Every witch and warlock was understandably hyped when it was declared that a sequel to Practical Magic was in the works. The 1998 cult classic is a whimsical, witchy delight with a pinch of spookiness, a dollop of haunting humor, a sprinkling of romance and a whole dose of feminism.
However, when it was revealed that neither Evan Rachel Wood or Alexandra Artrip were returning as Kylie and Antonia, fans started to ponder just how reverent it would be compared to the original. When stills from the new movie were released, there was a heavy sigh from many (myself included) where was the colour and contrast? Where was the magic?
Of course, we will always have the OG film but if you fancy jumping into a different medium to fulfill your arcane quota, check out some books that offer up some level of eerie because there is a little witch in all of us.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
“Do not change the parts of yourself that you like to make others comfortable. Do not try to mold yourself to fit the standards someone else has set for us.”
This deliciously gothic novel is brimming with magic and death and follows nineteen year old Signa Farrow as she tries to uncover a series of murders. Although not strictly about witches, the atmosphere is fabulously creepy and Signa is an intriguing lead, the story takes place at a ghostly manor with a garden that is teeming with poisons plants and many, many secrets.
Weyward by Emilia Hart
“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us.”
Spanning across three different timelines, Weyward is a feminist masterpiece that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It follows three different female leads, alive in three different years but all battling with the societal of confines of being a woman, or should we say a witch?
The Once and Future Witches by Alix Harrow
“Witching and women’s rights. Suffrage and spells. They’re both a kind of power, aren’t they? The kind we aren’t allowed to have.”
You can read my review of this book here.
The Once and Future Witches is equal parts enchanting and educational and brings to life three sisters who find themselves caught up in the suffragette movement. Much like Practical Magic, the Eastwood sisters couldn’t be more different but soon they realize that they are battling the same issues; what it means to be a woman in a world that wants you to be nothing.
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Baron
“Whenever you hear a story about villainous women, you should ask who’s telling the story. Her tale has been told and retold a dozen times, but always by men who seem to revel in her heinous actions without addressing what caused it.”
You can read my review of this duo-logy here.
This Poison Heart is an inclusive and original tale that focuses on the botanical tendencies of Briseis, with a mythological element, a queer cast and a subtle sweet romance this modern magical YA story is the perfect nod to Practical Magic
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
“The moon is always jealous of the heat of the day, just as the sun always longs for something dark and deep.”
Of course you could always grab the book and read the original source material that inspired the film. Do be warned, that there are some heavy contrasts between the book and the movie but the characters remain the same as does the dreamy, twisted element we all so dearly love.
Emily xo
