Magic Lessons

The Prequel to Practical Magic

By: Alice Hoffman

Narrated by: Sutton Foster

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, 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.

Critic reviews

"Tony Award winner Sutton Foster narrates the prequel to PRACTICAL MAGIC. In 1664, Hannah Owens takes in baby Maria and teaches her the craft. Maria grows up and falls in love but is abandoned. She follows the object of her affection to Salem, Massachusetts, where she invokes the curse that will affect generations, and, in the process, she learns the real rules of magic. Foster sings beautifully and keeps to a steady pace for the descriptive story. Her emphasis on the word 'blood' as a spell ingredient highlights its importance as compared to common items, which are read softly. Whispered pleas drive home the characters' desperation. The sweetly confident voice of a young witch contrasts with the dry, sardonic tone of the embittered but fair man assisting her in her journey."

Alice Hoffman Never Disappoints

When the movie Practical Magic was released, I was delighted with the story line. I appreciated the relationship of sisters, the pain of unrequited Love, and the message that women could help themselves and were strongest when assembled.

Rules of Magic was FABULOUS; taking the reader through the tail end of the baby boomer era, illustrating self discovery, the futility of ignoring who one truly is, the cruelty of a constantly critical society.

When I heard Magic Lessons was on its way, I wasted no time in pre-ordering and within hours of receiving it, I listened to the entire book. Maria!! A legend 'brought to life.' Once again Alice Hoffman paints a world of women who are dedicated to their own; strong enough to withstand harsh societal oppression and persecution - truly acquainted with the rule of cause and effect. From their romantic lives to their familiars, from innate talent to acquired -- the journey of these women is both inspiring and a cautionary tale. Having listened to this only once so far, you can bet I'll be listening again -- And will be investing in a hard copy for my library. Love these Owens women!!! Thank you Alice Hoffman.

PS - Besides this trilogy, The Probably Future, Seventh Heaven, The Red Garden, are equally worthwhile. So grateful for this prolific author as I continue to read her works!

Everything I Hoped it would Be❤️❤️

Absolutely perfect!! As a huge fan of Practical Magic I couldn’t be any happier with this prequel! Totally magical, heart felt, and of course holds the perfect loving message within life’s lessons and sorrows.

Fabulous writing!

Obsessed with this book! I am so grateful for the history on the Owen's woman! 💖

lovely

What a wonderful and heart rending journey! I am so happy that I found it

A fantastic edition to the Practical Magic history

I really enjoyed this as I do all of Alice Hoffman's work. She is a big inspiration for my own writing. I was sad she did not use the interesting technique to shift POV the way she did in Practical Magic but with such a wide audience, I understand why she wouldn't. Still, the book was engrossing and swept me off into a world of magic blended with reality in a way that makes you forget it's fiction.