|
Lillian Haswell can't stop wishing for things beyond the scope of her father's apothecary shop. Her daily vigil to the canal brings false hope that one day her mother (who abruptly disappeared from Lilly's life) will return, and her dreams of seeing the world beyond Bedsley Priors seem beyond her reach. When her estranged relatives decide to host her in London, Lilly discovers all that fashionable society has to offer--including dashing suitors and clues to her mother's whereabouts. But she's a woman torn between two very different societies, and soon she must make a choice about where she truly belongs. After reading Julie Klassen's LADY OF MILKWEED MANOR last year, I couldn't wait to get my hands on THE APOTHECARY'S DAUGHTER. From the opening paragraph of the prologue, "I remember it clearly, although it was years ago now. For I remember everything," I was completely captivated by Lilly Haswell. Here's a woman with an almost photographic memory, and yet, the one picture she wishes she could forget is the day her mother abandoned the family. As readers are taken on a journey through Lilly's life it becomes clear that she dreams of a life away from her father's apothecary shop. She desperately tries to fit in in London in order to please her aunt and uncle and find a proper suitor. Yet she can't help letting her knowledge and love of medicine seep into everything she does. I was completely engrossed in Ms. Klassen's detailed and extremely intriguing picture of the history of apothecaries. As someone with a science background and a love of toxicology, this was right up my alley. Paired with a beautiful writing style, complex characters and a classic feel, THE APOTHECARY'S DAUGHTER was everything I could ask for in a book. I loved that Ms. Klassen kept us guessing over which suitor would win Lilly's heart. And I loved that Lilly comes to realize that sometimes what you thought you wanted isn't where your heart eventually leads. THE APOTHECARY'S DAUGHTER is a must read. Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Cindy |
THE APOTHECARY'S DAUGHTER
Posted February 2009 |
|
