The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner alternates between an 18th-century and present-day timeline, following apothecary Nella Clavinger, housemaid Eliza Fanning, and tourist Caroline Parcewell. Nella sells poisons to women seeking freedom from abusive men, while Caroline uncovers the apothecary's secrets in modern London, exploring themes of betrayal, feminine power, and secrecy.

The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner is praised for its imaginative storyline and strong female characters, weaving historical and contemporary narratives effectively. Critics highlight its enchanting atmosphere and engrossing mystery. However, some find the plot predictable and the character development lacking depth. Overall, it offers a captivating, though occasionally simplistic, read.

A reader who enjoys historical fiction interwoven with mystery and a touch of feminist themes would be captivated by Sarah Penner's The Lost Apothecary. Fans of Kate Quinn's The Alice Network or Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale would appreciate the book's blend of suspense and richly developed female characters.

Mysterious / Dark / Contemplative / Suspenseful / Emotional

- The Lost Apothecary is Sarah Penner's debut novel, which quickly became a bestseller and was celebrated for its rich historical detail and gripping plot.
- The book was inspired by Penner's visit to a hidden apothecary shop while traveling in London, leading to her fascination with the concept of obscure historical professions.
- Following its success, The Lost Apothecary gained traction on BookTok, where readers praised its vivid storytelling and the empowerment of women in its narrative.

Sarah Penner

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Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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The Lost Apothecary Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

The Lost Apothecary Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-9

The Lost Apothecary Chapters 5-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-16

The Lost Apothecary Chapters 10-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-21

The Lost Apothecary Chapters 17-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-25

The Lost Apothecary Chapters 22-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-31

The Lost Apothecary Chapters 26-31 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 32-36

The Lost Apothecary Chapters 32-36 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Lost Apothecary Character Analysis

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Themes

The Lost Apothecary Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Lost Apothecary Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Lost Apothecary Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Lost Apothecary Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

The Lost Apothecary Book Club Questions

The Lost Apothecary

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Lost Apothecary?

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