The Apothecary

By: Maile Meloy

Narrated by: Cristin Milioti

It's 1952 and the Scott family has just moved from Los Angeles to London. Here, fourteen-year-old Janie meets a mysterious apothecary and his son, Benjamin Burrows - a fascinating boy who's not afraid to stand up to authority and dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father is kidnapped, Janie and Benjamin must uncover the secrets of the apothecary's sacred book, the Pharmacopoeia, in order to find him, all while keeping it out of the hands of their enemies - Russian spies in possession of nuclear weapons. Discovering and testing potions they never believed could exist, Janie and Benjamin embark on a dangerous race to save the apothecary and prevent impending disaster.

©2011 Maile Meloy (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[A] thoroughly enjoyable adventure, filled with magic, humor, memorable characters, and just a bit of sweet romance. With evocative, confident prose and equally atmospheric spot art from Schoenherr, adult author Meloy’s first book for young readers is an auspicious one.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“The title of Maile Meloy’s smartly written, page-turning adventure/fantasy refers to a magical druggist in London in 1952.... It’s for curious readers who, like Meloy’s characters, can make room in their imaginations and ‘allow for the possibilities'." (USA Today)

"Those who know little about blacklisting, the Cold War, and European life after WWII will just have to dive into the fantasy-adventure pool, which runs long and deep. Magic elixirs, transformational disguises, and everyday cunning help Janie, Benjamin, and several scientists elude capture.” (Booklist)

Nice Adeventure Story

I liked this book, but was suprised that others fell in love with it. It was a good adventure story focused on young adults (14/15ish). But the story was complete fantasy which I was not expecting. It was a fun read & The reader was excellent.

Excellent narrator

Such a great story and an excellent narration. My preteens and I all loved it.

Excellent

This book was engaging for my whole family, children ages 5, 9, 11, and 13 as well as for myself. The performance was also wonderful. I highly recommend this audiobook.

Best performance I’ve heard yet on audible

This is the way audible performances should be; truly different voices and intonations, not overdone, that being the characters to life.

the daughters loved it!

My 10 and 8 year olds listened to the whole thing in a day as we drove to Florida.

Excellent!

Would you listen to The Apothecary again? Why?

Such a fun story. Well written and an excellent narrator.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I rather liked the poor gardener, even though his appearance was brief.

What about Cristin Milioti’s performance did you like?

Excellent character distinctions, good accents.

Great read for the entire family

It is not often that I come across a book that is enjoyable to 3 generations, but this book fits that bill. The narration adds great dimension to the story. A fantastic choice for a car trip.

Great read for a young adult!

If you could sum up The Apothecary in three words, what would they be?

Mystical, Adventurous, & Exciting

What did you like best about this story?

The magical aspects

Which character ??? as performed by Cristin Milioti ??? was your favorite?

All great!

If you could rename The Apothecary, what would you call it?

The name is perfect

Any additional comments?

I would love a sequel.

Nicholas James

I had to do this a book report never been happier with the result I can’t get over with it

Delightful story, beautifully read

This is a YA adventure story set in the 1950s featuring an American girl (14, I believe), whose screenwriter parents have to leave the US due to the blacklist and relocate to London. She has the usual adjustment troubles, until she gets involved with a group of underground apothecaries who can make potions with magical powers and who are trying to rein in the nuclear arms race. There are chases, a lot of colorful characters, a small dash of romance and wistful ending. I think there will be a sequel, to which I look forward eagerly.

Meloy is a renowned author of adult fiction, and one plus of THE APOTHECARY is that it is exceptionally well-written for a children's book.