The Lost Apothecary

The novel begins with a map of the London-based locations most critical to both narratives. How do location and space drive characterization? Choose one or two characters and chart their development throughout the novel within this context.

Penner ends this novel with Caroline’s perspective, deciding to communicate Eliza and Nella’s fates through Caroline’s research instead of their own narration. Why does she do this? What does this add or take away from both stories?

There are a several key supporting characters—Mrs. Amwell, Mr. Amwell, Lady Clarence, Tom Pepper, James—whose actions drive momentous plot actions. Choose one or two characters, identify what plot actions they propel forward, and explain their impact on the overall narrative. Use textual evidence to support your answer.

In both timelines desire and sex are closely linked with betrayal and death. How should this association be understood?

How and when does the River Thames insert itself in the novel, and what role does it play in both narratives? How can we compare and contrast the functions it serves in both timelines?

Nella consistently maintains that she records the names of the women who purchase poison from her to preserve their memories against a sexist and classist world likely to forget them. Does this aim justify how she endangers these women by recording their illegal activity? Why or why not?

A crisis of conscience is defined as the emotional tension one experiences when one suspects that they have behaved in a morally incorrect way. Identify one character who has a crisis of conscience in the novel, explain the nature of that crisis, and discuss its impact on that character and others.

In Chapter 30, Caroline wonders, “Why did we suffer to keep secrets? Merely to protect ourselves, or to protect others?” (256). Do the secrets kept by characters in the novel do more harm than good? Why or why not?