Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Sally and Gillian are sisters that were orphaned and raised by their aunts.  Their aunts are eccentric, but are truly powerful witches.  The girls discover that they too have powers, but their only desire is to be normal and to fit in.  They pull off a "normal" life until one unfortunate night; then they must face their "true" life to move on.

Practical Magic was nothing like I expected it to be.  It was more complex and had such a beautiful message, reminding readers of the importance of family.  I even enjoyed the dark humor scattered throughout.

After reading the book, I then watched the movie.  The latter is more light-hearted.  The story is changed slightly, but attempts to keep the same basic message.  I enjoyed the acting of the sisters, Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, and particularly the crazy aunts, Stockard Channing and Diane Wiest.

As usual, I favor the book in this case.  The movie is fun, but Hoffman has a magical winner with her written words.

Do you prefer the book or the movie of Practical Magic?  Why?

8 comments:

  1. I just love Alice Hoffman. I remember really enjoying the book when I read it, but I've watched the movie many times and the details of it tend to stick in my head more than those of the book. It's one I'd like to re-read for sure.

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    1. Andi ... This has been my one and only read by Hoffman. I really look forward to reading more though. I really got lost in her writing!

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  2. I saw the movie way before I read the book, so I have long-standing affection for it. I like it when they make margaritas very late at night, and I still get sort of scared when the ghosty man possesses Nicole Kidman.

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    1. Jenny @ Reading the End ... I like that part of the movie too!! The actresses really were a good choice on this one!

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  3. I read the book first, and remember feeling let down by the movie. Alice Hoffman's writing is so lovely and I don't think a movie can capture the "magic" of the atmosphere that she creates in her books. I'd definitely recommend checking out more of Alice Hoffman's books!

    Lisa

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    1. bookshelffantasies.com ... The movie was definitely fun, but I agree that the book captures more of the magic. I really look forward to reading more from her!

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  4. This book has been sitting in my bookcase for a year. Time to read it.

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