The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

By: Katherine Howe

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

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)

Good summer read

I choose this book to take with me to our cabin. I was looking for something to listen to on a quiet night on the deck or a walk in the woods. It was great for that as the book takes place in the summer/fall and lent itself to long walks. I also liked the music between chapters. In my opinion it added to the atmosphere. The reader was also, I thought, perfect for the book.

Meh...

I thought it was an interesting story, but it was a cheesy performance. The musical interludes were especially unnecessary.

Decent but predictable story

The historical details are really the best thing about this novel. Howe has a real feeling for the past, and it shows. On the other hand, the characters are a little flat and the plot is unhappily predictable. Katherine Kellgren does a good job with the reading, although her Boston Brahmin accent is a bit strained to my ear. Solid work, though. Not a bad timewaster, but, for me, The Historian covered the same concept in a more compelling way.

Not really worth it.

I didn't care for the music at the start of each chapter. The narrator also made all the characters share the same tones of emotion to their voice, which made it hard to get a compete picture of each individual. (some of that could also be the writing ) Its a cool story but lacks strong characters with the only exception being the main antagonist.

not sure how I feel about this

I don't think I would have finished this if I were reading instead of listening to the audio book. I feel at times there is way to much in the details. I felt like the author didn't believe readers would have enough imagination to "see" things. This is one book I probably won't go back to. The search continues for an adult Harry Potter feeling series...not overly sexual.

Great story

Although the story started to drag towards the end, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the back and forth between the past and the present and the intertwining of the two. The characters catch your interest and keep it throughout.

Oh, to be a cunning woman....

This is a very good read. Engaging story, interesting characters that catch you up right away. Also, if you're interested in history and/or academia at all this is a great read. I guess I'm giving the story four stars because of the flash backs to the Salem witch hysteria, that whole piece of American history just makes my skin crawl. You know things won't end well for that poor lady!

The author does a fine job tying the past to the future with a long string of "cunning women" who had the ability to use magic. They used the magic to make a living and to help their neighbors. They were often the only help around for sick people and animals. They could find lost property and kill the blight on your tomatoes. No demons needed!

I loved the choice of villain and the explanation for it. It's not super-hard to figure out but I don't want to ruin the fun with any spoilers. This book is a nice change of pace from the "fluffier" fiction I've been reading. I especially like the author's afterward explaining the genesis of the book -- a very rare occurrence for me, I usually skip that stuff. Definitely worth a credit.

Deliverance Dane is an ancestor of mine.

Was very interesting!! Have the book, but the audible was so much better!! Good job!!

engaging story

a good story that was enjoyed by all ages. a good mixture of mystery, intrigue, and history set in the cambridge and north shore of boston

I read this book Years ago.....

I enjoyed reveling in the nostalgia of a familiar book. This book brought back memories of a time when I was much younger. The Story is satisfying and simple and yet full of well researched history and historical fiction. If you like to wonder what really happened in Salem Village centuries ago this book offers glimpses of the past which may pique your interests. Enjoy!