Part I, Chapters 1-6

[debbook]

Wow, I think everyone's already posted similiar to my impressions but here's mine anyway.

I was definitely hooked from the beginning. I like going between past and present. I noticed the dog connection right away and that made me think Connie is going to be related to Deliverance. which would make sense as she found her name in Granna's house.

I find Chilton creepy, not only was his smile described as hungry but at one point his eyes were cold. He is up to something, I just don't know what yet. It seems his question to her during the orals about the witch trials was deliberate. Before he asked the question, I had this feeling he was going to ask her if she was a witch! And maybe she is.

I also wonder about Grace. Is she just a side character or does she know more than she's letting on. She seems disinterested in the house, but it still makes me wonder.

Liz and Connie seem like good friends. I like Connie, but the house creeps me out. Snakes, yuck. I like Sam and can't wait to see what develops.

So far this book is my favorite of the 4 First Looks I have participated in. I agree that there are some issues with the house scene being unrealistic, but not enough to bother me.

[mooks]

Good point! Like krb2g I was struck by how Connie and Deliverance both have close relationships with dogs. The protectiveness of the dogs was so clearly described - you can just picture Arlo following Connie. 

I also had the suspicion that Connie's Arlo might be related to or the same dog that trails Deliverance.

[liisa22]

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rkubie wrote: ...

Please remember that these observations and questions are one way to jump in to the discussion! Feel free to post your own questions on this first section of The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane.

What are your first impressions of of each of the characters, in the 1690s and in the 1990s? Who are you most drawn to or turned off by in these opening scenes? Why?

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My first impressions are usually right on, in life and in reading.  First, I DO NOT trust Prof. Chilton.  I think he is up to no good, and would stop at nothing to make himself look good.  Connie, is very smart but although she is at Harvard, she has an inadequacy about herself. "If she had to guess, she would have said that the exam was going adequately. But only just." (p. 7) I do like Connie. I am not sure why exactly she jumped so quickly when Grace asked her to, unless it was because it would be a much needed break from school, between qualifying orals and her dissertation.

I like Liz.  I think she is quite down to earth, despite working toward a Ph.D. in Latin. A juxtiposition there, I think.

Sam.  Smart, witty, (in my mind- handsome), with a bad-boy image of a sort.  I like him as well.

Goody Dane has healing qualities, that are admired, it seems.  Why else would Pet. Petford aks to come to try to save Martha?  She goes into my like column as well. Mercy, I am not decided as of yet, but think that she is admirable in her way.

P. Petford. He wants to save his daughter, and is unsure why God would torment an innocent. (p. 5)  Predictibly, and with what I already know about the witchtrials, I don't like him.

[KCHaughawout]

I, too, noticed some inconsistencies when it came to the house and it being abandoned for 20 some years. However, I didn't let that interfere with the story. I remember thinking, if they had no electricity, how will they wash everything? That was never mentioned in the book. I just assumed she took that stuff to the laundrymat at some time.

I don't believe I would have stayed there the first night without having the house cleaned. It simply would have been too dusty for me. I don't see how Connie could function in a kitchen with dust and cobwebs all over the jars. I would have had to completely wipe down walls and ceilings just to live there.

I still liked the book though.

[liisa22]

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rkubie wrote:

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How does the idea of looking for the "truth" differ between these two worlds, the early courtroom and the modern academic examination? Does anything strike you as similar between those two scenes?...

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The idea of looking for 'truth' in the 17th century and the modern 20th century was interesting to look at.  In 1690, they were searching for the truth as to witchcraft by cross-examing D. Dane.  Connie was as well be "cross-examed" by Prof. Chilton when he provoked her with the question after asking his initial final question,  "Have you not considered the distinct possibility that the accused were simply guilty of witchcraft?" (p. 15)

[PiperMurphy]

First of all, I love this book. It is turning out to be everything that I expected. I also love the cover. If I had found this book in a bookstore, I would have been drawn to it because of the cover art.

I'm also enjoying the writing, the use of words. I liked that we were given the background history of Salem as part of Connie's oral exams rather than just part of the narrative. That section could have been very boring, but I felt like I was sitting in the room with her. It was interesting that Connie has her knowledge organized like a library in her mind, complete with card catalog. I also enjoyed the description of Deliverance's cabin as a painting that Connie was building in her mind.

I think that we may eventually find out why the house is the way it is, but I did wonder why Connie actually moved in when she saw the condition of it. That didn't seem logical. It also didn't seem logical that there would be volunteer endive and tomatoes in a garden, in early summer, after 20 years. Or that anyone would eat them - after cleaning them in a dirty sink with rusty water. I think I was surprised that the faucet actually worked. I guess it is part of the mystery.

I agree that Chilton is not what he seems. Also the similarities between Arlo and Dog are more than coincidence. Can't wait to see how that plays out. There is a good balance between the past and the present. I've read other books where too much time was spent in the past so that the present day action wasn't well developed.

[SandyS]

I too originally was put off by the house and garden scene.  But after rereading (and I'm only through Chapter 3) I decided to go with the notion the Joan indicated and assume the house was bewitched.

This early in a book I tend to give the author a lot of latitiude until I see where the story is going. 

Enjoying the read thus far.

SandyS

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Read-n-Rider wrote:

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I am very much enjoying this book so far.  However, I do have a couple of criticisms, both involving Granna's house--and garden.  We are told (p. 40) that "the near side of the house seemed overrun with vegetables.............summer squash, melon, and pumpkin."  In early June in Massachusetts?  I don't think so!  Where I live in Central New York, we are just planting these things in early June, and I think our climate is quite similar to that of Massachusetts.  She goes on to describe apparently ripe tomatoes and, while I applaud her descriptions of heirloom (old-time) varieties, here again, tomato plants do not survive New England winters and would definitely not be bearing fruit in early June.  Perhaps, however, I am being unfair to Ms. Howe, and these anachronisms are meant to indicate a "bewitched" condition at Granna's house.

Joan

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[liisa22]

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rkubie wrote:

How do Connie and Liz interact as friends? How do these two women fit in at Harvard?

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I like the interaction between Liz and Connie.  I see Liz as very down to earth, despite her working toward Ph.D. in Latin, and having order in her life.   She is more laid back in many ways more than Connie.  I don't see them as opposites, but they complement each other. 

They both fit in well with the academia at Harvard.  They both attended prestigious colleges for their under-grad work.

[CindybS]

Oh come on, guys!  The book requires the reader all along to suspend disbelief, right?  I, too, like things "neat" but those details are pretty minor in the scheme (plot) of things.

Maybe the house had a well (non-electric).  And why can't the garden be as magical as some of the characters?

[liisa22]

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luvmykiddos wrote:
I totally see Connie's daydreams as visions. It's this link within her that she never knew or never cared to explore for that matter. She has been so put off all her life by Graces lifestyle she has gone in a different direction with hers. I'm curious to know more about Graces background and what made her relationships estranged even though she has carried a bit of her past with her in some of her beliefs.

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I totally agree about the daydreams as visions.  And Grace seems to be very intune with Connie, despite seeming flighty.

[Fozzie]

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PB684 wrote:

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Fozzie wrote:

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  I can't help but wonder if Connie is related to Deliverance and Mercy.

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Maybe I've just made the assumption in my own mind but I was sure that we already knew there was a lineage going back to Deliverance.

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Maybe you are thinking of the author, "whose ancestors were accused witches in Salem," according to the first page behind the cover.

[liisa22]

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nfam wrote:

I very much wanted to like the book. I, like many people, am fascinated by the Salem witch trials. Unfortunately the first chapters were a real turn-off. There are several reason for this. The scene where Liz and Connie investigate the old house is totally unrealistic. I couldn't believe the author and editor didn't have any idea what happens to water pipes in a house that's been closed up for twenty years. Trust me, you don't just turn on the faucet and get brown water. The girls would have been more likely to find the upstairs bathroom and the down stairs kitchen completely destroyed by water. Water has to get into the house some way. Since there's no electricity, it can't be an electric pump. There's no mention of a hand pump. Therefore, it has to be city water. If the water isn't turned off, the pipes freeze in the winter in Massachusettes. When they freeze, they break.Water damage is extremely expensive to repair. I doubt there would be much left of the house.

A second observation is the garden. After twenty years there would be so many weeds, the plants would probably not be rcognizable without a lot of work. I've seen gardens that were untended for five years and all you could see were thistles and tall grasses. Perhaps we're supposed to believe that Sophie put a spell on the house. Not too realistic unless this book is supposed to be a fantasy or scifi. 

About the beds, the girls apparently didn't bring sheets. Has anyone seen what happens to a bed left for twenty years in an empty house? There would be more problems than a green snake like try rats and mice. 

I'm sorry to be so critical, but the lack of attention to detail in someone who has a research profession (I read that Ms. Howe was a Ph.D. candidate.) is disturbing.

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You are right to have these questions, but I have to disagree.  All of the unrealistic things; garden, water, etc. are part of the supernatural aspect in the story.  My suspicions are there is more to it than we are privvy to at this time. 

[liisa22]

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nfam wrote:

...

I also didn't understand the obsession with original sources. If every PhD candidate had to have original materal there would be a lot fewer graduates. (Perhaps that's not all bad)

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Not necessarily 'original sources' are needed, just primary sources.  Prof. Chilton wants Connie to find a "newly uncovered primary source" (20). This doesn't mean an orignal piece of work per se, but it does need to be a first hand account, re-print or not.

[DSaff]

It looks beautiful, doesn't it? Beautiful and deadly!

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Fozzie wrote:

Did anyone notice the picture of the plant opposite the title page, mandrake?

I wonder how it will figure into the story.  All we know for sure so far is that mandrake is growing in Connie's grandmother's yard.

I tried unsuccessfully to insert a link to mandrake on Wikipedia.

Message Edited by Fozzie on 03-30-2009 09:09 AM

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[scarpettajunkie]

If we are advanced reader's maybe there is time for our author to go back and fix the whole plumbing issue.  There needs to be a hand pump in the house attached to a well outside.  Maybe she could change the tomato to something that does grow in spring?  Anyhow I agree that these are not germaine to the story.  Best not to get too hung up on some details.  Also, why did I not pick up on the fact that the dogs may be related.  Thanks for catching that guys!

[DSaff]

I understand your misgivings about the garden and water, but I was thinking that the house might be enchanted. Of course, this is only speculation as I haven't started chapter 7 yet. But, it would make sense. Neither Liz nor Connie picks up on your thoughts either. hmmmmm

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Read-n-Rider wrote:

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DSaff wrote:

Did anyone else find a correlation between Arlo and the dog that attented Martha's death? Both dogs seem to be an extension of their mistress. I loved how Arlo "found" Connie, and their relationship is neat to watch. He is her companion and confidant. Could the dog at the beginning be a kindred spirit? I am looking forward to your thoughts!

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Yes, I noticed this, too; the dogs are even similar physically--small and of an indeterminate color.  The 1681 dog is described (p. 6) as a "little dog, some dingy color between brown and tan."  The fact that he is sitting attentively at Deliverance's knees makes me think that he is her dog, not Martha's.  Connie's dog, Arlo, is described (p. 24) as being "an indistinct, dingy color, something between mud and leaves,....."  I am wondering if this signals further parallels between Deliverance and Connie; how about those "daydream" episodes, and the fact that Connie's mother, Grace, was into, among other things, "energetic healing?"

I am very much enjoying this book so far.  However, I do have a couple of criticisms, both involving Granna's house--and garden.  We are told (p. 40) that "the near side of the house seemed overrun with vegetables.............summer squash, melon, and pumpkin."  In early June in Massachusetts?  I don't think so!  Where I live in Central New York, we are just planting these things in early June, and I think our climate is quite similar to that of Massachusetts.  She goes on to describe apparently ripe tomatoes and, while I applaud her descriptions of heirloom (old-time) varieties, here again, tomato plants do not survive New England winters and would definitely not be bearing fruit in early June.  Perhaps, however, I am being unfair to Ms. Howe, and these anachronisms are meant to indicate a "bewitched" condition at Granna's house.

I was also amused by the water situation in the house.  Connie notes that, though there is no electricity, there is running water.  Now, I realize that some old houses had cisterns in the cellar where rain water was collected and stored, then brought up to the kitchen with a hand pump.  However, we are told that Granna's house had water at the turn of a faucet, and even had a second-floor bathroom!  Not likely without an ELECTRIC water pump.

Joan

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[liisa22]

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CindybS wrote:

Oh come on, guys!  The book requires the reader all along to suspend disbelief, right?  I, too, like things "neat" but those details are pretty minor in the scheme (plot) of things.

Maybe the house had a well (non-electric).  And why can't the garden be as magical as some of the characters?

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Exactly!

[liisa22]

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  I can't help but wonder if Connie is related to Deliverance and Mercy.

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Maybe I've just made the assumption in my own mind but I was sure that we already knew there was a lineage going back to Deliverance.

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Maybe you are thinking of the author, "whose ancestors were accused witches in Salem," according to the first page behind the cover.

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 My first thought is that Deliverance is an ancestor of Connie's. 

[kren250]

I'll be the first to admit I'm a very picky reader. Little details like this will put me off an entire book. Many a time I've set aside a book because of just one little thing about it that bothered me;-).

I'm very much in the minority in that I don't like this book. I'm almost finished (about 50 pages to go), and it didn't get any better for me. Too many plot holes, I had problems with the characters (most notably Connie herself), didn't think the writing was anything special. I'll be honest, this ranks amongst the worst books I've read so far this year.

It looks like many others are enjoying it though, and I've enjoyed reading others viewpoints:-). Maybe I can be more forgiving of the book as I read more of the comments about it.

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CindybS wrote:

Oh come on, guys!  The book requires the reader all along to suspend disbelief, right?  I, too, like things "neat" but those details are pretty minor in the scheme (plot) of things.

Maybe the house had a well (non-electric).  And why can't the garden be as magical as some of the characters?

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[Fozzie]

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KCHaughawout wrote:

I, too, noticed some inconsistencies when it came to the house and it being abandoned for 20 some years. However, I didn't let that interfere with the story.

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I agree.  I don't think we know the truth about the house yet.  Whose to say that someone hasn't had the water turned on and off for years? 

I remember a tax issue being mentioned, that taxes hadn't been paid for a long time, but it was a small amount until recently, so only became an issue when the taxes recently went up.  I believe this.  I live in a small, seaside community on the coast of Maine.  Many small, waterfront homes, which have been in families for generations, many fishmen or lobstermen, have within recent years found themselves part of townwide tax revaluations.  New, bigger, luxury vacation homes being built along the coast have literally driven people out of small, family, working waterfront homes because the fishermen or lobstermen can no longer afford the higher taxes on the property on which the home sits.