The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

By: Katherine Howe

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Connie is looking forward to starting work on her graduate thesis over the summer, when her mother asks her to sell an abandoned house once owned by her grandmother in Salem, Mass. Relunctantly, Connie moves to the small town and inhabits the crumbling, ancient house, trying to restore it to a semblance of order.

Curious things start to happen when Connie finds the name "Deliverance Dane" on a yellowed scrap of paper inside an old Bible, and begins to have visions of a long ago woman condemned for practicing "physick," or herbal healing, on her neighbors in 1690s Salem.

Interspersed with modern-day sections are chapters on the actual witch trials, revealing the fascinating story of Deliverance Dane and how she got caught up in the tragic events. Connie meets an intriguing young steeplejack named Sam, who's also interested in the history of the area. But just as Connie starts to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding Deliverance's identity, Sam has a horrifying accident, and Connie has to figure out a way to save him that involves an ancient and mystical cure. And to do that, she needs to locate the actual "physick book" once owned by Deliverance Dane herself.

Immediately compelling, with powerful historic insight and detail, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is that rare find - a literary first novel with a very commercial premise and pacing.

©2009 Katherine Howe (P)2009 Hyperion

Critic reviews

"In all, a keen and magical historical mystery laced with romance and sly digs at society's persistent underestimation of women." ( Booklist)

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

Some books you start reading and put it down and hope someone will take it. But, this book is not one of those. Excellent read if you like two stories in one book. Loved every minute of it.

Not bad, not great

Ive always been intrigued by the Salem Witch Trials. Therefore, I downloaded the book based on the topic. It took a few different attempts at listening before I got past the first chapter, then I found myself continuing on. I wasnt craving the story, like I have with other books. However, this narrator was fabulous. I love her voice and will be downloading more of her books. Its not a disappointment, but it wasnt something I'd rave about either.

loved it. great detail and interesting story

you wont regret buying this book. steeped in history and details yet fascinating from beginning to end

Interesting. Nice read.

What made the experience of listening to The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane the most enjoyable?

This book was well written. One can see that it was written by somebody who has taken the time to research the subject. I like that. It was educational for me too. I have always been curious about the Salem Witch trial, now I know a little more about it and the history of that time era.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane?

I like the Interlude parts. Reading about the way the people in the 17th century think.

What does Katherine Kellgren bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

The audio reader accent during the 17th century era. I would have had a hard time reading the book just by the spelling of the written words. Very nice accent.

If you could take any character from The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would like to be with Deliverance. She had the thinking of an old soul. She probably would not say a lot but if one looked in her eyes, there would be plenty to read in there.

Any additional comments?

The book was slow. But I am a patient reader. Once you get through the whole book, I found that it was a good read. I read it in the summer while vacationing. I enjoyed it.

a bewitching modern classic

I absolutely loved this book when it was first published in 2009. Lately, I've started listening to Audible nearly every day, so it was a no-brainer to spend a credit on Katherine Howe. Sometimes you love a book, but it doesn't stand up to time. This is NOT one of those cases. I devoured this book again just as eagerly as I did ten years ago. I recommend this title for fans of manuscript-driven multi-timeline stories, and particularly for fans of Deborah Harkness (A Discovery of Witches / All Souls trilogy), Anne Rice (The Witching Hour / Mayfair Witches series), and Paula Brackston (The Witch's Daughter).

Deliverance Dane - YES!

I loved this story. the time line switch from the 90s to the Salem witch trials was great! the Narrator was incredible. what a fun read!

Interesting story

If you could sum up The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane in three words, what would they be?

entertaining new twist

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how she entered a new twist into an old story line

What about Katherine Kellgren’s performance did you like?

I liked it well enough. She did give all the locals a Maine accent. Being a native of the area it may have been more noticeable to me. Yet she did such a great job it was easy to get past that.

If you could take any character from The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Deliverance Dane, she had a lot of knowledge

Captivating!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this! The narrator was brilliant and brought the story to life, making me want to visit the old house in Marblehead.

Historical fiction about witches set in America.

Interesting and informative. I originally thought that it was in line with Harkness’ or Hoffman’s books but it has little magic. It goes back and forth between present day and the 1600’s, however it’s clear and easy to follow. Music preceded the interludes, a nice touch.

I’m a new fan! Incredible story!

What a fascinating story that is both believable and backed up with historical facts. I’m a new fan of Katherine Howe!
Having spent considerable time in Salem and Essex county, I appreciate all of the references. I especially love the authors perspective of witchcraft of this time seen through the lens of modern day. Character development is strong. I don’t wanna leave Connie starting the next book right now.