REVIEW

Title: The Rules of Magic Author: Alice Hoffman Publisher: Simon & Schuster

★★★★★

IN HER popular 1995 novel Practical Magic, US author Alice Hoffman set the scene by writing: “For more than 200 years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in town.”

The book was adapted as a film full of dark comedy, romance and history in a Gothic mix.

The Rules of Magic, set during the JFK era, is a prequel to that tale.

The central characters — Frances with skin as pale as milk and bloodred hair, beautiful and shy Jet and charismatic Vincent – are the offspring of a mother who, having tried to escape the destiny of magic and a curse that plagues her family, aims to protect them by imposing strict rules.

But, as happens, the children grow up to find ways to revolt and perhaps avoid a curse that can be fatal for anyone they happen to fall in love with.

It is an idealistic time in US history but also dangerous with the Cold War, the Vietnam War and consequences for anyone who protests and resists the draft.

With a story that blends history, romance, and thriller, this is great reading for teens and young adults.