Magic Lessons: A Prequel to Practical Magic

By Alice Hoffman

The extraordinary novel tracing a centuries-old curse back to its beginning from the author of PRACTICAL MAGIC and THE DOVEKEEPERS

We first met the Owens in the glorious novel Practical Magic. We discovered the tragedy of the Owens siblings in Rules of Magic. Now we learn how it all began... with a baby abandoned in a snowy English field in the 1600s. Under the care of gentle Hannah Owens, little Maria learns about the 'Unnamed Arts'. Maria has a gift for them - a gift that may well prove her undoing.

When Maria is abandoned by the man she loves, she invokes the curse that will haunt her family for centuries. Because magic has rules, and they must be followed. This is the lesson that Maria will carry with her for the rest of her life, and pass on to her children and her children's children. 

PRAISE for ALICE HOFFMAN

‘Beautiful, harrowing, a major contribution to twenty-first century literature’
Toni Morrison

‘I am still reeling from The Dovekeepers – from the history Alice Hoffman illuminates, from the language she uses to bring these women to life. This novel is a testament to the human spirit and to love rising from the ashes of war. But most of all, this novel is one that will never be forgotten by a reader.’
Jodi Picoult

‘In her remarkable new novel, Alice Hoffman holds a mirror to our ancient past as she explores the contemporary themes of sexual desire, women’s solidarity in the face of strife, and the magic that’s quietly present in our day-to-day living. Put The Dovekeepers at the pinnacle of Hoffman’s extraordinary body of work. I was blown away.’
Wally Lamb

‘Alice Hoffman takes seemingly ordinary lives and lets us see and feel extraordinary things.’
Amy Tan

‘Miss Hoffman heals wounds with the gentle touch of an angel’
Joseph Heller

'Oh, what a book this is! Hoffman’s exploration of the world of good and evil, and the constant contest between them, is unflinching; and the humanity she brings to us – it is a glorious experience.'
Elizabeth Strout
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781471197185

Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The Book of Magic, Magic Lessons, The World That We Knew, Practical Magic, The Rules of Magic (a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick), the Oprah’s Book Club Selection Here on Earth, The Red Garden, The Dovekeepers, The Museum of Extraordinary Things, The Marriage of Opposites, and Faithful. She lives near Boston.

Reviews for Magic Lessons

[rcarpent-438971 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have throughly enjoyed all the books in this series. Alice Hoffman is adept at drawing the reader into the characters, their lives and adventures. I did not get as engrossed by this book, but it was still has my recommendation. Enjoy the prequel.

[micareads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

**Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I finished this book in one day and found it very difficult to put it down. I loved learning the back story of Maria, her family, and the curse.

This is a prequel that rounds out the entire series. This is the story of Maria, how she came to have the name of Owens, and the love that taught her magic. Maria learns that even a witch with years of training can misunderstand visions and not magic can keep people from finding love if it's true.

The book takes you through Maria's life and how she learns to deal with her magic, true heartbreak, and true love. It leads perfectly into what we have already read in Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic and it was a pleasure to read how this amazing magical family started and the strength they get their magic from.

[dilowrosas · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.**

[kimkimkim-7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Over the years I have read all of Alice Hoffman’s books dealing with “practical Magic” and the descendants of Maria Owens and enjoyed them. This book was a standout for me. Maybe it is because this is where it all begins and her treatment of her characters is so complete.Acknowledging that there is “no magic as coveted or as effective as that which used words” Ms. Hoffman has bested herself. The magic on the pages is real. She is a gifted and skillful writer who kept me entranced for over 400 pages. Whether describing the murder of a loved one which a small child is forced to watch or fighting with her heart and her love of an ordinary man, her grasp of the basic emotions is mesmerizing. Hoffman sums up the book perfectly in the last 4 sentences:“Read as many books as you can. Always chose courage. Never watch another woman burn. Know that love is the only answer.”Thank you Simon & Schuster & NetGalley for a copy.

[didireallyreadthat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the book. The characters were interesting so was the time period in which it took place. I found myself rooting for Maria when things were going well and groaning when she seemed to make bad decisions. It also helped that there was a love story involved. It is definitely worth reading other books in the series.

