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A whimsical adventure with elements of intrigue and menace, The Apothecary is a sweet coming-of-age tale set in Cold War London. Like the tonics and balms in the story, the author deftly mixes the first whispers of love and heartache with just the right amount of teenage awkwardness, melancholy, and frustration. Maile Meloy may be overshadowed by her better-known brother (Colin, of the Decemberists and Wildwood fame), but in young adult literature, little brother could take a few tips from his sister.