Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane summary
Brief summary
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe is a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves together the stories of a present-day graduate student and her ancestor, a woman accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. It delves into the world of magic, herbal remedies, and the quest for hidden knowledge.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
Summary of key ideas
The Mystery of Deliverance Dane
In The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe, the protagonist, Connie Goodwin, a Harvard graduate student, is on a mission to uncover the secrets of her family's past. Her research leads her to her grandmother's abandoned home near Salem, Massachusetts. While exploring the house, Connie discovers a key and a piece of parchment hidden in a seventeenth-century Bible, both of which are linked to Deliverance Dane, a woman accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials.
Connie's interest in Deliverance Dane grows as she learns about her ancestor's life. She delves into the history of the Salem Witch Trials, trying to understand how her family was involved. Her research leads her to believe that Deliverance Dane was a healer, not a witch, and that she left behind a 'physick book' containing ancient healing remedies and possibly, real magic.
The Quest for the Physick Book
Connie's fascination with Deliverance Dane's story becomes an obsession as she seeks to locate the lost 'physick book'. She faces numerous obstacles, including the disapproval of her advisor, who believes her research is irrelevant, and the skepticism of her mother, who thinks the quest is a waste of time. Despite these challenges, Connie persists, driven by her desire to uncover the truth and prove Deliverance Dane's innocence.
As she delves deeper into the mystery, Connie's personal life becomes entangled with her research. She forms a romantic connection with a fellow researcher, Sam, who shares her interest in historical artifacts. Together, they continue the search for the elusive 'physick book', following clues and historical references left by Deliverance Dane.
The Unveiling of the Physick Book
After a series of setbacks and breakthroughs, Connie finally locates the 'physick book' in a hidden compartment within the walls of her grandmother's house. The discovery is a turning point in Connie's quest, as it validates her belief in Deliverance Dane's healing abilities and disproves the witchcraft accusations against her. The book contains ancient remedies, including a powerful healing salve that confirms the existence of real magic in Deliverance's world.
However, the joy of the discovery is short-lived as Connie realizes that the 'physick book' is more than just a historical artifact. It holds a dangerous power that others are willing to exploit. Connie and Sam must protect the book from falling into the wrong hands, while also coming to terms with the implications of their findings on history, magic, and their own lives.
Reconciliation and Understanding
In the closing chapters of the book, Connie reconciles with her mother and her family's past. She gains a deeper understanding of her roots and the women who came before her, including Deliverance Dane. Connie also learns to embrace her own abilities, realizing that she shares a connection with her ancestor that goes beyond bloodlines.
In conclusion, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and magic. It takes readers on a journey through time, unraveling the secrets of the Salem Witch Trials and the enduring legacy of one woman's courage and resilience. The novel leaves us with the idea that history is not always what it seems, and that the truth can be hidden in unexpected places.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane about?
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe is a captivating blend of historical fiction and mystery. Set in both present-day and 17th century New England, the novel follows a young woman named Connie as she delves into her family's past and uncovers a hidden world of witchcraft and secrets. With richly detailed storytelling, it explores themes of power, knowledge, and the enduring legacy of the Salem witch trials.
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane Review
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane (2009) uncovers a young woman's journey to unlock the secrets of her ancestor's hidden past and their connection to the Salem Witch Trials. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Exploring mystery, history, and the supernatural, it intertwines past and present with gripping storytelling that keeps readers captivated.
- Delving into ancestral legacies and hidden knowledge, it offers a fresh take on historical fiction, blending facts with intriguing speculation.
- With its intriguing plot twists and engaging characters, the book ensures an immersive and unforgettable reading experience that breaks the monotony.
Who should read The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of mystery and magic
Those interested in the Salem witch trials and the history of witchcraft in America
People who appreciate well-researched and atmospheric storytelling
Categories with The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
Book summaries like The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
38 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane FAQs
What is the main message of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane?
The main message of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is the power of historical knowledge and female resilience.
How long does it take to read The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane?
Reading time varies, but expect a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in less than 15 minutes.
Is The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane a good book? Is it worth reading?
The book is worth reading for its blend of mystery and history, offering a captivating narrative in a compelling setting.
Who is the author of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane?
The author of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane is Katherine Howe.
What to read after The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan