Part I, Chapters 7 - 14

[Bedelia]

 I don't really care for Chilton and I think he's up to something and that is why he is now pushing her so hard.  I think he plans to "steal" her research and pass if off as his own.  I find it hard to believe that Connie doesn't search her grandmother's house more for the book.  Also, seems like she should consider the idea that her own grandmother was a 'cunning' woman.  She has the plants growing in her yard, bottles with labels on shelving and the key to that book. 

So far I love the book.  The characters are well drawn and the settings described enough paint pictures in my mind as I read.  The plot is fine and I really enjoy the interlude chapters set in the time of Dane.  

[Melissa_W Moderator]

I am actually not surprised by Chilton's behavior when Connie notes that the trail of the "receipt" book has gone cold; academia breeds some pretty wierd behavior, especially if someone has already been acclaimed for previous work because the pressure to do ever better increases.  No one really rests on his/her laurels until retirement and even then some continue to work ceaselessly.  Academics become very single minded in the pursuit of a singluar discovery, as Janine hints at in her meeting with Connie, and Chilton has probably become so obsessed with his alchemical theory that he sees Connie as his only way to prove it.  That doesn't make him right, just maniacally obsessed.  His whole threatening to have Connie's funding pulled is just the ego talking; although 1991 is a little early for grad student unions, Connie could appeal some really insane threat like that through the college (and for all the "my girl" comments he makes, this is pre-Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas and sexual harassment training has yet to debut on college campuses).

With all the privileged information the reader receives regarding Deliverance, Mercy, and Prudence through the Interludes, Connie seems very dense for a graduate student of history at Harvard University.  IMO, Connie should have immediately noticed Prudence's mention of an "almanack" - particularly a mention that causes Mercy to become upset.  I think by the end of this section I think it's clear that this line of women does posess a special talent, documented and enhanced by a written journal of information to be passed down from mother to daughter.  I think it is also clear (from the information we are given in the Interlude) that Prudence recognizes the pattern of her own family history and sacrifices what she sees as the source of the family power; however, in her journal she notes that Patty has gone to aid a woman with the delivery of a child so while Prudence sells the book she discounts the orally transmitted information already given to Patty.

I'm going to have to switch grears here and note that I think Sam's appearance is predictable; however, it is nice that he is not "conventional" in the sense of a love-interest.

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rkubie wrote:

This section opens with Connie telling Chilton of her source, and by the end of it, we know that Chilton is furious with Connie for not finding the "receipt" book. Have your feelings for Chilton changed?

What is the "receipt" book? How has it been used by this line of women? What does it mean to Prudence? 

Connie's research turns up Prudence's journal to give us another glimpse into the lives of Mercy, Prudence, and Patty. Do you have a sense of what Prudence was like?

How close is Connie's understanding of these women's lives, compared to our own? How does it feel to have more information than Connie does?

What is the symbol on the front door, and how do you believe it got there? (This question is for those who haven't read past chapter 14!)

Connie and Sam's relationship continues to grow. How is Sam helping Connie's research? Is Sam a romantic?

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[biljounc63]

I am wondering if there is anything to the comment that Connie has made more than once since the beginning of the book that it is "too hot to work." At first I thought that it was a stall tactic to avoid her "work" both professional and personal but now I'm thinking there is something more to it. It's to out of character for her.

Message Edited by biljounc63 on 04-07-2009 04:46 PM

[thewanderingjew]

I think that as I read further into the book, the reaffixing of the horseshoe above the door will probably turn out to be a very significant event. I also found an interesting comment about horseshoes at this website. The website itself has some pretty unusual links. It would seem that witchcraft is a flourishing business.

"However, in its function as an amulet for magical protection, especially over the doorways of barns and stables, the horseshoe usually points downward and it is said that "no witch will pass under it."

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DSaff wrote:

Did anyone else find significance in Connie's fixing the horseshoe on pgs. 196-197? I loved the way she picked up the nail, clenched her jaw and pushed the horseshoe into alignment. Then she stepped back to admire it and uttered "Blessed be" to Arlo. Salem and some of its people are growing on her and this seems like a step to bring better luck.

