72 pages 2 hours read

Deborah Harkness

The Book of Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Chapters 11-16

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 11 Summary

Diana confesses her mother’s affinity for higher and dark magics to Matthew, sparking a renewed interest in researching Diana’s genetics. Fernando manages the household, while the house continues to torment Sarah with Fleetwood Mac.

To escape the music, Diana, Matthew, and Sarah visit a crossroads in the woods, where Diana hears voices. Matthew asks about the power in the woods, and Diana admits her desire for it, coupled with her fear. She reveals her debt to the goddess for saving Matthew’s life—her own life for his—and an argument ensues. Their disagreement ends when they sense the twins moving inside Diana.

The house presents Diana with Rebecca’s old grimoire, containing a birthday note and Diana’s caul. This discovery helps Diana and Matthew realize that Diana’s parents also embodied a mix of opposing magics.

Chapter 12 Summary

On Diana’s birthday, her best friend, Chris Roberts, surprises her at the house. He is distressed and shocked by her sudden disappearance and the revelation that she is married to Matthew and expecting twins. Chris’s pain deepens upon learning of Emily’s death. Diana candidly explains that Matthew is a vampire, she is a witch, and they were hiding in the past. Chris accepts this surprising information with composure but floods Diana with questions.

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