Tuesday, April 07, 2009

THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE by Katherine Howe



I received an advanced copy of THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE through the Barnes and Noble First Look program. The story follows modern-day History PhD candidate Connie as she goes to clean out her grandmother's house in Marblehead, MASS and discovers the possible existance of a witch's shadow book. As Connie tracks down the shadow book and the history of it, the book makes several leaps back in time starting with 1690's to reveal the previous owners of the shadow book and how it affected their lives.

This book was a terrific read. Since Katherine Howe is an historian herself, the flashbacks are filled with rich historical detail. The reader feels as if they are actually there in 1690's Salem and beyond. Her characterizations are excellent as well where the women in the story are concerned. I loved the connection between the past and present throughout the book. My only complaints with the book were an unnecessary romantic storyline and a cliched villain. If the book had stuck to the stories of the women and Connie's quest for the past and her own self-actualization, the book would have been much more effective. To me, THE PHYSICK BOOK OF DELIVERANCE DANE was a PRACTICAL MAGIC meets PEOPLE OF THE BOOK story. This book will be released in June 2009.

BOTTOM LINE: Recommended. If you can get past the silliness of the romantic angle and villain, you will find a compelling story of the Salem witch trials and their effect on one group of women through time.

5 comments:

Literary Feline said...

I really want to read this one. I like books that touch on the witch trials and this one caught my eye the first I heard of it. I am glad you liked it, Amy, even with the minor complaints.

Unknown said...

This is the first I've heard of this book but it sounds really good, thanks for adding to my wish list. haha!

Amy M. said...

Litty Kitty--The complaints are indeed minor and probably nit-picky on my part. I think you'll enjoy it.

Kris--Glad you dropped by! It's always good to find books for one's wish list!

Marie Cloutier said...

Hi Amy :-) Saw your comment on the Random House giveaway- your two faves are my two faves, so I thought I should stop by your blog. I love it! and I will definitely have to start reading The Physick Book- it's in my TBR pile at the moment and I'm sure I will like it if you did! :-)

Taminator said...

Great review, Amy! I agree with all of your statements. I'm very surprised that some people on amazon disliked it so much. I thought it was excellent.

Tammy