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[emmagrace]

My feelings for Chilton have certainly changed! He is way to involved with Connie and her research. I think that he is using her to further his own career.

I think that the receipt book is a spell/recipe book used for magical/healing purposes. The women used this book to heal etc... different people until Prudence sold it. To me, Prudence felt like the book was a curse and she felt that if she got rid of it then her family could be safe and finally find peace and the rumors would eventually fade.

I am still trying to figure Prudence out. She seems like a very determined woman. She gets to the point and does not linger on things.

I find myself wishing desperately that I could tell Connie all the things that I have learned that she has not.

I have not come to any conclusions about the symbol and how it found its way to Connie's door. I have several theories and I am very eager to find out exactly what it means and who put it on the door.

Sam helps Connie see things from a different perspective and I think that he is a romantic!

[PinkBaby]

oh chilton is defintely going to do something!  i think you are right about him  going to  take advantage of the situation. in chapter  nine he talks about going to a conferance. maybe  when he goes there  he will steal connies research and say this discovery is  all his. and nother thing connie is so excited  about this discoverey that i dont think she has  a clue that he is up to something.

[blkeyesuzi]

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thewanderingjew wrote:

I think that as I read further into the book, the reaffixing of the horseshoe above the door will probably turn out to be a very significant event. I also found an interesting comment about horseshoes at this website. The website itself has some pretty unusual links. It would seem that witchcraft is a flourishing business.

"However, in its function as an amulet for magical protection, especially over the doorways of barns and stables, the horseshoe usually points downward and it is said that "no witch will pass under it."

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Wow, that's really interesting.  Particularly how the horseshoe's significance changes from place to place. It always seems to hold magical properties, however.   I'm from Texas and in Texas (and probably other areas in the south) the horseshoe has always been for good luck and it is hung with the other end up (in a "U"), so the luck doesn't run out.  If we were trying to protect ourselves from witches, we were certainly doing it wrong! 

Message Edited by blkeyesuzi on 04-07-2009 03:02 PM

[PinkBaby]

yup  chilton is definetly a creep. at first he wasnt interested at all in connies discovery of delieverance dane. but once he  found out the information could be vey valuable he  got real interested realllllllllllll fast. thats because  he is going to make the discovery  his own. and not say any thing about connie.

[JerseyAngel]

I have to say I am enjoying the relationship between Sam & Connie. Sam seems to balance her out. She see things from the academic & practical point of view where Sam seems more open to other possibilities. When they go into the store is a good example. She's quick to roll her eyes & brush things off where Sam is more open. I think this will help Connie with her research as well as personally. I also have to say I loved their first kiss! Sam could have easily just kissed her where they were but instead he wanted to take her somewhere special. I think that definately shows a romantic side (I'm only on chapter 11 so not sure what is to follow just yet).

[chris227]

Okay so am I posting my responses before reading through everyone else's posts so forgive me if I repeat other people's thoughts!

About Chilton, he still gives me the creeps.  There's definitely something funny about him and I think he is up to something.  I almost had a change of heart after Connie's meeting with Janine.  It must be really hard for him to be a laughingstock because of his new theory.  Now I don't understand all this alchemy stuff but is it possible that he just wants Connie to find the 'recipe book' because it will help to support his theory?  But then I think back to Grace's conversation with Connie on pages 166-167 "Why do you think he's so invested...Just tread lightly." 

The 'receipt book' is the physick book where Deliverance, Mercy and their ancestors kept the recipes for the different tinctures and remedies they used in their work helping the sick.  Prudence does not care to keep the book because to her it is just a reminder of the shame that came to the family when Deliverance was accused of being a witch.  She was almost happy to be rid of the book as if getting rid of the book could erase what happened in the past.  Mercy was extremely upset when she found out that the book was gone.  To her the book was a memory of her heritage and though she was ashamed of the accusations against Deliverance she was proud of her mother and the things that she did.

To me knowing more about the past than Connie knows does make the story a little more interesting.  I find myself rooting more for Connie to 'catch up' to where the reader is.  I feel frustrated for her when she comes up to a dead end and want to urge her on.  At other times though I want to just scream at her and say why do you not see what I am seeing!

