(Image from Barnes & Noble)
"...whoever they were, whatever their history might be ... They were not like anyone else" (13).
For centuries, the Owens Family has lived under a curse that taints their lives and, especially, their loves. By leaving behind the witchery that has earned her family its dubious reputation, Susanna hopes to live a normal life. After a modeling career in Paris, she marries a psychiatrist and bears three children: Franny, Jet, and Vincent. It's obvious from the get-go that the kids are more Owens than anything else. Franny can commune with birds, Jet can read minds, and Vincent can see the future. Desperate to keep her family's secrets, Susanna admonishes the children to avoid magic at all costs.
When the children are summoned to the Owens' ancestral home in Massachusetts, Susanna knows her efforts have been in vain. Under the tutelage of Aunt Isabelle, the kids begin to uncover the secret of who they really are and why they can do the remarkable things they do. With that knowledge, the three must learn how to cope with their unique gifts in a world that can't understand them.
Back in the Dark Ages before this blog was even a twinkle in my eye, I remember enjoying Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman both as a novel and as a film. When I heard the author was publishing a prequel, I snatched it right up. The Rules of Magic isn't quite as charming as I thought it would be (actually, it's super depressing), but it's still mostly enjoyable. The characters are complex and interesting, though not always likable. While there's not a ton of plot going on in the novel, it's compelling. Overall, then, I liked The Rules of Magic, didn't love it.
(Readalikes: Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman)
Grade:
If this were a movie, it would be rated:
for language, violence, sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use
To the FTC, with love: Another library fine find
I’ve wondered about Practical Magic but since I wasn’t a huge fan of the movie I’ve never given the book a try. Maybe I should. But I guess avoid this one??
ReplyDeleteI like the movie. It's more light-hearted than the book, although it's still dark. If you didn't like the movie, you probably wouldn't dig the book. I'd advise skipping it.
DeleteI never read the book Practical Magic or maybe I started it and didn't care for it. I was already a fan of the movie at that time. I've been on the fence about this one and am thinking, no for me. But thanks for helping me make that decision. LOL
ReplyDeleteI remember really liking the book when I first read it, but after reading THE RULES OF MAGIC, I picked up PRACTICAL MAGIC again and I couldn't get past the first couple chapters before giving up on it. Isn't it weird how your tastes can change over the years??
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