“The film differs from the original novel in several ways, including the flowers growing over Jimmy's grave (lilacs), the birth order of Sally's daughters (Antonia is the older daughter and in the book they are also teenagers by the end), and the fact that Sally actually rejected magic very early on in life due to a humiliation in school; Michael's death cemented this, rather than caused it. Other differences include:Jimmy is also not foreign at all, although the cowboy obsession was still a factor. His personality in the movie was actually changed to allow Goran Visnjic to take the role. The fate of the lovesick woman the Aunts help is also recurrent in the novel, a reminder to "be careful what you wish for". The Aunts, while not neglectful, are not as warm and loving as they are in the movie and delight in using their talents for the village women, although the caution of watching what you wish for is always there. Jimmy's death is attributed, not to the belladonna poisoning, but to possible alcohol poisoning and he died at a rest stop. Although him striking Gillian is not a direct factor in his death, he is depicted as being something of a sadist to begin with. His ring is also not a skull, but a cactus and a snake. ”
“I read Practical Magic some years ago after seeing the movie with Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman. What I think it might be important to understand is that there is little in common between the book and movie, other than the title and the basic premise (same for Forrest Gump by Winston Groom). However, I LIKED BOTH A LOT, so, yes, I do recommend Alice Hoffman's book. Enjoy it!”
“Movie and book good. Book's a much darker and more sinester version - defintely better than the movie. But the movie with Sandra Bullock and Nichole Kidman was nice to watch.”
