"Life is not what you think it is. Remember that. Remember me."
With the arrival of November comes cooler air, shorter days, and the need to curl up with a good book. I was given a copy of Alice Hoffman's Magic Lessons from her publisher and was eager to read this prequel to her hit Practical Magic. While I had never read a novel by the author before, this combination of historical fiction and fantasy seemed like the perfect read to tie into the change of seasons. As an added bonus, I hoped that it would also help my mind escape from the tumultuous election season. While it turns out it wasn't exactly the kind of novel I was expecting, there is still a lot to like about the book.
The novel traces the history of the Owens women, famed masters of the "unnamed art". Maria Owens, just a small infant, is left abandoned in a rural field in England. Fortunately for her, Hannah Owens, a single woman who lives on the outskirts of town, takes the child in as her own. From a young age, Maria is extremely adept at learning Hannah's magic. The child sees how women from the town flock to Hannah's cottage for her remedies of everything from common medical ailments to matters of love. She also learns that there are some things you shouldn't mess with. Hannah warns her about matters of the heart. For every blessing bestowed, a curse must also follow.
As Maria grows into a young woman, tragedy strikes and forces her to flee to the new world. Even on her journey across the sea to America, Maria puts her skills into practice. She heals a young sailor from his illness and seems to fall under his spell in the process. Still, she is extremely wary of the trappings of love and refuses to fall into such traps herself. Her journey in the new land sees her break free from indentured servitude and follow her heart to a new town. Little does she know the trouble that awaits her in Salem, Massachusets.
I have quite a mixed reaction to Alice Hoffman's Magic Lessons. I absolutely slogged through the first half of the novel, not feeling much connection to the characters are the events that unfolded. I think this is partly because Hoffman merely told us about what was happening instead of actually showing it. The beginning has a lot of history and rules to establish. I never felt like the discovery of this history was organic. It wasn't until the protagonist Maria arrived in America and made her way to Salem, that the pace quickened and my investment in the story finally took hold.
Placing a woman who practices witchcraft directly into the setting of the horrendous trials against women brought some much-needed drama and suspense to the work. Commentary about feminism and family peppered into the story in a way that only heightened by connection in the latter half of the book. And so I'm on the fence about recommending this novel. I nearly stopped reading it in the beginning, but I couldn't put it down toward the end. I won't be rushing to read a Hoffman novel any time soon, but I also wouldn't' be against reading one down the road.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2020, 46)
Excellent review. I've never read a book by this author before either, and I've been on the fence about this one. It's not my usual type of read but all the hype has me intrigued. I don't think I'll be rushing to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'd be curious to see how it compares to the other two books in the trilogy though.
DeleteI'm glad this one ended better than it began. I read and liked Hoffman's book Practical Magic...though I liked the movie more. But I haven't read any of her other books.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the movie too, but I've heard more mixed things about the book.
DeleteI have never read anything by Hoffman, but I have seen her books all over the blogosphere. I wonder if the issue was with the characters or the pacing. When I feel like I am working hard to read a book, it's usually a pacing issue.
ReplyDeleteThat's the thing, a lot was happening, so it is hard to say that the pacing was the problem. It was more how the events were presented.
DeleteI have wondered if I should try Hoffman's books. This books sounds interesting but I am not sure it is for me. I don't know if I could get through it which such a rough start.
ReplyDeleteI'll be a bit hesitant about picking up another one honestly.
DeleteI've never tried Alice Hoffman because I've never been a fan of magic/magical realism. But I know she has a lot of fans who love her style. Too bad the first half was so slow and bogged down with so much telling, but at least the second half picked up.
ReplyDeleteThe magic isn't actually too much. It is a very realistic approach.
DeleteWell, at least it ended up being a good book.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Frankly though, I probably would have stopped if the publisher hadn't given it to me.
DeleteIt's hard for me to keep slogging through when I'm that disconnected from the characters so that's great that it made a turn around for you in the end.
ReplyDeleteKaren @ For What It's Worth
It really made for a tough read!
DeleteI have this for audio and have enjoyed her books so fingers crossed the audio uplifts the sluggish parts. I am sorry.
ReplyDeleteI think this one might really benefit from the audio!
DeleteI’ve not read anything by this author yet. That’s a shame it started slow but glad to hear it made up for it.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't the best intro to her work, but I'd definitely give her another chance.
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