This dual narrative alternates between Connie Goodwin, a 20th century PhD candidate in history searching for that elusive beast, an original primary source, and the story of a peculiar line of women in 17th and 18th century Salem who are accused of witchcraft, perhaps not entirely without basis. Connie’s life is about little other than history; she is thrilled when she stumbles on clues towards what may be a lost Salem witch. As she makes friends – perhaps more than friends – with attractive restorer Sam, digs around in archives, and attempts to clean her grandmother’s colonial house, Connie realizes that there are larger forces at work than just her search for the physick book of Deliverance Dane.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked this up, but I certainly got more than that! I loved this book. I could relate to Connie very, very well. She’s a PhD student and I’m only a lowly MA student, but much of our experience and love for history is very similar. I loved reading about her research, poking through archives full of that old book smell, and her discoveries. I haven’t been able to poke through archives on my own yet but I can’t wait for an excuse! Anyway, being able to relate to the protagonist so well made this book for me.
I also found the idea very clever. We’re so caught up in the fact that there weren’t witches at Salem that we miss out on the fun of pretending that there were, and moreover that magic exists. I loved this idea and I found the way it was executed very well done; it fits with what I know of the Salem witch trials but still provides something new and different.
As far as the villain goes, I figured that out, but I enjoyed the journey to Connie’s discovery. Her relationship with her mother was particularly interesting; she seems to be able to “see” her mother over the phone without even realizing that she’s doing it or that it’s unusual. That was the first hint I had regarding any abilities. I also liked the way things developed between them over time. I loved the character of Sam, who restores old buildings for a living. Can I have his job? Someone please say yes.
Anyway, I’m doing a very sorry job of expressing how much I liked this book! Its 350+ pages flew by. I had dreams about it. I thought it was well told, fast paced, engrossing, and interesting. If I had to pick one thing I didn’t like, it was a few of the longer flashbacks; some of the characters felt like their stories had already been told. Regardless, I liked Deliverance, and I didn’t mind when we heard about her or her daughter.
I would definitely recommend this book. It works as historical fiction but it also works as a regular novel. I loved reading it and maybe you would too.
Available via IndieBound, Powell’s, Amazon, and Amazon UK.
I can imagine I’d have a similar reaction. Glad this is in my pile. Now I just have to find it….
lenore’s last blog post..Tour of Hachette Books
Hmmmm…I might have to move this up on the pile. Was it hard to read, with that weird cover? I hate to admit it, but that put me off. But you do make it sound so good, I guess I’ll try to ignore it.
Heather’s last blog post..Help Me Pack
Surprisingly, it didn’t bother me at all. I found it fairly easy to tuck into the back cover and it only stuck out a little. I was expecting it to be annoying too!
I figured you’d probably love this… I’m glad I was right! I like your point that we normally assume there were no witches, so we miss the fun of what if there were. I’ve never read anything that takes that point of view before (well, Witch Child by Celia Rees has a girl from that time frame who actually has powers, but it’s not as well done.as this book.)
Fyrefly’s last blog post..Naomi Novik – Throne of Jade
I’m reading this one very soon, too. I’m really looking forward to it and your positive review has just increased my anticipation.
Beth F’s last blog post..BEA: Adding to Mount TBR
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that you liked this book. I am planning on reading it this month and now I’m looking forward to it!
Julie P.’s last blog post..Review: Belong to Me
I really liked this too. Actually, Katherine Howe is writing a guest post for me on Tuesday, and I think it is one that you’ll appreciate, as a grad student.
Jen – Devourer of Books’s last blog post..Bought – Book Review
I would like to read this book. I’ve heard both good and bad things about it, but I can’t resist a story set in that time period–and one that includes witches. Thanks for your great review, Meghan.
Literary Feline’s last blog post..Reviews: Defending Angels & Angel’s Advocate
I’ve heard good things about this book, but it isn’t released here for a few weeks. It is going to be called ‘The Lost Book of Salem’ in the UK, so the link you have to Amazon UK is going to the very expensive US import version, instead of the much more affordable paperback.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)’s last blog post..Out – Natsuo Kirino
Oh, thanks for that! I never know when to look for a different title. I’ve fixed it now.
Great! I’ve already ordered a copy, so look forward to reading it in a few weeks time.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)’s last blog post..Out – Natsuo Kirino
I have this on my TBR pile. Based on your review, it’s now a lot closer to the top. I’m glad you enjoyed it so much. Thanks for the great review!
Ruth @ Bookish Ruth’s last blog post..Review of The Mystic Lighthouse Mysteries: The Mystery of the Dark Lighthouse
I”m relieved you liked this because I read some so-so reviews
Amy @ My Friend Amy’s last blog post..Faith ‘n’ Fiction Saturday: Reader’s Choice Awards!
Yes, you can have Sam’s job.
This book sounds really good; I love books about witches. I’ll have to see if I can get it at the library.
heidenkind’s last blog post..Books That Stick With You
Wow! This sounds amazing. I’m going to put it in my wish list to read some time down the line!
Becky’s last blog post..48 Hour Marathon #3 — Hour 19
I loved it also, And I am glad you did. My review is here at The Burton Review.. if I ever get my stack of books from my mom back I plan on doing a giveaway for it, I am sure it will be a hit.
Marie Burton’s last blog post..Friday Fill-In & A Plea for Votes!!
I keep reading good reviews about this one – I’m looking forward to getting to it myself.
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Poe Fridays (on Saturday)
I’m glad to see a good review. The ones I have seen so far have been mixed, but I figure that I will like it anyway.
Nicole’s last blog post..The Sunday Salon: June 7, 2009
I love books that invade my dreams! I can’t wait to read this after reading your review.
Kathy’s last blog post..Family Fun
I really enjoyed this book as well. Great review!
S. Krishna’s last blog post..Sunday Salon
I read this book a few weeks ago also, and really thought it was well done. I liked that it had so many different elements to it, and thought that it excelled as a historical fiction novel as well as a suspense novel. I am really glad you enjoyed it too.
Zibilee’s last blog post..Palace Circle by Rebecca Dean – 432 pgs
I really liked this one too. It was fun.
Chris@bookarama’s last blog post..Friday Bookish Buzz: Bookaholics Unite
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