![]() ![]() ![]() And the listener is left at the end both satisfied and longing to hear more. Hoffman deftly weaves her characters' stories against a vivid New England landscape where the past always has a grip on the present. While love has the power to transform those who fall under its spell-devotion to an old racehorse turns March's daughter, a sullen teenager, into a strong young woman-the love March herself suffers robs her of nearly all sense and goodness. That same year, her book, Practical Magic, was made into a Warner. The tale is populated by those for whom love brings more sorrow than happiness: a woman afraid to commit to a relationship, a husband in love with someone other than his wife, two young people who fall for each other only to find they are close relatives, and the self-destructing love of Hollis and March. What she does: Her novel, Here on Earth, was an Oprah Book Club choice in 1998. The present is quickly dominated by the lurking presence of her former lover, Hollis, who has patiently awaited her long overdue return. When March Murray travels East with her teenage daughter to attend the funeral of the beloved housekeeper who looked after her when she was growing up, March's past comes rushing up to meet her. Dialogue rings remarkably true in this reading by Susan Ericksen, which also brings out the incisive details and keen observations on nature, both human and otherwise, that Hoffman carefully deploys in this masterful narrative. In this first-rate "tape turner" Hoffman once again proves her powers as a storyteller. Alice Hoffman's novel portrays love 'here on earth' as something very complicated and mysterious. ![]()
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