In this “ bewitching” (The New York Times Book Review) novel that traces a centuries-old curse to its source, beloved author Alice Hoffman unveils the story of Maria Owens, accused of witchcraft in Salem, and matriarch of a line of the amazing Owens women and men featured in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.Where does the story of the Owens bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, … bloodline begin? With Maria Owens, in the 1600s, when she’s abandoned in a snowy field in rural England as a baby. Under the care of Hannah Owens, Maria learns about the “Nameless Arts.” Hannah recognizes that Maria has a gift and she teaches the girl all she knows. It is here that she learns her first important lesson: Always love someone who will love you back.
When Maria is abandoned by the man who has declared his love for her, she follows him to Salem, Massachusetts. Here she invokes the curse that will haunt her family. And it’s here that she learns the rules of magic and the lesson that she will carry with her for the rest of her life. Love is the only thing that matters.
Magic Lessons is a “heartbreaking and heart-healing” (BookPage) celebration of life and love and a showcase of Alice Hoffman’s masterful storytelling.
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In the 1600s, the Owens family began when Maria Owens was found in a snowy field by Hannah Owens and raised in the “Nameless Art.” Maria’s life is filled with lessons in magic and life. If you read Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic, see how it all began.
This prequel to Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” sets up why the Owens women unwittingly curse the men they love. I really enjoyed meeting Maria Owens, the witch who started that curse.
Alice Hoffman delivers another delightfully magical story in the Owens’ sisters (of Practical Magic fame) saga.
“Magic Lessons” is the prequel to “Practical Magic”, taking place during the time of the Salem witch trials, when being an opinionated female labeled you a witch, and sentenced you to a tragic death. In the 17th century, Maria Owens watches her caregiver, Hannah Owens, burn, at the hands of townsfolk who believe her to be a witch. Now on her own, Maria soon discovers the horrible tragedy that befalls young women in love and, coming to terms with her own powers, she curses the future Owens’ women, securing their fate and preventing them from ever falling in love. When her daughter, Faith, is discovered to also have the “sight”, Maria takes it upon herself to try and teach her young daughter the dangers that men can bring. But Maria is soon jailed for witchcraft, and Faith is raised by a seemingly friendly neighbour, who intends on ensuring Faith never grows to know her full power. But through the power of unexpected love, Maria is saved and sets out on a quest to retrieve her daughter.
Hoffman always writes so prolifically and beautifully, it is no surprise that “Magic Lessons” delivers in this way as well. Not only does she provide accurate depictions of the Salem witch trials, but Hoffman manages to include magic, curses, and the power of romantic and motherly love in such a unique way.
“Magic Lessons” is the story of the original Owens (Maria), long before Sally and Gillian came to be. This novel is set up so that it is not necessary to have read “Practical Magic”, or to even be familiar with the Owens’ family, as this novel serves as a wonderful stand-alone. Of course, it is even more enjoyable if you have read, and loved, the other Owens’ tales.
Maria and Faith are mother and daughter, different in physical appearance, but similar in their powers and abilities. Both characters are proud and strong females, determined to be who they are regardless of what they are told by others.
“Magic Lessons” is inspiring and entertaining, told during a time when women reading books was punishable by law (I would definitely be put to death!) and when self-reliant, opinionated women were burned at the stake. Full of powerful characters, charming romance, and all kinds of witchcraft (both “black” and “light”), “Magic Lessons” is heartfelt and downright magical.
I loved this origin story of the Owens women. The descriptions of life and characters in the 1600s danced off the pages. The story made me believe in magic and love all over again! I may have to reread the other Owens family books now.
Do you ever read a new book, and instantly it feels like home?
Magic Lessons had that affect on me. Maybe because Practical Magic was apart of my childhood, or maybe because it was written in such a way that couldn’t help but make your emotions intertwined with the story. Either way, I was sad to turn the last page.
They story of Maria Owens felt familiar, yet new. I did not expect the way it ended at all, but yet deep down, I knew it was going to happen. So many lessons were learned between these pages. Of loss, hope, revenge, forgiveness, perseverance and most of all love.
This book gives depth to Practical Magic. Made me feel like I was reading reality not fiction. At times I couldn’t help but google random lessons written in the pages just to check if Alice made them up or if she researched witches. I won’t spoil which it is for you.
Instead I will leave you with Maria’s update to Hannah’s rules:
Do as you will, but harm no one.
What you give will be returned to you threefold.
Fall in love whenever you can.
While I know you’ll love this book if you love the world created by Alice Hoffman. Even if you haven’t read any of her books, but love witches, you’ll enjoy discovering the life of Maria Owens.
All the books in this series are excellent! This prequel gives the reader a deeper understanding of the previous books!
This book goes back to the life of Maria, an ancestor about whom we learn in Practical Magic. I think anyone reading the latter wanted to know the stories of those who came before. I especially like the later parts of the book. The plot becomes powerful.
Amazing Story!
