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Practical Magic summary
Brief summary
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman is a captivating story about the Owens sisters, who come from a long line of witches. It weaves together themes of love, family, and magic in a spellbinding tale of redemption and resilience.
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Practical Magic
Summary of key ideas
Embracing Their Heritage
In Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, we are introduced to the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally, who have grown up under the care of their two eccentric aunts, Frances and Jet. The Owens family is infamous in their small town for their association with witchcraft, and the sisters grow up with the burden of this label.
Despite their aunts' warnings about love, both sisters fall for men who bring them heartache. Sally marries and moves away, trying to escape her family's reputation and her own powers. Gillian, on the other hand, becomes a wanderer, never settling down or staying in one place for too long. However, when Gillian's boyfriend, Jimmy, becomes abusive, she turns to Sally for help, and the two sisters end up killing him in self-defense.
Dealing with Consequences
After Jimmy's death, the sisters must deal with the consequences of their actions. They decide to bury Jimmy in their backyard, hoping to keep their involvement a secret. However, the spirit of Jimmy, now a vengeful and malevolent force, begins to haunt them, causing chaos in their peaceful lives and threatening the safety of Sally's two daughters, Antonia and Kylie.
As the sisters struggle to protect their family and keep their secret, they are forced to confront their own magical abilities and learn to embrace their heritage. They seek help from their aunts, who provide them with a spell to banish Jimmy's spirit. However, the spell fails, and the sisters realize that they must face Jimmy and their past in order to move forward.
Confronting Their Fears
In a climactic showdown, the sisters, along with their aunts and Sally's daughters, confront Jimmy's spirit. They use their combined magical powers to defeat him, finally freeing themselves from the fear and guilt that had haunted them since his death. Through this experience, the sisters come to understand the true power of their heritage and the strength of their bond as family.
After the battle, the sisters decide to stay in their hometown and open a botanical shop, embracing their magical abilities and using them for good. Sally also finds love again with a local investigator, Gary Hallet, who accepts her and her family, magical abilities and all. The story ends with the sisters finding peace and happiness, finally free from the shadows of their past.
Embracing the Magic of Life
In Practical Magic, Alice Hoffman weaves a tale of family, love, and the power of embracing one's true self. The story explores the complexities of sisterhood, the consequences of choices, and the magic that resides within us all. Through the Owens sisters, we learn that it is only by embracing our past and accepting our true nature that we can truly live a fulfilling life.
In the end, Practical Magic is a celebration of the magic that exists in the everyday, reminding us that life's challenges can be overcome with love, unity, and a little bit of practical magic.
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What is Practical Magic about?
Practical Magic is a captivating novel by Alice Hoffman that weaves together themes of family, love, and magic. Set in a small town, it tells the story of the Owens sisters, who come from a long line of witches. As they navigate the complexities of their own lives, they discover the power of sisterhood and the strength that lies within them.
Practical Magic Review
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (1995) weaves a tale of enchanting sisters navigating love, loss, and magic in a small town. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Its multilayered portrayal of family bonds, resilience, and the supernatural makes it a rich and fulfilling read.
- The blend of mystery, romance, and female empowerment creates a captivating narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
- Through its lyrical prose and atmospheric setting, the book transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary, ensuring that boredom is never on the cards.
Who should read Practical Magic?
Readers who enjoy magical realism and stories with a touch of enchantment
Those looking for a compelling tale of family, love, and the power of female bonds
People who appreciate lyrical prose and vivid descriptions that transport them to another world
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Practical Magic FAQs
What is the main message of Practical Magic?
The main message of Practical Magic is the power of love and sisterhood in overcoming adversities.
How long does it take to read Practical Magic?
Reading Practical Magic can take a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Practical Magic a good book? Is it worth reading?
Practical Magic is worth reading for its enchanting storytelling and themes of family bonds and magic.
Who is the author of Practical Magic?
The author of Practical Magic is Alice Hoffman.
What to read after Practical Magic?
If you're wondering what to read next after Practical Magic, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
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- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher