A Spellbinding Return: My Thoughts on Impractical Magic by Elise Broach
There’s something irresistibly enchanting about returning to the whimsical genre of witchcraft and small-town charm, especially when it involves a New England setting. Impractical Magic by Elise Broach beckoned to me with promises of cozy vibes, family dynamics, and a sprinkle of romance. As I ventured into the pages, I felt a nostalgic tug at my heartstrings, but the magic eventually fizzled out in a few unexpected ways.
Scarlett returns to her hometown of Oak Haven after a decade away, only to find that the town’s usual magic is amiss. Alongside her two sisters, her mother, and the local witches, Scarlett embarks on a quest to identify the source of this erratic magic. The premise had all the makings of a delightful read — witchy escapades, cozy friendships, and a friends-to-lovers romance wrapped in the charms of a small-town setting. However, I found myself wishing for a deeper dive into the narrative.
One of the critiques I couldn’t shake was the use of the forgetting spell designed to shield Oak Haven from prying eyes. While I understand the need for enchanting secrets, the idea of a “random trivia brain scrambler” left me feeling underwhelmed. Why can’t magic thrive in the open? The mechanics of this conflict seemed simplistic, constraining the story in ways that actually diluted the stakes.
Scarlett, our protagonist, posed another challenge for me. As her long-lost history unravelled, I couldn’t help but find her character a bit grating. There’s an undeniable charm in her journey of self-discovery, but much of the time she seemed to regress rather than evolve. Her whiny tendencies and reluctance to stand her ground made it hard for me to rally behind her. And then there’s Nate, whose devotion felt almost misplaced as he continually supported her despite her push-pull behavior. I couldn’t help but feel he deserved ultimately more from this relationship.
The novel’s pacing was another mixed bag; I found it both rushed and painstakingly slow at different points. The climax felt hasty, especially when it came to handling the magicians causing mayhem. A year-long rescue mission boiled down to a lack of urgency that felt unearned, leaving what should have been a climactic reveal feel almost anticlimactic. It was a strange blend of drawn-out moments mixed with rapid-fire resolutions that made navigating the story challenging.
On a lighter note, the writing did have its gems. Broach’s descriptions of Oak Haven wield a certain charm, and I often found myself swooning over cozy, picturesque scenes that made me wish I could curl up in a coffee shop with a warm drink. Yet, the sentimentality occasionally tipped towards the overly nostalgic; an almost direct nod to Gilmore Girls in the multiple Thanksgivings felt a tad too on-the-nose, while references to non-magical folks as “muggles” sparked a mix of chuckles and eye-rolls.
Despite my critiques, Impractical Magic holds a certain appeal for fans of lighthearted reads, particularly those who relish themes of family bonds and the complexities of love. If you’re someone who enjoys an easygoing story that flirts with magic without demanding deep immersion, you may find joy in these pages.
In the end, while my experience with Impractical Magic didn’t quite fulfill the mystical promises I hoped for, it did remind me of the anticipated thrill of opening a new book. Here’s hoping that if you give it a try, you might find your own slice of enchantment woven within.
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