"The Apothecary's Daughter"

I am currently reading an amazing book, "The Apothecary's Daughter". My mom bought it for me a LONG time ago, and I thought it was just the most awesome thing ever because I actually am an 'apothecary's daughter'. (Apothecary is an old-fashion term for pharmacist.) I read the book at least 3 times in 5th grade, but because of my limited vocabulary at that age, I did not understand the book very well. As we prepared to move back here, I found it in my box full of books. I gave it to Syd to read and now I have decided to reread it myself. I am so captivated by this book, and not just because of it's close resemblance.

The main character in the book, Lillian Haswell, goes off to study in London, leaving her small town life for big city glamour. She is there only 18 months and then is summoned back to her small town because of reasons out of her control. Sound familiar?

There is something else that is quite strange about this book. Before every chapter there is a quote the foreshadows what will happen in the proceeding chapter. I came across a peculiar quote today as I was reading:

I will not dwell upon ragouts or roasts, albeit all human history attests that happiness for man--the hungry sinner-- since Eve ate apples, much depends on the dinner.

--Lord Byron

 

I thought the name was strangely familiar... :) I have no idea what the quote is referring to, obviously it is in reference to Eve eating the fruit of the tree that was forbidden, but I'm not sure what "Lord Byron" meant about much depending on dinner.

This book also talks about how Lillian (I absolutely LOVE that name) is in training to become a proper young Christian lady. Being raised almost motherless, Lillian is learning from her aunt how to become such a lady. It is almost surreal how different our present day culture is different from theirs. For example, in the book, Christian women were not allowed to run, at all, and they were to never be seen with their hair down. Christian ladies were also always expected to be escorted (like the old fashion arm-link escort) by a man. Can you imagine not walking with out having to have a man treat you like a glass china doll? Chivalry doesn't bother me at all, it is encouraged in the bible, but I think it is so peculiar how much our "Christian Culture" has changed from what it used to be.