Everything Is Poison

Gr 9 Up–Returning to the prose and poetry style of Blood Water Paint, McCullough delivers another rich historical in 17th century Rome, here following an aspiring apothecary. Carmela Tofana, 16, has been waiting her whole life to join the staff of her mother’s apothecary and help prove to the town that they aren’t witches who help women murder their husbands. Once she’s in the workroom, she learns that very occasionally her mother does exactly that, as well as providing vital medical care beyond the traditional remedies found in an apothecary—such as abortifacients. When her actions in the apothecary nearly bring everything down, forcing her mother to flee execution, Carmela is left to take on the title of La Tofana and save the apothecary she loves so dearly. Beautifully constructed with excellent pacing, McCullough’s lyricism shines through her characters as they navigate a treacherous world. Third person scenes in the apothecary are interspersed with poetry from the townsfolk, giving the story a rich rhythm and realism about an often ignored period in YA historical fiction. Carmela grapples with grief and loneliness in her mother’s absence, creating a community in the wake of disaster while highlighting the realities of domestic violence and lengths women are forced to under the patriarchy. In this novel, set in the same world as Blood Water Paint, McCullough has again found a real historical figure to breathe to life. Cast is cued white.