[chris227]

I never even thought about the meteor!  I share your feeling though about the sign being protective.  I never really got a feeling of danger when they were talking about the symbol on the door and I think that it was put there by her ancestors, perhaps Deliverance herself, but I just couldn't quite grasp the how. You're idea withe the meteor though fits!

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bibanon1 wrote:

Good catch DSaff!  I didn't think about that but I think you are right!!!

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DSaff wrote:

The door - I think the symbol was burned by the blue light she thought was from a meteor (pg. 171). The perfect circle leads me to believe that it was done supernaturally, and the timing is right. I looked up the words and they seem to denote a helper of God. So, I wonder if this is a sign of protection rather than something bad. I could be way off base, but think there are forces on both sides of finding The Physick Book!

I

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[chris227]

I made a note that Grace said this as well.  My feeling is that Grace doesn't understand Connie's fascination with academics.  I believe Grace knows of the family's heritage and has embraced it in her own way.  She just reads auras and things like that instead of mixing up healing potions.  I think that this comment is just meant to nudge Connie a little more of looking at herself and her surroundings so that she can realize who she realize who she really is and what her family members were.  To me Grace means no harm.  Grace knows that Connie would think she was absolutely crazy if she started telling her about witches so she sent her to Granna's house knowing that Connie, who is so immersed in research, will search and find the truth for herself.

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maude40 wrote:
At the end of chapter 9 Connie is talking to Grace again. Grace says,"All I'm saying is that it couldn't hurt to spend a little time looking into yourself and see what's going on in there. You are a special, remarkable person, Connie, whether you find the book or not." Grace negates Connie's academic achievements  and seems to be pushing her in some other direction. Most mothers would be delighted to have their daughter working on her dissertation at Harvard but Grace knows something that we don't about the house and it's past. I think she's much more astute than we give credit for. Yvonne

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[ponie]

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blkeyesuzi wrote:

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rkubie wrote:

This section opens with Connie telling Chilton of her source, and by the end of it, we know that Chilton is furious with Connie for not finding the "receipt" book. Have your feelings for Chilton changed?

What is the symbol on the front door, and how do you believe it got there? (This question is for those who haven't read past chapter 14!)

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Well, Chilton just keeps getting creepier and creepier.  I just want to tell Connie to stay away from that crazy man!  My feelings for him have only changed in the fact that I feel even more certain that he's bad news for Connie.

 Perhaps the symbol on the door may have been created by the house, itself. Based on what I know so far about the house and the garden, it certainly seems that they are magical enough to make this possible.  Everything around Connie from this point seems to be trying to speak to her and give her clues.  One of the first clues was the "magical" garden and its mysteries.  Maybe the house is warning Connie about something.  Another possibility could be that the symbol on the house is similar to the horseshoe above the door, only more powerful...a form of protection...now that Connie is "home" and opening herself to the past, the house intends to protect her.

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Wow! bikeyesuzi!!  What a thought!  Some have thought it was Grace (protection - good), some have thought Chilton (warning, scarey - evil), and one poster mentioned maybe it was the girl in the shop (maybe in a territorial kind of way, warning, making a statement, drawing a line - not good/evil/menancing)...but I like the thought of it being the house (protection, security - good).  Thanks for the thought!!!

[ponie]

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thewanderingjew wrote:

I think that as I read further into the book, the reaffixing of the horseshoe above the door will probably turn out to be a very significant event. I also found an interesting comment about horseshoes at this website. The website itself has some pretty unusual links. It would seem that witchcraft is a flourishing business.

"However, in its function as an amulet for magical protection, especially over the doorways of barns and stables, the horseshoe usually points downward and it is said that "no witch will pass under it."

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DSaff wrote:

Did anyone else find significance in Connie's fixing the horseshoe on pgs. 196-197? I loved the way she picked up the nail, clenched her jaw and pushed the horseshoe into alignment. Then she stepped back to admire it and uttered "Blessed be" to Arlo. Salem and some of its people are growing on her and this seems like a step to bring better luck.

