Book Review of Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary
The Lost Apothecary was a good choice for our book club, blending past and present in a way that kept us hooked while also providing plenty to debate. Set in both eighteenth-century and modern-day London, the story follows Caroline Parcewell, a woman reeling from her husband’s betrayal on what was supposed to be their tenth anniversary. While wandering the streets of London alone, Caroline crosses paths with a “mudlarker” (someone who scavenges items along the riverbanks). She somewhat randomly joins a group mudlarking and discovers a small, mysterious glass vial. This find draws her into an age-old mystery of poisons, revenge, and the secret life of an apothecary, Nella, whose clients were women seeking freedom from oppressive men.
This dual storyline weaves together Caroline’s journey of self-discovery with Nella’s darker, historical narrative. Penner juxtaposes Caroline’s present-day struggles with those of women centuries before, showing how societal constraints on women, though evolved, still persist. We found ourselves discussing not only the feminist elements of the book but also the theme of betrayal and how these two female characters responded to it in their respective eras.
One of the strengths of the book is the way it brings history to life. However, our group also noticed some inaccuracies and details that felt out of place, which we felt could have been caught with a bit more careful editing. For example, we spotted some Americanisms in the English characters’ dialogue (like “sneakers”), which jarred a bit. Additionally, the book occasionally wavered in historical accuracy—one of our group members questioned whether “constables” was the correct term for the UK police in that era. These small slips added up, making us wish we could have been on Penner’s editorial team!
Plot-wise, there were a few moments that stretched believability. We couldn’t quite reconcile how Lady Beatrice Clarence, the wealthy murderess, managed to sneak out unseen from her dead husband’s house, nor did we find it realistic that incriminating records of the apothecary’s dealings were kept for so long. And would the apothecary really have risked returning to see the mistress of 12-year-old Eliza, knowing the dangers involved? These points made us wonder if the plot might have benefited from a little more grounding in realism.
On the other hand, Penner’s character development was strong. Nella, Eliza, and Caroline are all memorable, with distinct voices and compelling backstories. Despite a few plot holes, the book was undeniably a page-turner that kept us reading—and talking. We found ourselves delving into discussions about murder and justice, particularly in the historical context: Could murder ever be justified in such oppressive circumstances? How traceable were poisons back then, and what options did women have when they were trapped?
We also appreciated how Penner explored women’s roles in society, across class lines. The wealthy women had little freedom, often confined by societal expectations, while the poor toiled just to survive. This theme of limited choices and the lengths women might go to break free was thought-provoking, and it gave us plenty to discuss about how much (or little) things have changed over time.
Overall, The Lost Apothecary provided our book club with plenty of themes to unpack, from feminism and betrayal to revenge and self-discovery. It’s a good read, albeit with a few rough edges. If Sarah Penner writes another novel, we’d love to be her unofficial editors!
And as for that mysterious twist—without giving too much away—one character does find brief happiness in marriage. I took it at face value that her husband died of an illness. Not everyone in the group agreed, though. What do you think?
Book Club Question on Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary
· How is feminism portrayed in the book, and how do you think it impacts the story’s themes?
· Do you have any sympathy for any of the men in the book? Why or why not?
· Nella has a different attitude toward Lady Clarence compared to her other customers. Why do you think this is, and what does it say about her character?
· How realistic a character was Eliza? Did you find her actions and attitudes believable?
· Do you think Nella was justified in her choice of career? Why or why not? What did you think about Nella’s attitude towards death and the way she views her “services”?
· How do you feel about the choices available to Victorian women like Nella and Eliza? Do you think they had other options, or were they forced into the lives they led?
· What do you think about the title The Lost Apothecary? Is it fitting for the story, and does it capture the essence of the book?
· How did you feel about the way murder and revenge are handled in the story? Do you believe that murder can be justified under certain circumstances?
· The story explores a lot about women’s roles and societal expectations. How did this shape your perspective on the characters’ choices?
· Without giving away too many spoilers, what do you think ultimately happened with the character who ends up married for a short time? Do you think the ending provided enough closure?
Book Club Questions on The Lost Apothecary (for if you haven't read the book)
· The review mentions some small slips in historical accuracy, like Americanisms in British dialogue and inconsistent police terminology. How do you feel about these kinds of inaccuracies in historical fiction? Do they affect your enjoyment of a story?
· What do you know about mudlarking, the act of searching riverbanks for historical artifacts? Is it something you’d find interesting to try?
· In the story, Caroline starts over in the UK after discovering her husband’s betrayal. Have any of you ever started over, and what advice would you give to someone in that situation?
· Caroline enrolls in a university course rather suddenly. Setting aside the question of realism, how important do you think further education is for self-discovery? Do you think it’s a good way to help someone find a new path in life?
· Victorian women had very limited choices and often faced societal constraints. How do you think these restrictions shaped their lives and influenced their decisions? Are there any historical female figures you admire who overcame such limitations?
· The book suggests that women in Victorian times had to make difficult choices to survive. How do you think the lack of opportunities for women influenced their willingness to take risks or exact revenge?