Meagen The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is a bit of magical realism, historical fiction, and badass women all rolled into one delightful package. Run, don’t walk, to wherever you buy books and get this one now. You won’t be sorry.
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I was able to get this book a tiny bit early. Not sure how that happened but it was out for sale in my bookstore so I grabbed it. I ask no questions when something this excellent is available early! It’s on sale everywhere March 2, 2021 and I highly recommend you get a copy, borrow a copy, etc.
What is The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner about?
This is the blurb from Amazon and other retailers selling this fantastic novel:
Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.
Meanwhile in present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, running from her own demons. When she stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago, her life collides with the apothecary’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.
With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating debut novel of secrets, vengeance and the remarkable ways women can save each other despite the barrier of time.
What did you love about this book?
I loved everything about this book. This is a rave review so prepare yourself now!
The characters in The Lost Apothecary are beautiful, flawed, grieving, and just utterly, completely, human. These struggling women are brought together in the most amazing ways and it’s a truly fresh and unique take.
When I started this book I immediately found myself getting all the Alice Hoffman vibes. If you loved Practical Magic/Magic Lessons/The Rules of Magic you will devour The Lost Apothecary.
Another thing I loved about this novel was the historical elements. I thought it was such a smart look back at the world and I loved how she tied in the modern day storyline with the past.
It’s not an easy thing to do, I’m sure we can all think of a 100 instances where this just doesn’t work out but it’s so beautifully done here, I can only imagine the headaches and tears that must have been shed while putting this world together on paper.
I didn’t find this book hard to get into. It drew me in right from the very beginning. MUDLARKING?! Hello, how did I not know about this and how do I make more time in a day so I can a) research this and b) go do some of it for myself?!
The plot and world building here are flawless but it’s the characters for me, I’m always all about the characters. I could see myself being friends (or BEING) with these women. It’s difficult to write one truly wonderful female character in a novel, the fact that there are so many here that I want to be friends with is truly incredible.
Caroline’s journey is far from over when the novel ends but it made me almost giddy for her. I’m sitting here, up way past my usual bedtime, thinking about what the future will hold for her and I love it so much.
I can’t wait to see what we get next from Sarah Penner. As far as debut novels are concerned this one knocks it clean out of the park. I don’t even think we’re playing baseball anymore. It’s like that episode of The Big Bang Theory where Sheldon whips out their 3D chess board…Penner is playing on a higher level with The Lost Apothecary.
How long did it take you to read The Lost Apothecary?
My reading time is nothing special, but I will say I finished this one in a day. It’s not an overly long book, around 300 pages, and that works. I didn’t find myself thinking that it was drawn out or overly wordy, I also wasn’t left feeling like I was in the lurch, begging for more details etc.
Of course I could have stayed with these characters and this story for much longer, no complaints, but it’s a relatively fast read…if for no other reason than you fall in and don’t want to come back out.
Will you read more in this series?
If this ends up being a series, I’ve not heard one way or another on that, I would happily revisit this world and these characters. If it’s not glaringly obvious at this point I’m a big fan, hooked completely.
If we get a series out of this I want to see Caroline and Gaynor together. I got some serious vibes from Gaynor for Caroline before James shows up and I am here to say that I am fully committed to the idea of Caroline staying in the UK for school and then for Gaynor and their future research projects and relationship.
Overall opinions of this book:
I try not to spoil too much in my reviews because the whole idea is to figure out if you’ll like a book for yourself, right? Of course I can have no idea if you’ll actually like The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner but I hope you’ll at least give it a chance.
This is one of those books that you pick up and say “oh my gosh that cover is gorgeous.” Then you flip to the blurb and you think “oh wow that sounds so interesting.” Eventually you are a quarter of the way through the book and you can’t figure out how you’ll put it down to get any sleep (don’t start it late at night like I did) because it’s such a captivating story.
I truly loved every minute of this book. Fans of Alice Hoffman I think you’ll find this has all the Practical Magic vibes. It’s less fantastical than that, I think the “Magical Realism” tag is appropriate and suits quite well. I’ve found myself recommending this to friends and family who aren’t usually fantasy readers. It’s rooted enough in historical / contemporary fiction to really appeal to a huge variety of readers.
Even when I dislike books I don’t feel like they are a waste of time but I wouldn’t trade the hours I spent with this novel for anything else. So, so good. No questions asked 5 stars from me!
If you are a Book of the Month user you can get this for your March pick! If you aren’t a BOTM user you can use my link to get your first book for $10 and hurry the heck up and get The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner before they’re sold out, I’d be shocked to hear that they don’t.
Where can I buy this book for myself?
You can get this book everywhere, it’s a highly anticipated release for a reason…I grabbed a copy from Books-A-Million because I just happened to be doing some browsing there when it was being shelved early.
Below are links to the Amazon page for The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. Go check that out anyway, it’s got some beautiful graphics and rave reviews in the details.
It’s available in hardcover and on Kindle so if you can’t get a physical copy quickly, get that digital version!
Kindle Unlimited Membership PlansWhat else has Sarah Penner written?
After you read this book you’ll be shocked to find out that this is Sarah Penner’s debut novel. It’s just so beautifully written. I can’t get over the idea and I’ve already devoured The Lost Apothecary.
I can see the book hangover in my future. It’s a good thing I’ve plenty of work to do this week, I’ll be thinking about this one for days to come.
Looking for more reviews to check out?
Check out these other book reviews and bookish posts. I think you’ll love them! Make sure to let me know in the comments what kinds of books you like to read and what you’d like to see more of.
I’d love to hear about your favorite books, I’m always adding to my TBR (to be read) pile so leave those suggestions below!
