The Lost Apothecary: Mid-Reading Discussion

[Winter, Group Reads]

This is where we will discuss the book after we start reading it in October.

[bailey, Challenges]

I started this book a little early for a reading refresh since I've been reading a lot of LOONG books lately!

Not really spoiler-y, just mentioning character names, book dynamic, and setting! --> (view spoiler)[ I am loving this!! I love how we're getting 3 different perspectives from Eliza, Nella, and Caroline and in two different time periods. the late 1700s to early 1800s is one of my favorite periods to read about so this book is right up my alley.

I also enjoy the strong women we're reading about and how different yet similar each of them are.

Only at chapter 15 right now but I'm super invested and excited to see what the rest of the book has to offer! (hide spoiler)]

[Sophie]

I sort of zipped through this book and am looking forward to reading what others thought. This isn't my typical type of story. Although a few years ago it would have wowed me. I suppose tastes change as my reading progresses.
I thought it was similar in tone to an Alice Hoffman book with the historical setting and magical realism.
So sad for poor Eliza that she had no idea what was happening to her body yet the women she trusted wouldn't explain it to her, just let her superstitions get the better of her imagination.
(view spoiler)[ I was sort of peeved that it took Caroline ten years to come to the realization that she had put her own life goals and desires aside for her husband's career. I was pleased that by the end she grew a spine and decided to think of herself and where she wanted to be. Yay Caroline!
It was also interesting how her husband's mistress ended up being the one who took the blame for the infidelity and ended up being transferred, rather than him having to spend his life. I think this was an illustration of how it typically is for women in the workplace.
Oh, and the clever hook of making us think Caroline is pregnant just as her life is in such turmoil. Good one, Ms. Penner!
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Jill]

I got this through Once Upon a Book Club and haven’t read it yet! Totally been wanting too. Think I will start it this weekend.

[Laura]

I'm halfway through and enjoying this title - Although sometimes a lot of jumping back and forth in a timeline can disturb my brain and get me off track due to TBI injury, the way the author manages it and weaves the past and present together keeps me on track.

[Danielle]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book so far! I do agree that the bouncing back and forth can get hectic, but Penner really aligns the two stories making it easier to follow. I cannot wait to finish this book tonight!

[Karyn]

I finished this book some time back and loved it..
Going back and forth and bringing it altogether with a surprise :)
loved the cover of it too..

[Elisa]

I really like how the three narratives are connected. Eliza is my favorite of the three though.

[TCampbell]

I'm about halfway through. This book has me captivated. Can't wait to see how it all comes together

[Shalini]

I am about a third through the book and am finding it a bit of a let down…hope the rest of the book holds up. The book blurb sounded intriguing but the book itself is a bit bland.

[patricia]

Pat I loved this book. Going back and forth wasn't a problem. Betrayal, revenge in 1791 and in today's world. We are no longer needing to be dependent on a man.

[RaeRae]

I am listening to this book. I like how they chose three different women to read this. So far I am really enjoying it. I am not sure where all the upset reviews are coming from perhaps I am not to that point in the book just yet. Although, I can see how Caroline would upset people but I think that may be because she is experiencing something so many women have gone through and it could be touching close to home for some myself included.

[Laura]

Due to a long distance death in the family and an emergency road trip I may not finish this book in the same time frame- since it is audio may be able to finish listening but for sure cannot post a review until I am back in my home fort,

[L Y N N]

About a third of the way through this and feeling very sorry for Eliza (view spoiler)[not knowing what the bleeding was. I was reminded of my grandmother telling me no one had educated her in any way regarding menstruation, etc. (She was born in 1896, so of course not!) and she literally thought she was dying! Poor kids! And then Caroline. I have no idea what will happen with her marriage, but rather hope she sticks to her guns and gets out of it... (hide spoiler)]

Great read so far!