The Elixir by Lindsay Galvin

I loved getting lost in the world of Lindsay Galvin’s The Elixir. Set in 17th century England, it explores the healing power of women who understand nature and science. Ann Storer has inherited the gift of healing from her grandmother. Working in her family’s apothecary shop, she creates tinctures that help with all sorts of ailments.

Ann’s tinctures seem to be more powerful than the rest of her family’s. She has the unique ability to see people’s colours when she touches them. Rich, dark colours reveal health while pale colours signify illness. This special sight combined with lessons learned from her grandmother create incredibly magical potions. However, 17th century England is also the time of witch catchers and distrust of anyone will special skills – particularly women. Ann’s grandmother was imprisoned after being accused of witchcraft and now Ann risks the same fate.

A young scholar arrives to rent a room with the family while he studies at a nearby school. Young Isaac Newton is fascinated by Ann’s concoctions as he tinkers with his own experiments around light and refraction. Together they realise that using Ann’s ability to see colours and the theory of the light spectrum could be combined to create the legendary Elixir of Life – a tincture so powerful, it could heal any illness.

When the plague reaches their town, Ann is faced with an incredible dilemma. Should she risk revealing her powers by saving those struck down by illness or should she follow Isaac Newton’s advice to keep it quiet and possibly let people die? With the witch hunter sniffing around the apothecary shop, she knows her own life is in danger.

The triangular connection of 17th century witch hunting, the plague and young Isaac Newtown create a compelling story that will keep readers hooked. Ann’s courage and determination to be true to herself is inspiring as she strives to help everyone who comes to her in need. The connection to her grandmother’s gift and the scaremongering about witches shows just how misunderstood and mistrusted intelligent women were and the power men and misguided religion had over communities.

I’m always interested in stories involving Isaac Newton. As my first cousin 10 times removed (he and my 8x great grandfather were first cousins), I feel a connection to him and am fascianted by his quest for understanding.

The Elixir is the perfect story for children in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 who enjoy historical fiction stirred up with science and magic. The issues of the time are clearly presented in such a creative way.

Barrington Stoke can always be relied on to create entertaining, meaningful, empathy-filled stories that are accessible and empowering for readers. With dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint, everyone can enjoy these books. The manageable length and carefully chosen vocabulary encourages success and brings children back for more.

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