My review of Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman
Magic Lessons was a true surprise for me! I have never been much of a fan of any form of fantastical writing. However; a few authors have inspired me to “read out of the box”, opening an entirely new fictional world up to me. Alice Hoffman’s Magic Lessons was an incredible story of love and the empowerment of women. Initially as I began my magical journey, I felt overwhelmed with details. Yet Alice was able to connect timelines, incidences, and people throughout this story, often creating a chilling effect for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Magic Lessons and plan to continue my journey by reading her books Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic.
Thank you to Alice Hoffman, Simon & Schuster, and Goodreads for choosing me as one of your Goodreads giveaway winners.
Beautiful historical set in 1600’s the story of the Owens women, practitioners of the ” dark arts”.
Heartbreaking at times but a great read, this is a prequel, I now want to read the rest of the series.
Wade in. Alice Hoffman takes the reader on an interesting journey to the land of witchcraft, in this, Magic Lessons, her prequel to Practical Magic (which I loved). Though you are rooting for the characters, you are lamenting the treatment of women — and witches! Hoffman’s attention to detail as regards potions and herbs is over the top, her leap from one place to the next is about as whimsical as getting on a broom, and, at times, I wanted to scream, Just marry the guy! That said, it’s another entertaining read from a prolific and highly lyrical and entertaining author.
A Gem that is Worth the Read
Magic Lessons follows Maria Owens and all those who impact her life. It jumps back and forth from her view point to Hannah, from her to Rebecca, from her to John, from her to Samuel, etc. The book gives insight into everyone and everything.
That everything makes this book rather difficult to read, particularly when it pulls away from meeting a new character. The author focuses A LOT on describing magic, history, backstories, emotions, thoughts, clothes, travel. You name it, she draws attention to it. If only there is more showing and less telling of all this information. There is very little showing. Oh, and can’t forget the lists. Lists here, lists there, lists everywhere. Then, after three pages, readers finally return to the new character and the current moment in time.
Speaking of time, Magic Lessons does not fixate on one specific day, month, or year for very long. Time moves fast from Maria’s birth, Hannah’s death, Maria moving in with her biological mother, Maria being sold into slavery at ten, Maria having a baby at sixteen, Maria setting sail for America… I will stop there to avoid more spoilers, but I will continue by stating that this slide through life makes the book read like a mix between a history book and diary in story form.
Magic Lessons is a slow process to get through, but it is a gem for lovers of Practical Magic. The book is worth the read and will definitely have you venturing to the end to see how the fate of these characters concludes.
Read January 12-13, 2021
3.5/5 stars!
The prequel of PRACTICAL MAGIC, this book is focused on Maria Owens, who was found and raised by Hannah Owens when her mother left her out in the fields. As Maria grows up, she encounters a man who will leave her, another man who will love her, and hardships during this tumultuous time of the Salem witch trials.
Alice Hoffman has a writing style that makes the story go smoothly while providing interesting historical information that the main protagonist faced during the story. I didn’t like some aspects of the story but it didn’t detract from reading the book. There is a possibility of continuing with the series but I’m not averse to reading other Alice Hoffman books.
**Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for the giveaway copy.**
BEST OF THE 3 BOOK SEREIS!
I have always been a fan of Alice Hoffman. She doesn’t disappoint! This book is no exception; written in beautiful lyrical language, MAGIC LESSONS is an intriguing story with unforgettable characters.
Love everything from this author.
I love Alice Hoffman and her Practical Magic Series.
Love all of Hoffman’s books
I absolutely love this book! I had downloaded Practical Magic a few days before being approved for Magic Lessons so when I received the ARC I put Practical Magic on hold to read the prequel! This is so remarkably enchanting and sucks you right in from the first line.
This is such an amazing book, I love how it feels like you’re living in this book world right along side the characters, even through the heartbreaking parts. The descriptions of characters, places and feelings is so rich in detail, I could not put this down! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about reading it.
This goes through the personal growth of Maria Owens, her growth in the craft, Cadin (Maria’s familiar) finding and staying with her, Maria’s losses, her ambitious nature and finding who she is after being abandoned by her mother and connecting one more time with her mother (finding out who her father is) then her mother dying (which wasn’t a total loss to be honest). Maria goes through so much in this, it is a huge gut punch ride for some of it.
If I could give more than 5 stars I would wholeheartedly give them!
Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this arc book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
It all begins in 1664 when Hannah Owens finds baby Maria wrapped in a blue blanket in the woods. She brings the baby to her secluded cottage in the woods where she raises her as her own. She discovers that Maria is not an ordinary child as she quickly learns the healing properties of herbs. Having been an orphan herself, Hannah takes pride in teaching Maria how to read and write which are valuable tools during this time period.
Maria’s life is turned upside down when her biological mother shows up to claim Maria after many years. She carries her own secrets of the past and reasons for abandoning Maria in the forest. Her life is at stake when she learns about her family history and the curse that lingers through the generations. When Maria is 16 years old she becomes pregnant by an influential married man. When her daughter Faith is 5 years old they flee to Massachusetts after persuading Captain Abraham Dias to allow them passage to the states. He is convinced when she is able to care for his 25 year old son Samuel who is stricken with dengue.
Again, the story of the Owens family is not typical and filled with intrigue and mystery. The lessons of magic are delicate and sacred not to be entrusted to those who do not value its purpose.