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There are currently 23 member reviews
for The Lost Apothecary
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Martha G. (Columbia, MO)
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
A thoroughly researched novel about a not-so-wonderful subject; poisoning those who malign others' lives. The Lost Apothecary toggles back and forth from the 1700's hidden apothecary shop to the present day problems of a couple who are experiencing a "poisoning" of their marriage.
The first third of the book introduced the characters, but because of their negative attitudes, I found them unlikable. I became more engaged as the historical revelations took over in the middle development of the plot. Finally, watching Caroline, Nella, and Eliza fight for their lives created a fascinating ending.
The author has used the language of the 1700s almost as another character. I noticed one discrepancy on page 218...Gaynor goes out to buy a latte and then later is described as "lifting the lid from her cup to let her tea cool".
It may be the unpleasant subject matter that would keep me from recommending this book to someone else, but I suspect book clubs would find it ripe with discussion points. I found I had to suspend my "that couldn't happen" realistic brain on a couple of incidents. But that's a part of the magick!
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Dorothy G. (Naperville, IL)
Recommend with Reservations
The plot concept was brilliant and hooked me with just the description. I did feel that the execution of the plot, while interesting, was simplistic in its unveiling. The author tended to over describe connections and reveals that felt condescending. Additionally, some of the character events felt unsubstantiated. For example, Caroline's husband was not mean spirited or manipulative throughout the novel and then it's revealed that he's a master manipulator who may be suicidal. Eliza's introduction to magic and her near miss with death felt hurried and overly simplified. I wish Sarah Penner had taken more time to flesh out these characters and events. Overall the story line was good and I would recommend to others albeit readers who tend toward young adult fiction.
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