The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

 

This simple story runs across two timelines - one from the 1700s and the other a present day situation.

Listening to the story unfold, transported me to the many occasions where women or their house help would approach the apothecary's shop, in utmost secrecy, seeking for help that is dire, one that would guarantee an end.

The word apothecary is taken from the word "apotheca" - a place where wine, spices, herbs and a concoction could be made at one's behest, usually for purposes to cure illnesses that could not be understood or diagnosed. These "medicines" would range from good to utterly dangerous.

In some other era: Nella ran an apothecary in some back alley of London. Her main aim was to help women. Help women uphold babies in the womb or cure them of aches and pains, or probably even mental and emotional upheavals. One day, she was visited by a young girl Eliza, who came to buy some medication that would rid her Mistress from drudgery and disrespectful behaviour that was being meted out on her. Eliza chooses to stay back and learn the magical art of healing. What then unfolds in the book is a beautiful connection between Nella and Eliza.

“Every woman has faced a man’s wickedness to some degree. Even you, I am an apothecary, and it is my duty to dispense remedies to women. And so over the years they have come to me, and I have sold them what they wish. I have protected their secrets. I have borne the brunt of their burdens.”

In current scenario: Caroline and her husband have been preparing for a vacation in London to celebrate their 10th anniversary. But, Caroline comes to know that her husband had had an affair and how she must choose what is best for her life going forward. She travels to London on her own and on some tourist outing she goes mudlarking and finds a little blue vial in the murky waters. Wanting to know the origin of this vial, she ends up in the British Library, researching on apothecaries.

“Heartache is shared by all, and favors no rank.”

How does Caroline's life and choices connect with that of Nella and Eliza? Would Caroline find enough courage to make the right decision based on the purpose the apothecary shop?

Some beautiful quotes from the book for your mind:

"First, there was trust. Then, there was betrayal. You cannot have one without the other. You cannot be betrayed by someone you do not trust."

"Beneath the ink strokes of my register hid betrayal, anguish and dark secrets."

"It's okay to change, but it's not okay to hide, to bury parts of ourselves."

"If you want something different, the only person holding you back is you. What is it you love to do?"

“It is the most distressing thing, Eliza, to issue pain to someone, even when you know it is for the best.”

“The best apothecary was one who knows intimately the despair felt by her patient, whether in body or heart.”