The Apothecary
Written by Maile Meloy
Illustrated by Ian Schoenherr
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons, October 2011)
The Apothecary is the perfect sort of middle grade novel. It has the three elements that appeal to so many young readers (and their parents, too) – history, mystery, and magic. The three are skillfully blended into a story full of surprises and suspense. And flying. That’s important.
The story takes place in 1952, and Janie has moved with her parents to London from Los Angeles. Not long after they arrive and discover that there California clothing is no match for the cold England winter, Janie and her father make a trip to the local apothecary for hot water bottles. The Apothecary is a kind man, though a bit odd, and that makes him stand out to Janie.
When she begins school the next day, she meets someone who also makes an impact. She is a quite surprised to discover that the loud, thrilling boy who refuses to take part in the bomb drill and makes a defiant speech to the whole cafeteria is the Apothecary’s son, however. Benjamin notices her, too. He invites her along for a bit amateur spy work, and they end up discovering that the mild-mannered Apothecary is so much more than he seems. When he goes missing, they will work together to get him back and discover the secrets of his trade. In case you were wondering, these include formulas for transforming into a bird and for turning invisible. When it is all said and done, Benjamin reconsiders following in his father’s footsteps. The spy game no longer looks so appealing.
The story is unlike any other I have read before, yet it feels comfortable. The good guys win, the world is saved, and girl meets boy. Maile’s take on all three is pretty original, but it is familiar, too. It is that familiarity that won me over and that makes this the type of story that I will return to when I’m looking for a quick, feel-good read.
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