From the Bookshelf of La Crescent Public Library…

[close] The Lost Apothecary was a fave all around with the library book club! Everyone of our members liked this read. We had a fun and engaging discussion using the author's book club kit which had pictures and history on mudlarking which everyone thought was so interesting.

Stand out moments from our discussion included whether or not Nella was justified in her actions of dispensing poisons with the intent to kill. Most of our group thought - yes! Nella was everyone's favorite character and felt she'd been dealt a very difficult, lonely life and that she was doing the hard work of helping other women in a time period and place where no one else would.

Everyone despised Caroline's husband. So long, they said.

And everyone preferred the historical chapters of the book more than the present day ones, but still appreciated the comparison and connection and how it introduced the history.

Definitely a great discussion read with lots to speculate, research, and talk about.