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A review by ruthlessreads
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. The premise is interesting but I felt that it was executed poorly.
The pacing was inconsistent and some parts of the book sped by while others dragged on forever (it seemed). I also didn’t think that any of the side characters were developed well. James was literally just a vessel for the discontent the women of the book are meant to feel toward men and everything that happened to him was a plot device. It didn’t feel organic or interesting or surprisingly in the slightest. There was too much telling and not showing, in general, but I also felt that the descriptions of place were very confusing & made it hard to follow at times.
Finally, I did like the character Eliza & I was entertained enough to keep reading to find out what happened which is why I gave it 3.5 stars. However, it was disappointing & I wish I’d DNF’d it.
The pacing was inconsistent and some parts of the book sped by while others dragged on forever (it seemed). I also didn’t think that any of the side characters were developed well. James was literally just a vessel for the discontent the women of the book are meant to feel toward men and everything that happened to him was a plot device. It didn’t feel organic or interesting or surprisingly in the slightest. There was too much telling and not showing, in general, but I also felt that the descriptions of place were very confusing & made it hard to follow at times.
Finally, I did like the character Eliza & I was entertained enough to keep reading to find out what happened which is why I gave it 3.5 stars. However, it was disappointing & I wish I’d DNF’d it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infertility, and Murder
Minor: Infidelity and Miscarriage
The men of this novel are all terrible so if you’re triggered by abusive, shitty men, I would avoid this book. Though they do all get poisoned and/or divorced so it may be cathartic—depends on you!