Carmela Tofana wants more than anything to join the women at La Tofana’s, an apothecary run by her mother Giulia in 17th-century Rome. On her 16th birthday, she’s finally allowed in the door, first as front-of-house help, sweeping the floors and greeting customers, then eventually earning the ability to work with the recipes and herbs themselves. It is not always pretty work, but it is important work, and Carmela loves it.
But when a woman comes in asking for her mother’s secret and powerful poison, Aqua Tofana, Carmela realizes quickly how dangerous their line of work can be. If the poison ends up in the wrong hands, Carmela’s whole world could come crumbling down. But when the women in her community need help, Giulia Tofana steps up—and Carmela is determined to do the same, no matter who calls her a witch.
Blood Water Paint author Joy McCullough returns with another historical young adult novel that blends prose and poetry, as Everything Is Poison imagines the life of the daughter of famous real-life poisoner Giulia Tofana. Chapters in prose following Carmela’s life alternate with short about the lives of people around Carmela: abusive husbands and struggling wives, lonely children and pained adults.
McCullough’s focus rests on relationships conventionally overlooked in history: those among found families, female friends, and groups of women shoved to the outskirts of society. The desperation and determination of all these women in Everything Is Poison draw from rich historical detail while creating obvious parallels to modern struggles. “That is the daily work we are here for. Giving women a choice over what happens in their bodies,” remarks Giulia to her daughter, and that fierce and quiet theme permeates the story.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction focused on the power of community will find much to love in Everything Is Poison. Fans of Ruta Sepetys and Stacey Lee should pick up this fiery, unflinching novel.
