Kate Rose, a British writer, holds degrees in Human Biology and Neuroscience from King's College, and Creative Writing from Goldsmith's University, London. She has a diverse writing portfolio that includes short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, and now a historical novel titled THE ANGEL AND THE APOTHECARY. Her writing prowess is evident in the way she beautifully sets the stage for her captivating story. She begins with an intriguing premise: 'Imagine an angel observing this city from above. What would it witness? The glow of street lamps forming a yellow constellation? The winding river adorned with a forest of masts? And if this heavenly creature were to traverse the city's streets, would it be amazed by the maze of alleyways and the jumble of buildings? Or would it despair at the overcrowded slums, where conditions are so dire that even rats have a better existence? In this city, disease is an indiscriminate predator, afflicting both the wealthy and the destitute with a host of ailments. The sight of such suffering might be almost unbearable for an angelic observer...'
From this thought-provoking introduction, Rose transports us back in time to the 18th century. The plot is succinctly summarized as follows: 'In 1741, in the heart of St Giles, London, Jeremiah I.S Goode, a talented apothecary, serves the city's poorest residents. Burdened by debt and haunted by his past, Jeremiah is offered an opportunity to turn his life around and avoid incarceration. But to do so, he must uncover the transformative power of love and its ability to reflect our own flaws.' Rose's narrative style brings the era to life, making it tangible and vibrant. Her tale flows smoothly, offering both entertainment and a peek into history through the eyes of an apothecary. It's an utterly charming read! ( )

The Angel and the Apothecary by Kate Rose is a captivating historical novel that takes readers on a journey through 18th-century London. At the heart of the story is Jeremiah I.S. Goode, an apothecary with a unique gift for healing. However, despite his extraordinary abilities, he finds himself trapped in poverty and imprisoned for failing to repay his debts.

The novel beautifully explores themes of redemption, love, and self-acceptance. As Jeremiah seeks to escape his physical and mental prisons, he discovers the healing power of love and learns to embrace his imperfections. The author skillfully intertwines a love story with a deep exploration of the history of medical practices, providing readers with intriguing insights into a bygone era.

The backdrop of 18th-century London is vividly brought to life, immersing readers in a rich and atmospheric setting. From the bustling streets to the hidden corners of the city, Kate Rose's descriptions paint a vivid picture of the period. The characters, both human and spiritual, are beautifully crafted, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

In addition to its historical elements, The Angel and the Apothecary subtly raises relevant contemporary issues, making the story resonate with modern readers. It delves into themes of pain, healing, and hope, offering a compelling exploration of the human condition.

Kate Rose's writing is engaging and evocative, drawing readers in from the first page and keeping them enthralled until the very end. The story is rich, dark, and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression. ( )

British author Kate Rose earned her degree in Human Biology and Neuroscience from King’s College and in Creative Writing from Goldsmith’s University, London and serves as an editor, writing short stories, newspaper and magazine articles, and now an historical novel - THE ANGEL AND THE APOTHECARY. Her quality prose shines in the manner in which she introduces this fascinating story - ‘Picture an angel looking down upon this city, what would it see? Street lamps burning in yellow constellation? The serpentine swirl of the river with its floating wilderness of masts? And what if this celestial being were to walk the city’s streets: would it marvel at the labyrinth of alleyways, the hotchpotch of buildings? Or sigh in disbelief at the rammed slums, places where even the rats fared better? For in this city sickness seeps into the bodies of rich and poor alike: cankers, fistulas, dropsy, consumption, the pox, agues and bloody fluxes, all seize their opportunity. But for an angel observing such suffering, it might be almost too much to bear…’

From this imaginative opening the author escorts us into the past - the18th century - and the story is condensed as follows: ‘Jeremiah I.S Goode, a gifted gentleman apothecary, tends to the poorest inhabitants of St Giles, London, 1741. Deep in debt and troubled by the past, Jeremiah is given a chance to redeem his life and escape prison. In order to do so, however, he must discover the healing power of love and how it can hold a mirror to one's own imperfections.’ Written in a style that makes the period seem visual and reborn, Kate’s story is fluid and at all times entertaining, as well as providing a glance back at history as witnessed by an apothecary - et al! Thoroughly delightful!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book ( )