their own and name themselves. These were very real characters to me. The sublties of changes in our perceptions about ourselves and others as we grapple for understanding and connections in life were portrayed in a magically interwoven tale much like real life itself. This book helped me to see the magic hidden in my own 'real' life. I gave it to all my grown children. A story of family and the possibilites of change.

Escape... then discuss

I love escaping into the magical worlds Alice Hoffman creates in her novels and The Probable Future is no different. The story centers on a teen named Stella Sparrow Avery who, like other teens receives a gift on her 13th birthday. Her gift however is a legacy of magical powers that has affected a long line of Sparrow women. For one, the gift was the ability to run faster than anyone; another could stay underwater for 20 minutes at a time. The first, Rebecca, felt no pain, and yet another was a skilled midwife. Stella's grandmother Elinor can tell when someone is lying, and Stella's mother Jenny dreams other people's dreams. Although each gift sounds fabulous, it is a case of be careful what you wish for, because there is a dark side to each. Stella's gift is disturbing: the ability to see how people are going to die. She learns fast that her power has to be used judiciously when she shares information about a potential murder victim with her father and inadvertently makes him a murder suspect. Stella is sent to live with her estranged grandmother Elinor and is soon followed by her mother, Jenny who is not happy to return to the small New England village of Unity. Stella begins to come to terms with her gift as she opens her heart to the people she meets and begins to understand the family history that has inevitably shaped her life. Reconciliation and forgiveness are the main themes of the novel: about the need to forgive each other, forgive oneself and forgive past wrongs that have been carried down through generations. It is also about the transforming power of love. Hoffman contains her themes within an intricately weaved story that wraps around you like a warm blanket. It is a wonderful story of family love and the relationships between mothers and daughters. It would make a great read for any book club - there is plenty in it to discuss.

Back to form

Alice Hoffman's PRACTICAL MAGIC is easily her most popular title, yet she hasn't written anything similar to that book in many years, much to the dismay of her many fans. Subsequent books have ranged from disturbing to unfulfilling, as she tackled such powerful themes as spousal abuse, hazing and identity change. But this book returns her to the genre that suits her best: magical realism. The wonderful book spins the tale of a family of magical women, who pass psychic gifts from generation to generation. It's up the the latest of the Sparrow women, a rebellious teenager, to trace the disturbing history of this haunted family. Meanwhile, her mother, unhappily married and attempting to turn her back on the Sparrow gifts, learns from her daughter the terrible truth of the original Sparrow "witch."It's glorious reading and done in the lush style that Hoffman wears like a kid glove. Any Hoffman fan who has been disappointed in recent years will love this book, as will newcomers to Hoffman's work.

An Amazing Storyteller

Alice Hoffman is utterly amazing. Her books are magical, and I'm not just refering to the storylines. Alice Hoffman's writing seems to take on a surreal quality. Her words take you places. As a reader, you are drawn into the lives of her characters. You can feel their heartache, their happiness and their frustrations. But her talent doesn't stop there. Alice Hoffman's ability to describe surroundings, smells, tastes and textures is truly magical. The Probable Future is just one shining example oh how talented she is.The story is set in the small town of Unity, Massachussets. Unity may be slight in terms of population and shopping malls, but it's history is massive. Many of Unity's families carry with them a dark past. Their ancesters took part in the murder of a young girl. Although centuries have past since the incident, Unity is still filled with regret, loss and mystery.The Sparrow women have been an intregal part of Unity's history for hundred's of years. Each woman is given a "special gift" on her thirteenth birthday. A magical, although sometimes practical, ability is given to each young girl. Eleanor Sparrown can spot a liar. Jenny Sparrow is plagued with the dreams of others, and Stella Sparrow is able to view death before it occurs. The Sparrow women are special, although they may not enjoy their talents. This is the story of how these woman live with each other, and discover the magic of their family history.The Probable Future is a unbelievable book. You will relish in the sights and sounds of Unity and feel the emotions of each and every character as clearly as if you were a Unity resident yourself. Alice Hoffman's ability to stimulate your senses will allow you to sniff the sweet scent of lake water, touch the old oak trees and taste the culinary delights of Hull's Teahouse. When you finish you feel the history of this small town and understand why those Sparrown women are such an intregal part of it.

Mothers and daughters

Look and you will find the stories behind the relationships of mothers and daughters. I loved this book, even my teenage (I'm not my mother) daughter loved this book. I can not wait to let my mother read it. This just might be my favorite book of Alice Hoffman.