The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

Published by

Sarah Ann

on

February 24, 2011

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is a true masterpiece. It’s by far one of the most colorful, beautiful, and descriptive works of literature I’ve read in a long time.

With a specialty in 17th-century Colonial America, Connie Goodwin is about to earn her doctorate from Harvard and become a historian. She’s given the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s called to her grandmother’s home in Marblehead, Massachusetts to sort through her things.

When Connie arrives at her family’s home in Marblehead, which is just a short distance away from Salem, she finds an ancient book containing a mysterious key and slip of paper inscribed with the name “Deliverance Dane.” Connie goes on the ultimate quest to learn more about Salem’s history, and that of her ancestors, who are linked to witchcraft.

The language and writing in The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is unmatched, and it’s truly a work of art. Its prose and dialogue is intelligent, without being too intimidating or pretentious. It’s also incredibly descriptive, and you can clearly see and smell everything that’s mentioned or talked about—from when Connie is cleaning her grandmother’s musty, dirty old home to visiting the vast archives of Widener Library to find ancient historical documents.

I like how the story initially opens into a rich academia backdrop, before taking us to Marblehead. I also like how American History is woven seamlessly into the plot and approaches the subject of witchcraft and alchemy from a variety of angles. This book could give scientists, doctors, philosophers, and historians new perspectives about witchcraft.

There are some minor fantasy elements in The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, but they’re done tastefully. All in all, this is very elegant, and not to be missed.

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Last Updated on January 25, 2026 by Sarah Ann

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