When the Past Comes Knocking, Sometimes You Have to Answer
You know that feeling when you pick up a book and, within the first few pages, you’re transported to another world? That’s exactly what happened to me when I started reading Alice Hoffman’s “The Bookstore Sisters.” It’s like stepping into a warm, cozy bookstore on a chilly autumn day—instantly comforting, yet filled with the promise of adventure.
Hoffman, the literary magician behind bestsellers like “Practical Magic” and “The Rules of Magic,” has once again woven a spell with this novella. It’s the first in her “Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories” series, and let me tell you, it’s a doozy.
A Tale of Two Sisters and One Magical Bookstore
At its heart, “The Bookstore Sisters” is a story about family, forgiveness, and finding your way back home—even when you think you’ve forgotten the way. Our protagonist, Isabel Gibson, has spent years perfecting the art of forgetting her past on Brinkley’s Island, Maine. She’s made a new life for herself in New York City, leaving behind her childhood home, the family bookstore, and her estranged sister, Sophie.
But here’s the kicker – you can run from your past, but sometimes it sends you a letter and drags you right back in. That’s exactly what happens to Isabel when she receives a mysterious note with just one word: “Help.”
A Reluctant Homecoming
Isabel’s return to Brinkley’s Island is like watching a fish being thrown back into water—there’s a lot of flailing and resistance at first, but you can see it’s where she belongs. Hoffman paints the island with such vivid detail that you can almost smell the salt in the air and hear the pages of books rustling in the Once Upon a Time Bookstore.
The bookstore itself is a character in its own right. It’s not just a setting; it’s a living, breathing entity that holds the memories and dreams of the Gibson family. I found myself wishing I could step into its pages and browse the shelves myself.
Sisters, Separated by More Than Just Miles
The heart of the story lies in the relationship between Isabel and Sophie. These two are as different as night and day, yet bound by shared history and love. Their interactions are a masterclass in writing sibling relationships—full of tension, unspoken words, and a deep, underlying affection that neither can fully shake.
Sophie, still on the island and running the struggling bookstore, is a force of nature. She’s stubborn, resilient, and fiercely protective of her home and heritage. In contrast, Isabel is the flighty artist, the one who ran away to the big city to escape her past. Their reunion is like watching two planets collide—spectacular, a little messy, and utterly captivating.
Hoffman’s Magic Touch
Now, let’s talk about Hoffman’s writing for a moment. If you’ve read her before, you know she has a way with words that’s almost… well, magical. In “The Bookstore Sisters,” she’s in top form. Her prose is lyrical without being flowery, emotional without being sappy. She has this knack for capturing the essence of a moment or a feeling in just a few words.
Take this line, for example: “When she tried, she was able to forget not only Brinkley’s Island, which held her worst childhood memories, but the entire state of Maine, where she had spent her first eighteen years.” In one sentence, Hoffman gives us Isabel’s entire backstory and emotional state. It’s like a magic trick with words.
A Cast of Colorful Characters
While Isabel and Sophie are the stars of the show, the supporting cast is equally delightful. There’s Violet, Sophie’s daughter, who’s as prickly as a sea urchin but with a heart of gold underneath. And let’s not forget Johnny Lenox, Isabel’s childhood friend and possible love interest, who’s been waiting for her all these years like a lighthouse guiding her home.
Each character feels fully realized, with their own quirks and motivations. It’s like Hoffman has created a whole world in just a few pages, populating it with people you feel like you’ve known your whole life.
The Power of Memory and Forgetting
One of the most fascinating themes in “The Bookstore Sisters” is the interplay between memory and forgetting. Isabel has spent years trying to forget her past, but as she returns to the island, memories come flooding back like a tidal wave.
Hoffman explores how our memories shape us, even when we try to run from them. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes, to move forward, we need to look back. As Isabel rediscovers her roots, she also rediscovers parts of herself she thought she’d lost.
The Magic of Books and Baking
I can’t talk about this novella without mentioning the books and the baking. The Once Upon a Time Bookstore isn’t just a place to buy books; it’s a haven for storytelling and memory-making. Hoffman’s descriptions of the bookstore’s nooks and crannies, the smell of old pages, and the magic of finding just the right book are enough to make any bibliophile’s heart sing.
And then there’s the baking. Oh boy, the baking. Hoffman weaves in mouthwatering descriptions of cakes and cookies that are more than just treats – they’re vessels for memory and emotion. The “You’ll Feel Better in the Morning Cupcakes” and “I Must Be in Heaven Chocolate Brownies” aren’t just clever names; they’re edible pieces of the sisters’ shared history.
A Novella That Packs a Punch
At just over 70 pages, “The Bookstore Sisters” is a quick read, but don’t let its length fool you. Hoffman manages to pack more emotion, character development, and magic into these pages than some authors manage in full-length novels.
The pacing is spot-on, with each scene building on the last, drawing you deeper into the world of Brinkley’s Island. By the time you reach the last page, you’ll find yourself wishing for more – which is exactly what a good novella should do.
Setting the Stage for a Series
As the first in the “Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories” series, “The Bookstore Sisters” does an excellent job of setting the stage for future installments. It introduces us to a rich, magical world that begs to be explored further.
The second book in the series, “The Bookstore Wedding,” has already been released, continuing the story of Isabel, Sophie, and the magical bookstore. A third book, “The Bookstore Keepers,” is expected to be published in 2025. If they’re anything like this first novella, readers are in for a treat.
Final Thoughts: A Literary Gem
“The Bookstore Sisters” is like a perfect cup of tea on a rainy day—warm, comforting, and leaving you wanting just a little bit more. Hoffman has created a world that’s both magical and deeply relatable, populated by characters who feel like old friends by the time you turn the last page.
This novella is a testament to the power of family, the magic of books, and the idea that sometimes, going back is the only way to move forward. It’s a must-read for Hoffman fans, book lovers, and anyone who’s ever felt the pull of home, no matter how far they’ve roamed.
Who Should Read This?
- Fans of Alice Hoffman’s magical realism
- Book lovers who dream of owning their own bookstore
- Anyone who’s ever had a complicated relationship with a sibling
- Readers who enjoy stories about homecoming and self-discovery
- Those who appreciate beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant prose
If You Loved “The Bookstore Sisters,” You Might Also Enjoy:
- “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin
- “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
- “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
In the end, “The Bookstore Sisters” is more than just a novella – it’s an invitation to believe in magic, in second chances, and in the power of stories to heal and transform. So go ahead, accept the invitation. I promise, you won’t regret it.
