Mr Hammond and the Poetic Apprentice

Mr Hammond and the Poetic Apprentice begins in the summer of 1814. Thomas Hammond, an apothecary surgeon near London, dreams of his son Edward becoming a great surgeon. However, his apprentice John Keats, an orphan, is seen as a daydreamer and a disappointment. Despite their differences, Thomas begins to appreciate John's compassionate approach to patients. But just as John is about to qualify as a surgeon, he unexpectedly abandons medicine for poetry. Thomas is devastated and must confront his own mistakes. Can he learn valuable lessons from John before it's too late?

If you were forced to study British literature at all, you know Keats. But have you ever wondered what his life was like before he trained at Guy's Hospital?

This book is beautifully written and delivered so much more than I was expecting. At a time when consumption reigned, apothecaries could do nothing more than simply ease the symptoms of illness. A marvellous example of historical fiction, little facts are actually known about this specific time in Keats' life. Hammond was actually one of the first general practitioners in England, and this story displays the stark reality of medicine in the Georgian era. Above all, it is a tale of duty, family, hope, and learning to see beyond science and suffering. 

"Only once you've healed yourself will you be able to better heal others."

I really liked it and gave it four stars.

This book was acquired from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
 

Popular posts from this blog

Lessons in Chemistry

Image
Lessons in Chemistry is the story of a misunderstood, quirky, and unconventional chemist, Elizabeth Zott. Set in the early 1960s, Elizabeth is beautiful but not prim. Honestly, she can’t be bothered. She has more important things to do, like personally and professionally challenging societal norms. Her brilliance captures the attention of Calvin Evans, and they quite literally collide, bonded beyond measure. Cultural constructs force Elizabeth into a new career where her determination and unique perspective start a revolutionary reaction. As she reluctantly becomes the star of the hit afternoon show, Supper at Six, her scientific approach to culinary experimentation quickly attracts a devoted following. But not everyone is pleased with her matter-of-fact methods. A cerebral yet simple story of devotion and resilience, Elizabeth Zott teaches women to cook but also empowers them to change their lives and the world around them. Underestimated and unwavering, she proves that the ability t
read more

The Paper Palace

Image
One summer morning, Elle's life changed forever the moment she dove into the pond at The Paper Palace – the one place that knows all her secrets. Within the next twenty-four hours, a journey of fifty years leads to a decision that changes everything. Do you remember answering machines and sea monkeys?  Even if you don't, you'll connect with the choices that can make and break us. Jumping from one memory of a moment to another, the story spans half a century. Especially if you enjoy descriptive detail, you’ll find yourself immersed in the smell of the salt air and the pang of regret. It was a slow burn for me, but the perfect Generation X beach read.  “I hate the way British people cook eggs.”  I liked it and gave it three stars.  This book was purchased from The Mysterious Bookcase. Discover a blind date with a new or preloved book here .
read more

Adventures About To Begin

Image
  After the death of his grandfather, Noah’s life is thrown into chaos as he faces a  repressed past which threatens everything he believes to be true. In the course of  trying to come to terms with his loss, Noah must also navigate a difficult relationship  with his sister, Kelly, as they reflect on their turbulent childhood – when they were  taken from London to live in the Kent countryside following the breakdown of their  parents’ marriage. Set between the 1970s and the more recent past, Adventures About To Begin  chronicles a collapsing marriage as experienced by its children and reflects on how  memory shapes our decisions at crucial junctures during our lives.  It is both funny and touching, as well as a sensitive insight into British family life  during a period of great social and cultural change. I liked it and gave it three stars. Adventures About to Begin  by Allen Therisa is a touching and nostalgic tale that transports readers to the vibrant 1970s, where we join Noah on
read more