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)

Academic's Delight

This book was fantastic. I am a college history professor. I enjoyed this book on my commute. As a scholar herself Dr. Howe is the perfect conduit for this novel. Her use of vernacular language and primary sources allows her to weave a cohesive and believable narrative. It transitions well between past and present. The protagonist is a scholar and PhD hopeful and she shares the spotlight with well developed historical protagonists. The novel puts a spotlight on women in Puritan society. It is favorable and well developed. She uses the words of the ladies both real and imagined allows us to see a rare glimpse into the colonial 17th century.

I love this book!

I loved the rich history, and tragic story of Deliverance Dane's tragic demise. Connie,reminds me of myself in some ways. I read this when it first came out, but the story is really exponentially more enjoyable by audiobook...plus I get to listen to it while I'm working!!

Extremely enjoyable read

I really enjoy this book, so much so, I've listened to it several times. I first bought this book on CD before Audible was around. I enjoyed this book so much that as soon as I discovered Audible I bought it again so I could have ready access to it through the app.

Excellent!

Love her writing style. Even though I’ve read the books out of order, it was easy to keep up.

Very enjoyable

I really enjoyed this story! Lots of interesting history and fantasy, enjoyed the combo of past and modern. I did have to remind myself a few times that it is from 1991 so things are a wee bit different but it didn’t detract in the least. The only real problem I have is the main characters assumption that Prudence is a cold person because her journal is brief. Here’s the thing. This is TYPICAL for this type of account in this era. Paper wasn’t especially cheap, it took work to keep it. This is not the mooning diary of a teenage girl. This is essentially, a LEDGER. I really enjoyed the historical info at the end of the book, however, it left me even more irritated when she referenced Martha Ballard’s journal, which I have read and loved and left me feeling even more irritated to watch one character be spoken poorly of because of its brevity which has nothing to do with the woman and more to do with the purpose of that form of account. Anyway, I still enjoyed it and would say it’s a good listen!

Very well done!

I was very impressed with how well thought out this book written. This is a wonderful book that brings historical and cultural values inner laced with a bit of magic. The author really connects you to the women in the story. Honestly I am very happy there is already a sequel (already downloaded) because I am going to start it first thing on my way to work. -Thank you and please enjoy this book

Love it!

This book draws you in and holds your interest until the very end. I enjoyed the shifts between the current storyline and the historical events of the Salem Witch trials of the late 1600's and how they eventually became tied together. The narrator did an excellent job and was easy to listen to. I would highly recommend this book!

Wonderful

From my understanding this is Katherine Howe's first novel and I can't wait for her next.

True it is a bit slow in areas but I didn't get bored for one minute. The lives of all the women from 1692 to 1991 were wonderfully detailed and I was interested in the process that Connie had to go through to find herself and the book. I couldn't wait for my commute to continue the story each day.

I did find it a little predictable but the story wasn't a mystery - it was about the women who were bound by this book and it's a peek into a time so different from our own.

Fantastic Book!

Well written and fantastic narration. A great new take on the old Salem story. I loved this book! Give it a try, I think you will too. It's a smart, contemporary retelling of historical information in a "can't put it down" way.

A little slow at beginning

It started out a little slow but picked up towards the end. Although unfortunately it was predictable towards the end. I usually don't enjoy witches and spells but this wasn't over done with some well written historical scenes mixed in.