72 pages 2 hours read

Deborah Harkness

The Book of Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Chapters 6-10Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 6 Summary

At Baldwin’s request, Diana arranges a formal dinner where Marcus officially announces his engagement to Phoebe. They intend to wed once Marcus transforms Phoebe into a vampire, a decision that raises concerns—notably, the risk of blood rage—voiced by Matthew. As tensions rise, Matthew’s phone interrupts the argument. Benjamin, calling from Miriam’s phone, issues a dire threat: He claims to possess both a means to obliterate the de Clermonts and knowledge of why witches concealed the Book of Life. After the call, Matthew ensures Miriam’s safety. The group, feeling Oxford is hazardous, favors Diana’s suggestion of returning to the Bishop’s house in Madison, New York, as the safest option.

Chapter 7 Summary

Diana, Matthew, Sarah, and Fernando seek refuge at the Bishop’s house. Matthew distracts himself with house repairs to avoid thinking about his past. Sarah’s grief deepens with her return to the home she shared with Emily. Diana and Sarah disagree about what to do with the magical tree sprouting in the chimney. Diana takes Sarah’s new car to town, where townsfolk inquire about her husband and Sarah. The local coven leader, Vivian Harrison, engages Diana at the grocery store, with two other witches, Abby and Caleb Pratt, joining the conversation. Diana seeks their assistance, and they agree to meet at the house.