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A review by readwithria
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The Lost Apothecary kept me reading, but didn’t keep me guessing.
I read this book pretty quickly, and while I thought the concept was executed well I don’t think it was the book for me.
Things I Liked
- I really enjoyed the 1791 timeline. I think that Nella and Eliza were an unlikely pair, and their relationship was weird and lovely.
- Caroline’s growth throughout the book was quite refreshing! I wasn’t surprised by her decision at the end of the book at all, but I was very glad she made them!
- it was so easy to dislike James! Very much fit with the men-are-trash theme
Things I Wosh Were Different
- I think the present day timeline was a bit cheesy at times, which made it difficult to connect with Caroline.
- Again in the present day timeline, the secondary characters lacked depth that I wish had been there. I know it’s a short timeline, but it easily could have been extended by a day or two to make some of the relationships deeper.
- Caroline was a little too in her head about her secrets. I know it was a theme of the book, but her internal struggle was a bit heavy handed for my taste.
Overall, this was a good book that I would recommend to folks who I’m enjoy historical fiction and mystery novels. 3.75 stars.
I read this book pretty quickly, and while I thought the concept was executed well I don’t think it was the book for me.
Things I Liked
- I really enjoyed the 1791 timeline. I think that Nella and Eliza were an unlikely pair, and their relationship was weird and lovely.
- Caroline’s growth throughout the book was quite refreshing! I wasn’t surprised by her decision at the end of the book at all, but I was very glad she made them!
- it was so easy to dislike James! Very much fit with the men-are-trash theme
Things I Wosh Were Different
- I think the present day timeline was a bit cheesy at times, which made it difficult to connect with Caroline.
- Again in the present day timeline, the secondary characters lacked depth that I wish had been there. I know it’s a short timeline, but it easily could have been extended by a day or two to make some of the relationships deeper.
- Caroline was a little too in her head about her secrets. I know it was a theme of the book, but her internal struggle was a bit heavy handed for my taste.
Overall, this was a good book that I would recommend to folks who I’m enjoy historical fiction and mystery novels. 3.75 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Moderate: Infertility, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Minor: Vomit