The Lost Apothecary (Sarah Penner) 🥈🔰

Winner: 2nd Ranked Book 2021

What is the first thing that pulls you toward a book? Probably the author? Or a recommendation from a friend? Word of mouth? For me, it was the name “The Lost Apothecary” that intrigued me enough to pull up this book. And dare I say, I picked up the best book I have read to date.

The title “The Lost Apothecary” hints towards something forgotten or hidden, probably a reference to some history, probably some element of suspense or an unknown factor. A quick search would tell you, an apothecary is someone who prepares or sells drugs or medicines. This in itself sets you thinking & lets the imagination go wild with all possibilities it might bring.

The book is beautifully woven around a 200 year old setting, 1791 to be precise, where lived Nella – the owner of the Apothecary. The Apothecary, originally run by her mother, had been a reputable shop offering herbal remedies for women’s maladies. But in the hands of her daughter, it quietly transformed into something very different, a disguised, dark apothecary – still catering to women, but in a vastly different scheme – which you must read to find out 🙂

From there, the story links effortlessly to the present day where an unsuspecting tourist, Caroline, finds herself drawn into discovering & learning the truth of this lost past. Caroline – a British history graduate, always interested in what lay beyond books, the untold secrets of ordinary people. Caroline, as many of us do, buried her aspirations & desires in pursuit of a stable, secured life. How life draws us back to our true passions when we least suspect – is what shines in the midst of – a manipulative husband, a discovery of breach of trust & an effort to regroup your life.

Enjoyable Narration

I for one have been fascinated by historical fiction. And the seamless manner in which Sarah Penner amalgamates history, fiction, an element of surprise, excitement & revenge in this book is simply magical & makes for a compelling read. The author uses with finesse, a very unique style of narration – hopping between “then” and “now” – the “past” and the “present” – both equally engrossing. There never is a dull moment with the scintillating twists & turns in this book.

Lovable Characters

The chief protagonist of this story, the lil Elisa who comes across as such a lovable character – innocent, stubborn (or maybe I should say ‘determined’), fearless and above all, a clean hearted soul, you start to feel for. On the other hand, the character of Nella is highly intriguing, almost with a shade of some witch craft to it. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Beautiful Moments

The story is bespangled with some heart warming & funny moments that make you laugh & love the little Elisa. One such incident that stays etched in the mind is when Nella & her prospective customer Lady Clarence are having an all important conversation, only to be interrupted by the screeching sound of Eliza dragging a wooden box across the floor to be seated between them. And following it up , greeting Lady Clarence with “We are so pleased to have you here”. Small little touches from the author like the aforesaid makes this novel such a magnificent book. It obviously doesn’t add anything to the story, but this is what makes you “live” this story.

Intriguing Terminologies And Small Knick-Knacks

You would find the book flecked with words such as arsenic, chicken egg laced with nux vomica, cantharides, hellebore, poisons, vials & tinctures. The significance of a simple register to be the only place where names of some ordinary women & their existence would be preserved in history – its a such an intelligent & unerring thought. Another such thought, of holding the same glass vial with the bear imprint that last was held by the lil Eliza some 200 years ago, or being at a place – that was center of all these happenings centuries ago – it is an exhilarating experience.

It is certainly not easy to bring the two parallel stores to meet each other & link them so intelligently that it makes it look easy. Caroline working her way through, digging in the past & ultimately being rewarded with a secret, which as she says – is a secret she shares with Eliza, and one that she chooses not to disclose despite the glory & fame it would bring to her.

Conveying A Message

Amidst all the captivating events, the book doesn’t fail to convey some beautiful messages. You never know how & where you may find a friend for life in the most unsuspecting manner – special mention to Gaynor – Caroline’s unselfish savior in time of need. It also tells you to break free from the undesirable bindings & live for yourself – follow your heart & do what you are passionate for. As it says “Life is too short to be miserable 40 hours a week”!

Reading any book, we naturally create an image of the characters in our mind – their appearance, their attire, their speech, and so on. After reading The Lost Apothecary, I am rather left wondering how the author, Sarah Penner, would have visualized them? How does Nella look like in reality (in the author’s eyes)? How do Eliza & Carline look like? Though our English version of the book had no hints whatsoever, a recent Italian translation of the book has a cover showing probably a grown up Eliza, and she looks beautiful, see below. It also shows the infamous register & the small bear.

Conclusion

Such a great book needed to have a great ending. And without disclosing much, I just would say – I was smiling wide! I can find no flaw in this enchanting story. There’s probably one aspect I would have wanted to know: Whether the author was being metaphorical, or if the end was to be taken literally – that is left to the reader’s imagination. I wish the author had elucidated it. That said, for a first time author, The Lost Apothecary is a blockbuster of a debut novel. Being translated into 35+ languages is ample testimony to the love it has received worldwide. I can safely say – this book will be hard to beat this year! And maybe in the years to come!! Get your copy here.

Historical Fiction fans, have you tried The Last Bookshop In London (Madeline Martin) or The Vault Of Vishnu (Ashwin Sanghi) yet?