For centuries, the Owens women have shouldered the blame for every misfortune in their Massachusetts town, burdened by an alleged witchy lineage that ostracizes sisters Gillian and Sally. Despite their desire to flee their eccentric aunts' mystical abode, their unbreakable bond inevitably pulls them back, as if compelled by unseen forces.

Practical Magic brews a delightful concoction of ordinary women facing extraordinary challenges. From lousy boyfriends to sudden losses and breaking with the past. Hoffman deftly weaves together themes of suburban tranquility, sisterly love, and the quest for sanctuary for Sally's daughters, resonating deeply with our universal longing for acceptance and belonging.

The narrative exudes whimsy and dark humor as Hoffman crafts vibrant characters and maintains a steady pace. It's a decent read, quite charming, really. It relies heavily on telling over showing and lacks dialogue. But apart from that, the plot is solid. I understand why opinions are mixed, especially if you're expecting the magical vibes of the movie. It leans more towards character development than magical elements, touching on themes like abuse, sibling bonds, and family dynamics. If you enjoy character-driven stories, this might be right up your alley. Her daring narrative choices, such as shifts in perspective and glimpses through a magician's rabbit, add a unique flair to the story, although they may disrupt cohesion for some readers.

While Practical Magic"receives mixed reviews, largely due to expectations set by the movie's witchy atmosphere, the book prioritizes character-driven storytelling over magical escapades. It explores themes of abuse, sibling bonds, and family dynamics, offering depth and heart and it might just cast its spell on you.