[katkealy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great book in the Practical Magic series. If you liked the other books in the series, this is a must read.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Captivating from the very beginning - fans of Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic, will absolutely adore every line in this prequel. Set in the seventeenth century this prequel traces the family magic all the way back to Maria Owens and her daughter. Filled with adventure, travel, curses, familiars, the witch trials in Salem, love, and the all too familiar witchy adages - this prequel fits perfectly within the series and help fleshes out the backstory of a family's magic. I don't want to divulge too much other than this is gorgeously written and will make you want to re-read the other books in this series. Truly this may be my favorite. I adored the characters and the trials they faced as Owens women. Fantastic - I hope that Alice Hoffman writes more about this amazing family. The Owens' curses, magic, and familiars merged together for a perfect October read. I need more!

[bookworm12_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This prequel to Practical Magic follows Maria from birth through a complicated life marked by tragedy. It has shades of The Scarlet Letter and is partially set in Salem, MA. Hoffman’s novel are always compelling reads and character driven. I enjoyed Practical Magic and The Rules of magic more, but this one was still good. It's excellent on audio. I thought her observations about how magic was often used as a reason to persecute women added to the story. It was heartbreaking how helpless many women, especially married ones, were during the 17th century. “These are the lessons to be learned. Drink chamomile tea to calm the spirit. Feed a cold and starve a fever. Read as many books as you can. Always choose courage. Never watch another woman burn. Know that love is the only answer.” “Some people grow weak when they are victimized, others grow stronger, and still others combine those two attributes to become dangerous.”

[ellenh_28 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I hadn't realised this was a prequel when I started, but I loved it! Alice Hoffman has a way of telling a magical story including magical ideas while keeping my interest totally!

[dianekeenoy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read and listened to this book on audio. It's just wonderful! Now to reread Practical Magic again!!!

[michaelk12345-7109 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Entertaining and a very quick read.

[bibliovermis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was different from the other books in the Practical Magic series. While still covering familiarly red-or-raven-haired members of the Owens family, and with familiar lessons in herbs and in magic, this one was much more set in time and place. It's more historical fiction, tying in with noteworthy events and specific people and locations much more firmly. This is not to its detriment, although it's maybe a little long and slow-paced compared to the other two books (Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic).

[bloodbanker1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alice Hoffman has been a favorite author of mine for years. This prequel to her Practical Magic series was engrossing. I love the history lessons which the author puts into all of her works. It was so fulfilling to learn where the Owens witches began and how their story has evolved through the years.This book will not disappoint long time fans.

[lilibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In this prequel to Practical Magic, we learn how the first Owens family member arrived in the United States, and how love came to be cursed for the women of that family.

[jonimfisher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In the 1600s, the Owens family began when Maria Owens was found in a snowy field by Hannah Owens and raised in the 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.

[karenbayly · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was a joy to finally read about Maria Owens, a witch who has loomed large in the lives of her female descendants. Hoffman has an amazing ability to make Owens’ magic realistic, and her women are ones I can admire even as I recognise their flaws. I hope she will introduce her readers to more Owens women.

[brangwinn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Hoffman’s prequel to Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic is the most satisfying book I’ve read this year. In telling the origins of the Owens bloodline, the reader is taken back to Essex England in the late 1600’s where baby Maria, a foundling, was raised by a witch. Sent to Curacao as an indentured servant, Maria falls in love with a man who deserts her for his home and family in Salem, Massachusetts. Maria, and her baby daughter follow Justice John Hathorne back to Salem. If you know much about the Salem Witch trials, you are familiar with this man who sent so many women to their death. Following Maria and her daughter, Faith, reflects the torture supposed witches faced. Why is it so satisfying? It’s because Maria and Faith are very believable characters and the life lessons of love and getting back threefold in what you give are still important lessons today.

[kresslya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic! For lovers of magic, witchcraft and Alice Hoffman. This compelling book explains the origins of the Owens family. I was completely caught up with the lives of Hannah, Maria and Faith. Through all of the difficulties that they went went through there was triumph and love. I cannot say enough good things about this captivating book. You do not need to be familiar with the other books Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic, Magic Lessons is so well written that it can stand alone. I think this book is a must read for magic and witchcraft lovers.