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A Magical Review

 

    Feast your eyes on a familiar sight! Along with timeless

classics such as Beetlejuice or Hocus Pocus, I'm sure

I can speak for others and myself when I

say, Practical Magic is another go-to seasonal comfort!

I've always been infatuated with the movie, being a fan of

Sandra Bullock and the entire aesthetic of the movie.

Having binged on the movie, vigorously this season

especially, I took the plunge and decided to give the book

a read! I'm elated to report I submerged into a well-

crafted, easy-to-follow novel that took me for a love-

infused, spooky wild ride!

    Whereas the movie followed two sisters, Sally and Gillian, and their haunted relationship

with a bastard of a corpse, the novel follows not only them but Sally's daughters, Kylie and

Antonia. The novel gives a more intimate look into the lives of Sally's daughters, registering 

their lack of knowledge of the magic that runs in their bloodline, thus hindering difficulties in 

their day-to-day lives. Self-esteem, relationships, growth, and development all come into play 

when readers take a closer look at the two young women. There is an even greater intimate 

look into both Sally's and Gillian's lives as well, obviously running deeper than a set time on a 

movie screen.

    Hoffman's ability to pull the reader into the novel is both smooth and effortless. The

attention to detail and the overall structure of the novel flows diligently, which keeps the 

reader at a realistic pace when keeping up with events that develop simultaneously throughout

the novel. I especially enjoy the witchy tidbits that are introduced, adding to

the ambiance of what this novel is truly about: magic. In addition to the apparent physical

nature of Sally and Gillian's aunts, they are in fact witches and it seems Hoffman introduced

them as such in her written descriptions. Despite the title and seasonal reappearance of this

classic story, it's more than just (SPOILERS) jumping off a roof with an umbrella or 

sprinkling spilt salt over your left shoulder.

    This story is about love and all of the causes, effects, and aftermath that come with it.

Romantic love, mother-daughter love, sister-love, familial-love. All different kinds, all

different reasons, and all different outcomes. Hoffman takes one of the few magical things we

humans have, one of the few things we can't ever seem to hammer down, and transforms it 

into an unforgettable story. A classic that will live on in lifetimes, in generations, among all 

the witches of time!

    I'd highly recommend this novel, and most definitely the movie, to anyone inspired by a

little bit of love and a dash of magic. I also hear there's two prequels in the mix that I do look

forward to scoping out shortly! :) If anyone has any feedback or wants to share their thoughts

on the novel, feel free to share!

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