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Saturday, March 16, 2013

Alice Hoffman Blog Hop: Practical Magic


In honor of Alice Hoffman’s birthday I have joined the Alice HoffmanBlog Hop. For years, I’ve loved the movie Practical Magic. Last year I actually got around to reading the book by Alice Hoffman. I have to say that they feel like two different entities. I’m still unsure which I like better. Each has its own virtues.

 

Movie:
I’ll start with this since, I watched it first. This is the story of two sisters, Sally and Gillian who come to live with their aunts.  The thing is, they are from a long line of witches and the whole town knows it. Sally, the main character has a real talent for magic but she swears off of it after her husband dies, though she still dabbles in it. That and Gillian’s poor love life are the basis of the story. I love the themes of family, community, love, and magic that are presented in the story.  I especially love this story for the witches and magic that is in it. It makes me feel that anything is possible. I also love the aunts in this, they are great comic relief with their crazy attitudes.

 

Novel:
This story still focuses on Sally and Gillian, but add Sally’s teenage daughters, Antonia and Kylie. In the movie they are still children, but the book goes more in to depth with their lives. The changes start when Sally moves away from her aunts’ after her husband’s death.  She moves somewhere no one knows of her or her family. Over the years she earns the respect of the town. Her older daughter Antonia is the queen bee while her younger daughter is a mouse. Their regular life is disrupted when Gillian brings her problems in one visit. Gillian turns things upside down and in the end they all discover who they truly are. There is still a touch of the supernatural, but it’s not as prevalent. Sally actually doesn’t believe in magic here, at least not until the end. Still, the themes of family and love are still there. I do miss the aunts and wished they were in the book more.
 
I have to say that I love both, for different reasons. I recommend reading and watching Practical magic if you haven’t done so already.

Be sure to check out the other Participants in the Alice Hoffman Blog Hop. Alice Hoffman's Birthday Blog Hop

13 comments:

  1. Its good to hear an account of Practical Magic, this is one Alice Hoffman I've not read or seen even. I look forward to adding it to my reading list.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Ruth. I think you'll enjoy it.

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  2. Noree, I remember when I first saw the movie, Practical Magic, and I loved it so much. At that time, I had no idea who Alice Hoffman was. Later when I discovered some of her other books, I was surprised that it was her book, Practical Magic, that inspired the movie. Like you, I found the book and movie to be different. After reading your post I want to go back and see the movie and read the book, again, lol! In fact, I think I will! I just checked Netflix, DARN that Practical Magic isn't on Instant. Watching It would have been the perfect way to top off the blog hop! Oh well, I've added it to the queue and will just have to enjoy it another day!

    Thank you so much for being part of the blog hop! Heidi!

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    1. Thanks so much for hosting it Heidi. It's been a treat. I had to go and watch the movie when I was writing this.

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  3. Thank you so much for reminding me that I must re-watch this film! I should probably wait to do that after reading the book, though. I still can't quite believe I haven't read it... I mean, I adore stories about witches, and it's Alice Hoffman! How come I don't own a copy? Mmmh, I will probably order it as soon as I post this. Thank you, again, for sharing your opinion. I am so glad I have joined this blog hop!

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  4. I can't wait to reread Practical Magic after reading your post! I somehow forgot how magical the original book could be!~Jessa Fortunato

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  5. What a great compare/contrast post! I loved both, too, although I must say I loved the book a little more. Thanks for your insight into both!

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    1. Glad to see others agree with loving both. Thanks for stopping by.

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  7. Love this movie! I still haven't read the book, though, even though I've known for a while that Practical Magic is based on one. I really need to do that sometime!

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    1. You should really add it to your list. It's a wonderful read.

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