THE LOVE ELIXIR OF AUGUSTA STERN
Lynda Cohen Loigman
St Martin’s Press
October 8, 2024
328 pages
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I love this author’s books. This is her fourth book and she has become a comfort read for me. This book and her last one have had a touch of magic realism. I am a logical, black and white person. I did not think that magic realism could appeal to me. Apparently, it does, especially if it isn’t too much over the top.
There are 2 timelines. One is in 1923 with Augusta, the main character, as a young girl showing interest in her father’s occupation as a pharmacist. The other is 1987, Augusta has been forced to retire from her job in a hospital pharmacy because she has aged out at 80.
The past and the present collide with characters from Augusta’s past showing up in her present. It is interesting watching relationships in both timelines evolve. Usually, I prefer the past, find it more interesting. But, in this case, both timelines are fun to read. The present timeline is humorous (at times)as Augusta settles in to her new life in the seniors’ complexq. The past timeline is about Augusta’s interest in pharmacology and βnaturalβ cures and about her family relationships.
The writing and the story flow well in both timelines. The major characters are all interesting. I especially enjoyed Irving and Nathanial, two of the men at the seniors’ complex. And, Augusta’s Aunt Esther is a reticent treasure. Still waters run deep, her waters were very deep but fascinating.
This is a fairy tale, a story of second chances with your first love, it’s about miracles. And, it’s a little bit about magic. You have to believe.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
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