Practical Magic |
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Author:
Alice Hoffman
By Picador
Average Customer Rating:  
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Binding: Paperback
EAN: 9780330343848
ISBN: 033034384X
Label: Picador
Manufacturer: Picador
Number Of Pages: 288
Publication Date: 1999-01-08
Publisher: Picador
Studio: Picador |
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 not one of the best, 2008-04-11
I'm really surprised by other people's reviews of this book. I've just finished it and thought it was very average and the least favourite out of the Alice Hoffman books which I've read - The Probable Future being my favourite.
At one point I thought I was reading a book aimed at teenagers as the language seemed to be so simple but then the swearing made me realise it wasn't. I was really glad to finish it.
Gray eyes scrying in the rain., 2008-08-24
As with many, I saw the movie first. This is where there is a rift as to whether the book or movie is better. I will leave that to you. (See my review of the movie)
This is the story of a family that on the surface that seems different from most families. Later we see it is anything but. The lives of several generations of the Owens family are covered from major events to those things that seem minor at the time. This book has a dark undertone and makes you think the cat is going to jump off the refrigerator at any moment. Yet if you quit trying to anticipate the story, you find it rich in beautiful pose and people interaction. Contrarily, this story is interspersed with vulgar language and repugnant images (probably necessary to portray bad guys and bad times.)
I enjoyed reading this book. I suppose now I will have to read something else by Alice Hoffman to see if this is her style or a radical departure.
Throughout the story you are not sure if it is luck, logic, or just practical magic.
fantastic, one to keep and read again..., 2006-10-29
I accidently watched the film adaptation one evening when there was nothing else on t.v, the film was quite good considering that it had been given the Hollywood treatment so I thought I'd give the book a go, Im so glad I did its one of the best books I have ever read, the author has the ability to make you really visualise the wisteria, roses etc.. and to feel the weather and moods of all the people in the story, some "witchy, magical" books for adults are written in a very childish manner leaving you feeling a little patronised but this one is a big exception !!.
Highly recommend this book its really a feelgood story which is quite different from Hoffmans other tales which are a little on the depressive side to say the least.... 10 out of 10 for this one though..
Feel good magic to leave you smiling, 2006-08-03
I came to this book after wearing out the DVD I've got of the movie. As with many adaptations, the book is the superior, even if as a result of loving the movie so much, my images of the characters are firmly entrenched. This is a book to make you want to hug yourself at the end, I certainly found myself grinning like a loon when I finished it up on the bus to work. For those who dont know the story, its a tale of two sisters and how they learn to love themselves and each other, and of course their men! To spice it up there is death and curses, mad aunts and magic. The magic is subtle but present throught the book, a bit like the gardens and the weather that also feature. It's just another facet of the character's lives. I'll definetly be reading another Alice Hoffmann book and am looking forward to passing Practical Magic - the book - on to my fellow DVD addicts!
Magical, 2005-10-15
Before you pick up this book forget the movie adaptation, Sandra Bullock, and Nicole Kidman.
The film is great, but it's been given the Hollywood treatment.
The book is wonderful.
Like most readers, I expected the quirky tale of two witchy sisters and their crazy old witchy Aunts. I didn't expect the amount of character exploration, the wit, the darkness, and the way that the magic is subtly referred to throughout, but not over-stated. I guess that's the meaning of "Practical" Magic though!
It's a really great read, and well worth the money.
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