The Lost Apothecary

Caroline feels a particular affinity toward Eliza because she perceives their bravery—Caroline’s willingness to uproot her life, and Eliza’s courage in jumping from Blackfriars’ Bridge as the constables closed in—as comparable. Is this a true equivalency? Why or why not? How might Caroline’s assessment of their similarities change if she knew Eliza’s entire story?

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?