Editorial note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman is such a charming, feel good story. One of my favorites of the year!
I’ve been looking forward to this story for so long. It truly is one of those novels you need in your life. It has it all—romance, family, friendships, and even some magical realism too. The story combines two dynamic storylines: one in 1920s Brooklyn, and the other in 1980s southern Florida. Both felt extremely vivid but also quite distinct.
We follow Augusta as a teenager in Brooklyn to turning eighty and living in a retired community in Florida. Quite a lot of ground is covered, and while we know how many aspects turned out, we slowly find out the why as the story goes on. The story serves as a reminder it’s never too late for a fresh start.
What’s the Story About
Newly retired pharmacist Augusta Stern is about to turn eighty and she is relocating to an active senior community in southern Florida. However, once there, she unexpectedly crosses paths with Irving Rivkin, the delivery boy from her father’s old pharmacy―and the man who broke her heart sixty years earlier.
The story takes place over the two timelines: one in 1980s Florida and the other in 1920s Brooklyn. During the ’20s, Augusta works at her father’s pharmacy and is inspired to become a pharmacist like him one day.
Everything changes when Augusta’s mother dies and her Great Aunt Esther moves in to help out the family. She also brings her unconventional remedies ranging from homemade chicken soup to a mysterious array of powders and potions.
While Augusta is both loyal to her father and intrigued with her aunt’s practices, she is also embarking on a relationship with Irving. However, one day she uses Esther’s most potent elixir with disastrous consequences.
Sixty years later, confronted with Irving, Augusta is still haunted by the mistakes of her past, but also has plenty of unanswered questions as well.
Story Inspirations
This past summer, I attended the 2024 ALA Conference in San Diego and I met Lynda there. She is so kind and lovely, and it was such an honor to meet her and receive a signed copy of her novel! I also attended a session where Lynda and several other authors talked about the inspiration behind their stories.
For instance, Lynda mentioned how The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern is inspired by her husband’s great-grandmother. His great-grandmother was married to a pharmacist and after he passed away, she earned a pharmacy degree so she could run the store.
In addition, Lynda was also inspired by her father’s experiences living in an assisted living facility in Florida where Lynda heard all kinds of entertaining stories by his fellow residents.
She combined both into a really lovely fictional tale about second chances, reclaiming the magic of one’s youth, and love.
Augusta’s Journey
I found Augusta’s journey to be quite moving. She loses her mother at a young age, which changes the family forever. Both her and her father throw themselves into the pharmacy work. However, she’s also quite interested in her Great Aunt Esther’s unconventional healing methods as well.
A big theme of the novel is trying to help others. I found most of the characters are kind, and trying to do the right thing. However, there is also a character with a dark side and mafia connections that takes the story into another direction, which is quite interesting as well.
We know Augusta’s story up front—Irving left her heartbroken, and she never fully recovered. But we don’t know the why and it becomes much more layered than simply just one answer.
I loved the dual timeline and reading about Augusta as a teenager and also in her eighties. I found the senior center to be so entertaining as well.
Verdict
This is truly a great, wonderful and uplifting read. It features so many themes and I love that it circles back to how it’s never too late for a second chance, no matter your age. I think many will resonate and root for Augusta on her journey.
I highly recommend this read for book clubs, as there’s so much to discuss. It would make for some fun themed meetings as well.
For book clubs, check out my discussion questions here.
