The Lost Apothecary PDF

“The Lost Apothecary” is a 2021 historical fiction novel by Sarah Penner. The book tells the story of three women living in different time periods whose lives become intertwined through a mysterious apothecary in London. In 1791, Nella runs a secret apothecary that provides poison to women seeking revenge on the men in their lives. In 1872, Caroline travels to London after discovering her husband’s infidelity and finds a vial with a bear-shaped label on the banks of the Thames, leading her to Nella’s apothecary. In present-day London, a young woman named Eliza discovers an old apothecary vial while mudlarking and begins to uncover the secrets of Nella and Caroline’s pasts. As the three women’s stories unfold, they must confront the consequences of their actions and the societal expectations that have limited their choices. The book has been praised for its engaging storytelling and well-researched historical details, as well as its themes of female empowerment and the enduring impact of secrets.