Book Review: The Rules Of Magic By Alice Hoffman

It’s mid-twentieth century, New York and the Owens siblings, Fran, Jet and Vincent are grappling with usual teenage woes, however, a summer visit to their eccentric Aunt Isabelle and her magical mansion soon adds excitement and mystery to their very sheltered lives.

Here they learn the true history of their ancestry, The Owens Curse. Every person that falls in love with an Owens will die. This curse has haunted every member of the family for three centuries.

Their mother Susanna has strived to protect them from this dark and magical side of their bloodline, but the ancient Owens magic sings to the siblings and they cannot resist its call. Spanning decades, we read how each of them deals with their heritage in a different way.

Fran is the mature one who is determined to live her life and protect those around her. Jet is naïve and innocent and quickly falls in love. Vincent exploits his magical side to the fullest and nearly destroys himself with it.

Hoffman delivers an exciting, tragic, epic family saga. Every page is a mystery, weaving a special kind of magic over readers that leaves you excited, but also terrified to turn the page. Sad, poignant, adventurous and ultimately love-affirming, if you haven’t picked up a Hoffman book before, now is the perfect time. Simon & Schuster $32.99