“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.” (p. 115). Kindle Edition.
Nella is an apothecary in London in 1791. Because of her deep-seated devotion to women and her desire to punish men who have mistreated women, she becomes known as the apothecary who specializes in providing poisons for men. A young 12-year-old girl Eliza, a servant, requests a poison to deliver to her employer and becomes fascinated with Nella’s work. Although she resists sharing her trade with so young a girl, Nella ends up sharing much of her knowledge and a good deal of her personal story. In assisting Nella, Eliza makes a rookie mistake and puts the business in grave danger. The story of how Nella and Eliza fight for survival is a riveting page-turner.
Meanwhile, in the present-day, Caroline Parcewell and her husband James are about to leave the US for London to celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary when she finds that her husband had an affair. Caroline travels to London alone and restores some of her youthful aspirations beginning with a mudlarking trip to explore artifacts and history. When Caroline finds an ancient vial, she begins some research and finds clues to the apothecary that existed more than 200 years ago. After making a friend at the British library and experiencing the excitement of using clues to unearth history, Caroline begins some long-needed introspection. When James meets her in London, her dissatisfaction with life in a role where her husband doesn’t support her endeavors becomes even more apparent. She yearns for a career related to the history she studied in college. She soon realizes that her husband has betrayed her in more than the obvious way, and she discovers many parallels in her life and those in the lives of Nella and Eliza, the subjects of her historical mission.
Women’s oppression and camaraderie are themes expressed through the two storylines. Sarah Penner has created some fascinating rebellious women who show courage and strength of character in worlds where women are not always valued. I found it very curious that the woman and a 12-year-old girl from 1791 seemed to have more determination and resolve than modern-day Caroline. I wonder whether there is a message involved for modern women to reconsider their choices and identity. Women have so many more options than they did 200 years ago, yet the struggle still exists. Parts of the story could be read as a cautionary tale about not resorting to ancient methods of expressing regret and revenge. Caroline says, “This glass object—delicate and yet still intact, somewhat like myself—was proof that I could be brave, adventurous, and do hard things on my own. I dropped the vial into my pocket” (p.43). Modern women like Caroline need to see the symbols in their lives, such as the bear on the vial, which indicate avenues for strength, courage, and independence. Although the novel includes elements of magic and mystical healing powers, women can find that magic within themselves.
