The Invisible Hour: A Journey into Alice Hoffman’s Literary Magic

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Celebrate the seamless blend of reality and enchantment in Alice Hoffman’s captivating novel, ‘The Invisible Hour.’ As we embark on this literary journey, experience Hoffman’s masterful storytelling, where she transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

In this exploration, we’ll dive deep into the hidden realms of this mystical tale. Uncovering its secrets and immersing ourselves in the enchantment that fills its pages. Come along as we decipher the mysteries, analyze the characters, and navigate the ethereal landscapes of ‘The Invisible Hour.’ A novel that will sweep you away on a spellbinding adventure you won’t forget.

Through a journey of heartbreak, love, and time, Mia must abandon the rules she was raised within the Community. As she does, she realizes that reading can transport you to other worlds or bring them to you. Readers and writers affect one another in mysterious ways. She learns that time is more fluid than she can imagine and that love is stronger than any chains that bind you.

As The Invisible Hour begins, we meet fifteen-year-old Mia Jacob as she plans her escape from a cult in Massachusetts. As with all cults, they are oppressive (especially to women), and the Community is no different. But Mia knows no opposing way as she was born in the Community.

Mia was born to Ivy Jacob, a teenager from an affluent family in Boston who left when pregnant with Mia. She joined the Community as a means to an end. She, like most teenage mothers, had nowhere to go. And since her parents were less than supportive, she finds her way into the arms of Joel Davis. He is the Community leader, the person Ivy later marries. A decision ultimately regretted.

“A book doesn’t live when it’s written. It lives when it’s read.”

Joel is controlling with ludicrous rules and regulations that govern life at the commune. Minimal contact with the outside world, and those found guilty of any indiscretion are severely punished with a permanent brand on their bodies. Ivy is a reader, a dreamer, saying she’s from “west of the moon.” One day, Mia is captivated by the library at their monthly turn selling goods at the market. Although it is against the rules (of course, books are banned), Ivy tells Mia to have a look around but be quick.

Mia finds an old copy of The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne during one of her visits. Locating an inscription dedicated to her. To Mia, if this was a dream, then it was ours, and you were mine. But Mia finds no reason to remain with the cult when tragedy strikes. The Invisible Hour follows Mia as she forges a new life for herself with the help of Sarah and Constance, the town librarians.

“In his opinion, a woman who loved books was the best sort.”

Mia’s love for books and reading remains a driving force in her life. However, Joel never backs down from his pursuit of Mia. Mia is transported to 1837, where she meets young author Nathaniel Hawthorne in a surprising turn of events. A meeting that would impact the lives of both Mia and the young author.

Thoughts on The Invisible Hour

As a reader who indulges and loves books about books, it was easy to see why The Invisible Hour struck such a chord with me.

Mia, the ever-rebellious teen, feels like me (and so many other teens) running away from home to find comfort in the things that bring you joy. The story itself is captivating, with beautiful prose that are lyrical and entrancing.

While the story did lull a little around the halfway mark, the story quickly draws you back in. Allowing for moments of thought and reimmersing you in the past.

In addition, there were moments where I struggled with the “magical realism” aspect of the story. Often times it felt like random moments thrown in to help add a sparkle. Hoffman spends a great deal of the book telling rather than showing. It is a pet peeve of mine. I want to experience the world beyond the confines of the pages turning. And while immersive, these moments almost feel like whiplash.

“TAKE ONE RISK AND you’ll soon take more. It’s an addiction or it’s bravery, it’s foolishness or it’s desperation.”

The timeline feels like it jumps around a lot. Not particularly focusing on any moment in particular. Creating moments that feel hazy and hard to keep track of. Ivy is the initial narrator as the story’s lead. Contrastingly, as it progresses, she fades (or just isn’t as strong). And while I can see why this happened, the passages aren’t strong enough to not muddle the voices of Ivy, Mia, and sometimes Nathaniel. You’re left feeling like there wasn’t enough separation or clarity about what year she was in and what was happening at that point in the book.

Overall, The Invisible Hour is an enjoyable read. Giving it 7.5/10 (rounded up because of the ending). I ultimately was left wanting more of Mia, seeing where the next phase of her life takes her.

The Invisible Hour is out now. Check it out on Bookshop.org. Thank you to Atria Books for my gifted copy.

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