Alice Hoffman (b Amer 1952) is a prolific writer of books for children, Y/A & novels of the romantic, magical/mystical genre. I've read 2 of Hoffman's best-selling novels "Practical Magic" (1995); made into a movie starring Sandra Bullock & Nicole Kidman and "Here on Earth" 1997; an Oprah Bookclub selection. Mildly entertaining, it reads like a light palate cleanser between more literary bookends. I would put these novels into the beach read genre. It had been a long dry spell between the last work I read by Hoffman & "Faithful." The novel captivated me at the start with a near fatal car accident. Helene & Shelby (the book's outstanding central character) are best friends, vivacious, beautiful and popular high school students until tragedy strikes. Shelby was driving with Helene next to her when the car skidded crushing Helene. Shelby physically heals but Helene is left in a permanent vegetative state. The anguish & trauma cause Shelby to suffer a mental breakdown for which she is institutionalized. While at the hospital, Shelby is sexually abused and driven further into depression. Miraculously, Hoffman imbues Shelby with fallibilities we empathize and strengths we admire. This was a magical coup whipped up by Hoffman's crafty writing. Shelby shaves her heads and does horrific things to herself as penance. At her most desolate, high school classmate Ben Mink, becomes her steadfast companion. Together, the two get stoned and roam the empty streets late at night. The plot meanders into NYC where the two live together. Mink moves forward with his life while Shelby resides in self-loathing. The saving grace for Shelby comes from mysterious postcards left for her with "fortune cookie proverbs" and her strong love for animals. There are other likable characters with whom Shelby unwittingly but gratefully grows strongly attached. Devoted Hoffman fans will not be disappointed by "Faithful." Three times is not a charm for me to realize Alice Hoffman's magical, romance novels are not my cup of tea. There SHALL BE no more Hoffman books read by me.
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