The Rules of Magic

The Rules of Magic is a prequel to Hoffmann's classic Practical Magic, perhaps even more beloved because of the 1998 movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. I confess that though I have seen the movie many times, I've never read the book it was based on. Luckily, as this is a prequel, it does not matter one whit whether you've read it or not.

In this story, you're treated to a previous generation of Owens siblings: Frances, called Franny; Bridget, called Jet; and the first son born to the Owens family, Vincent. All three are imbued with the magic of their bloodline and when the story starts they are curious teenagers shuffling from their Manhattan home to the small Massachusetts town where the Owens house on Magnolia Street has stood for 300 years. It's this summer that truly starts their journeys towards themselves, towards acceptance of who they are and the magic they wield. Many years pass within the novel, something that on occasion left me slightly confused as to the ages of the Owens, but you follow them along from teenagers until Sally and Gillian of Practical Magic come to live with them as children.

I was thoroughly enchanted by The Rules of Magic. It reads like a fairytale or a bedtime story being told to the reader, pulling you in, wrapping you in the lives of the Owens siblings. Each sibling is different, coming to accept themselves and their magic at different times, each of their voices unique. Romantic and gentle without venturing into 'romance novel' territory, Franny, Jet and Vincent each have vastly love stories that nevertheless leave their marks. I found each of them so enjoyable and my desire to know each character was fulfilled in such a satisfying way.

Three themes reiterate themselves throughout the novel: that being the most authentic version of yourself is important above all, not to live a little but live a lot, and that the only remedy for love is to love more. Vincent, Jet and Franny all struggle with each concept, taking steps forward only to take more steps backwards. As the reader, you're aware of where Jet and Franny end up, as aunties wise in the ways of magic and love, so to see these characters not only young but conflicted and combative about their own natures is fascinating. Vincent in particular is a revelation because he's unique to this story; it's easy to connect to him and the affection that Franny and Jet have for him matched my own.

Overall, I found The Rules of Magic to be a, well, magical story following the trials and loves of three intriguing characters.

I loved this book! It was so different and unique from all the books I've read lately. We follow the 3 Owens children as they come to terms with who they are, what they are destined to be, and the family curse they want to break free from.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hoffman revisits the Owens family in this prequel to Practical Magic. For hundreds of years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town. It all started in 1620 when Maria Owens was charged with witchery for falling in love with the wrong man. Hundreds of years later in New York City, Susanna Owens knows all too well the dangers of falling in love, and tries to spare her three children from the curse. This means no walking in the moonlight, no red shoes, no wearing black, no books about magic, and most importantly, no falling in love! Franny, her most difficult child, has hair the colour of blood, and skin as white as milk; Jet is a dark-haired shy beauty who can read other people's thoughts; and Vincent, irresistible to women, is full of trouble.

The Owens children visit their Aunt Isabelle at her home in Massachusetts where they uncover family secrets, and the truth of who they really are. Feared and revered, it is made clear that this next generation of Owens will not be exempt from the scorn of the townspeople, that is until they want something that only magic can cure.
Back in New York City, each of the Owens children begins on their own journey of discovery while trying to avoid the family curse by not falling in love. They cannot escape the magic, just as they cannot escape love and the bonds they share.

Thrilling and magical, this beautiful work sets the table—the sisters grow up to be the aunts from Practical Magic, while Vincent leaves behind the legacy that will define the Owens women. Rich with imagery and prose, Hoffman sprinkles pop-culture and history in this beautiful story of love, loss, and magic, and I simply did not want it to end.