The Apothecary by Maile Meloy is the first book in a historical fantasy series for middle-grade readers following Janie, a fourteen-year-old who recently moved from Los Angeles to London, and Benjamin Burrows, the son of a local apothecary. Set in 1952 at the height of the Cold War, the book is centered on the disappearance of Benjamin's father, who was kidnapped and is now the center of a plot involving Russian spies and nuclear weapons.

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy is celebrated for its imaginative blend of historical fiction and fantasy, with engaging characters and a gripping plot. However, some critics feel the pacing is uneven and the ending rushed. Overall, it's admired for its rich storytelling and ability to captivate both young adults and adults alike.

Fans of historical fiction and fantasy, particularly young adults, will enjoy The Apothecary by Maile Meloy. This 1950s Cold War adventure, with its blend of magic and espionage, will captivate readers who loved Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman.

Mysterious / Adventurous / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Romantic

- The Apothecary by Maile Meloy won the 2011 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award for Middle Reader, recognizing its ability to appeal to both children and adults with its engaging narrative.
- The book was illustrated by Ian Schoenherr, whose contributions helped bring the story's historical setting and magical elements to life.
- Maile Meloy was inspired by her childhood love for both historical fiction and fantasy, which influenced the development of the book's unique blend of these genres.

Maile Meloy

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read The Apothecary | SuperSummary

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Overview

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The Apothecary Summary

Background

The Apothecary Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 9

The Apothecary Prologue-Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-19

The Apothecary Chapters 10-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-29

The Apothecary Chapters 20-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-38

The Apothecary Chapters 30-38 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Apothecary Character Analysis

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Themes

The Apothecary Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Apothecary Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Apothecary Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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Essay Topics

The Apothecary Essay Topics

The Apothecary

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Apothecary?

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Book Details