Magic Lessons

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman    416 pages

The prequel to "Practical Magic" so begins the Owens women's magical legacy.    This book is so rich in its story telling,   An abandoned baby found by a crow who becomes her familiar (protector for life) raised by the wise woman (Hannah Owens) who discovers her, the story takes place in the 1600s and is lush in its description of the times, the life and those that feared and hated what they refused to understand.    Full of love and sorrow in their many stages, it i a generational tale going on to the baby, Maria, growing up, being so very naive and having a daughter of her own.  Maria is wise in many things  but completely daft at what is right in front of her.   She is the example of think before you speak.   She creates a harm to herself and future generations that cannot be undone The story is an excellent one nonetheless.   I recommend it to any age who finds wiccan magic interesting.

 - Shirley J.