The Apothecary

Content Ratings

Mild Romance

Janie develops a warm and emotionally honest romantic feeling for Benjamin; their connection is sweet and central to the novel's heart.

Mild Themes

Cold War blacklisting and McCarthyism are central to the historical setting; the fear of nuclear war looms over the characters; themes of political persecution and the cost of truth-telling are handled accessibly.

Moderate Violence

Cold War spies, pursuit, a kidnapping, and the magical consequences of alchemical power create sustained adventure tension.

Synopsis

In 1952 London, American girl Janie Scott's family is forced to move when her parents—television writers—are blacklisted, and she befriends the apothecary's son Benjamin, discovering that his father holds alchemical secrets of extraordinary power just as Cold War spies come looking for them. A richly atmospheric adventure blending Cold War history with magic. Beautiful illustrations and a distinctive period voice.