The Lost Apothecary: A Novel
Named Most Anticipated of 2021 by Newsweek, Good Housekeeping, Hello! magazine, Oprah.com, Bustle, Popsugar, Betches, Sweet July, and GoodReads!
March 2021 Indie Next Pick and #1 LibraryReads Pick
“A bold, edgy, accomplished debut!” —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network
A forgotten history. A secret network of women. A legacy of poison and revenge. Welcome to The Lost Apothecary…
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.
The Lost Apothecary: A Novel by Sarah Penner
In the heart of 18th century London, Nella Clavinger, an apothecary's assistant, possesses the rare ability to craft potions that can alter fate. But when her beloved husband dies under mysterious circumstances, Nella uses her skills to seek revenge on the man she believes is responsible.
Over two hundred years later, Caroline Parcewell, a woman living in the same house as Nella once did, discovers a hidden room containing an old apothecary's journal. As Caroline delves into the journal, she becomes entranced by Nella's tale and the secrets it holds.
As Caroline uncovers more about Nella's life, she finds herself drawn into the past, where she becomes intimately acquainted with Nella's struggles, her passions, and her devastating loss. Caroline soon realizes that the boundary between the past and the present is far more fluid than she ever imagined.
With wisdom, compassion, and a touch of magic, The Lost Apothecary explores the timeless themes of love, loss, betrayal, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Key Themes in The Lost Apothecary:- Love and Loss: The novel explores the profound impact of love and loss on the human heart. Nella's grief over the death of her husband drives her to seek revenge, while Caroline finds solace in Nella's story and the possibility of healing her own emotional wounds.
- Betrayal: Both Nella and Caroline experience betrayal from those they love and trust. Nella's husband betrays her by having an affair, while Caroline's boyfriend leaves her for another woman. These experiences teach them the importance of self-reliance and the need to find strength within themselves.
- The Power of Forgiveness: As Caroline learns more about Nella's life, she begins to understand the reasons behind her actions. This leads her on a journey of forgiveness, both for Nella and for herself. Forgiveness becomes a powerful tool for healing and moving forward with life.
- The Enduring Power of the Human Spirit: Despite the challenges they face, both Nella and Caroline demonstrate the resilience and strength of the human spirit. They refuse to give up, even in the face of adversity, and they find ways to overcome their obstacles and create new lives for themselves.
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