The Lost Apothecary

The Lost Apothecary is a tale told to readers through the perspectives of different women. Apothecary Nella from 1791 and historian Caroline in the present day are the main characters. Both women have dealt with infidelity in their relationships, and separate losses over children. While their tales are not one for one the same, the heartbreak they endure is a common thread throughout their narratives.

This novel relies heavily on the literature side of writing, giving readers a surface level understanding of the two women’s situations. The reader is told through first-person what they are experiencing, but the emotional side is left up to the reader's imagination. The audiobook narrator added emotion to the women’s stories, but the reader is still told more than shown what they are going through.

As Nella reveals the truth behind her choice to make poisons, Caroline begins to discover the truths about her marriage. Both women deal with deceitful men, and in their way take a stand against them. There is a shared grief between the two women and this common theme is carried within the tale. While Nella tells the reader about the man who influenced her life, readers will see firsthand the gaslighting and deception Caroline must face.

The Lost Apothecary is a fictional novel for those who want to read about finding oneself after infidelity and the desire to have a family. Sarah Penner also makes sure to include the themes of womanhood and remaining true to yourself instead of what others want you to become.

I've had this book on my shelf for a while. I've read mixed reviews about it. But I'm very happy I finally read it. I enjoyed the writing. I enjoyed the dual timelines and how they intertwined. It was also a quick easy read. The only thing I didn't like was the last chapter and how it actually ended. But overall I thought it was a good read

disappointing read after a strong start :(
i wasn't interested in the present day story at all, ok maybe for the tiny hopes of a sapphic romance (I'm seeing a pattern here with all of my reads) which never fruited. present day mc made sooo many silly decisions and i just didn't like her character and couldn't stand by any of the weird choices she made, her internal thoughts were quite frustrating. and oddly, the narrator had an English accent for this American character during all thoughts and first person description. but whenever she spoke aloud she put on an American accent. why not just have an American accent for the entire present part? they also had an Extremely English man say sneakers aloud. #petpeeve

i was enjoying the historical parts, nella and eliza were great characters but the whole thing was a little slow. and far far far too many women spoke about the longings of their wombs. maybe the author is going through something wrt to that but it felt unesessary.

i think this shows promise and i look forward to see what the author will write next. the premise was so intriguing, just a shame about the execution.

CAWPILE Breakdown:
Characters: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Writing: 10
Plot: 10
Intrigue: 8
Logic: 8
Enjoyment: 10

I loved this book. It was so well written and I loved seeing how the women's stories intertwined. It was also fascinating to see how the past affected the future. I normally am not a fan of dual timeline books but I thought this one was so well done and added so much to the story.