TL;DR
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman follows the Owens sisters, who navigate life and love while dealing with their family's witchy legacy in a small Massachusetts town.
What is Practical Magic about
Practical Magic tells the story of the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally, who have lived under the shadow of their family's magical history for over two centuries. Raised by their eccentric aunts, who are regarded as witches, the sisters grapple with societal ostracism and their own desires to escape their cursed fate. As adults, their paths diverge—one marries and the other runs away—only to find themselves drawn back to each other and their magical roots. This novel blends elements of fantasy and reality, exploring themes of family, love, and the extraordinary nature of ordinary life.
Practical Magic 6 Key Takeaways
Introduction to the Owens Sisters
Gillian and Sally Owens are orphaned young and raised by their aunts, who are perceived as witches. The sisters face societal ostracism and taunting due to their family's reputation.
Desire for Escape
Both sisters seek to escape their predetermined fates: Gillian flees the town to explore life, while Sally marries in hopes of a normal life.
Tragedy and Reunion
When Sally's husband dies, she moves away with her daughters to start anew. However, she and Gillian are eventually drawn back together by unforeseen circumstances.
Confrontation with the Past
The sisters must confront the magical and familial legacies they tried to escape, including dealing with a dark force from Gillian's past.
Acceptance and Love
As they embrace their true selves and their family's magical heritage, Gillian and Sally discover the power of love and the strength of their sisterly bond.
Resolution and Renewal
The novel concludes with the Owens sisters finding peace and happiness, accepting both their magical abilities and the ordinary joys of life.
Top Practical Magic Quotes
- “There are some things, after all, that Sally Owens knows for certain: always throw spilled salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, add pepper to your mashed potatoes, and fall in love whenever you can.”
- “Trouble is just like love, after all; it comes in unannounced and takes over before you've had a chance to reconsider.”
Who should read Practical Magic?
Practical Magic is perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of fantasy and realism, with strong themes of family, love, and personal discovery. Fans of magical realism and character-driven stories will find much to appreciate in Hoffman's rich, lyrical prose.
Practical Magic Best Reviews
- “Splendid...Practical Magic is one of [Hoffman's] best novels, showing on every page her gift for touching ordinary life as if with a wand, to reveal how extraordinary life really is.”—Newsweek
- “[A] delicious fantasy of witchcraft and love in a world where gardens smell of lemon verbena and happy endings are possible.”—Cosmopolitan
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Practical Magic FAQs
What happens in Practical Magic book?
Practical Magic tells the story of Sally and Gillian Owens, two sisters who are orphaned at a young age and are taken in by their eccentric aunts. They learn that their family's eccentricity is actually magical in nature, and the aunts are witches.
How many Practical Magic books are there?
There are four books in the Practical Magic series: Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons, and The Book of Magic. They can be read in publication order or chronological order.
Is the Practical Magic book different from the movie?
Yes, the book is darker and more nuanced compared to the movie, which portrays the witchcraft aspect in a more avant-garde and comedic manner, with several plot differences.