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Oh my goodness twj...a very interesting site.  I am going back to spend more time there but I did chuckle at what it said to do and say 3 times if a witch comes to your house or you see a witch coming to your house.  Wow! there are some people I know that must be seeing a lot of witches because they say that often!!!!!!! [you have to go to the site to really get this!!!!!]

[nora_at_now]

I definitely agree with all the mistrust directed toward Chilton. I understand that an advisor should be invested in their student's progress, but Chilton seems a little bit too invested.

[blkeyesuzi]

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ponie wrote:

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thewanderingjew wrote:

I think that as I read further into the book, the reaffixing of the horseshoe above the door will probably turn out to be a very significant event. I also found an interesting comment about horseshoes at this website. The website itself has some pretty unusual links. It would seem that witchcraft is a flourishing business.

"However, in its function as an amulet for magical protection, especially over the doorways of barns and stables, the horseshoe usually points downward and it is said that "no witch will pass under it."

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DSaff wrote:

Did anyone else find significance in Connie's fixing the horseshoe on pgs. 196-197? I loved the way she picked up the nail, clenched her jaw and pushed the horseshoe into alignment. Then she stepped back to admire it and uttered "Blessed be" to Arlo. Salem and some of its people are growing on her and this seems like a step to bring better luck.

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Oh my goodness twj...a very interesting site.  I am going back to spend more time there but I did chuckle at what it said to do and say 3 times if a witch comes to your house or you see a witch coming to your house.  Wow! there are some people I know that must be seeing a lot of witches because they say that often!!!!!!! [you have to go to the site to really get this!!!!!]

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aaaah! Ponie...that's a riot! Way too funny! I think you're right, I think there must be LOTS of witches running around by the looks of it!!! 

[ann1009961]

First, I am really enjoying the book.  I got off to a bit of a slow start because of other things going on, but now I cannot seem to put it down!  

I didn't care for Chilton from the start & I just dislike him even more.  He seems to be pushing Connie to benefit himself and his work.  I think he is hoping her primary source will assist him in proving the philosopher's stone is real or he already knows it is and is trying to locate it for himself.

I think the symbol on the front door is a hex or spell from her ancestors (Granna?  Deliverance?) put there for Connie's protection of ? (not sure yet).

Connie & Sam seem to complement each other.  Their relationship seems very real & I look forward to seeing where it goes from here.  Sam seems to give Connie some strength in her life when it is changing in some very different ways that she cannot quite grasp because she thinks intellectually and does not let her own common sense and feelings guide her.

[Carmenere_lady]

Did anyone catch on page 174, Arlo barks at Officer Litchman which makes the other officer reply, "Pretty weahd he wouldn'ta scared 'em (door artist) off"?  It sort of tells us that the person who put the sign on the door was familiar to Arlo.  Hmmmmm, but who would that be? 

I don't know much about channeling but sometimes I get the feeling that Grace can channel Arlo.  That's why Grace knows about "the boy" or how Connie is feeling, or when she's lonely or frightend.  When Connie is, there's Arlo.

[Reading_Seduct…]

My feelings for Chilton have not changed I believe he's a creep and up to no good. I haven't liked him since chpt 1.

[TRJ4SQ]

It's about time Connie decided to look around Grandma's house for more on Deliverance. I hadn't thought that the Bible where the key was found could be Deliverance's. I'm disappointed that she didn't find more info there as family Bibles are often a treasure trove of family history. Perhaps the answer lies behind the pages that are stuck together.

It seems to be a trend that all of the men in the family die suddenly from accidents and leave their widows behind with only a single daughter. This also runs parallel to what we know of Connie's family. Maybe Connie should think twice before hooking up with Sam.

Not sure what to make of the little corn husk voodoo effigy doll but I know that I wouldn't be gnawing my knuckles after fiddling with voodoo dolls & old books unless I washed my hands.

Does Connie ever feed Arlo? I know my dog likes to eat ALL of the time. I'm getting some stronger hints here about him. His chameleon aspects are becoming more apparent with each chapter.