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Magic Lessons

A Prequel to Practical Magic

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Magic Lessons

By: Alice Hoffman
Narrated by: Sutton Foster
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About this listen

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.

©2020 Alice Hoffman (P)2020 Simon & Schuster UK
Fantasy Fiction Magical Realism Heartfelt Witchcraft
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Critic reviews

'Enticing... conjures up spells, herbal lore and romance in harsh, historical times' Daily Mail

'We first met the Owens in the brilliant novel Practical Magic, then we discovered the tragedy of the siblings in Rules of Magic. Now, we learn how it all began…' Bella

'A vivid and evocative tale – prepare to be spellbound’ Woman

'Storytelling is in Hoffman’s bones, and the skill with which she dispenses information and compresses time, so that a year passes in a sentence, so that a tragedy witnessed becomes the propeller for a hundred-page subplot, is (forgive me) bewitching' New York Times Book Review

'Vivid and enchanting, with a can’t-miss-it foray into the Salem Witch Trials, Magic Lessons is another sublime entry in an arresting series' Esquire

'Hoffman writes deftly, and often beautifully, about nature, and she can plot like, well, a witch, casting a spell on her reader' Boston Globe

'A gorgeous new novel you won't want to miss' Bustle

'In Hoffman’s luminous prose, all characters, even the villains, are not only vividly, but also compassionately, rendered... Hoffman adeptly highlights that how one uses a talent, selflessly or selfishly, has a sweeping impact on many lives' Booklist

What listeners say about Magic Lessons

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Loved this book!

What can I say, this was pure magic!
I love stories about witches and this didn’t disappoint!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Better than I first thought

I had a bit of trouble getting going with this, because it seemed quite slow and detailed at the start, listing magical herbs etc. The story didn’t unfold quickly, but when it did, I was captivated to the very end and was moved to tears at one point. I will definitely listen to the next one in the series.

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Predictable, but good

Not as good as Practical Magic, but still good and loved returning to the PM universe. I read PM as a teenager so felt quite nostalgic.

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A Compelling Series

I loved the movie "Practical Magic" wanted to learn more about the characters. I wasn't disappointed and it was well read too. ☺️

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After outlander series, try this....

interesting and engaging fantasy well grounded in a historical context, just enough fantasy, but not too much
I suspect outlander fans will love this too.

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Great practical magic sequel.

a great sequel to practical magic!
throughly enjoyed hearing about the beginnings of the owens women.

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Enchanting

Enchanting storytelling, I listen to it at least once a year and enjoy it every time

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Genius

I could listen to Alice Hoffman book forever. Great storytelling wonderful detail. You feel for the characters

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Stunning

This is my favourite of the Alice Hoffman novels. It’s just beautiful, and my favourite narrator so far

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Far more enjoyable than it’s predecessors

This was much more hopeful and poignant than Practical Magic and The Rules of Magic. Hoffmann signature prose is there, but with its more layered, refined and researched. I got a little uninspired in the middle of the novel, but the ending was so beautifully written, I’ll likely listen to the last chapter over and over again.

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