If you loved
The Apothecary Diaries
Series · 2023
You loved The Apothecary Diaries because you enjoy watching sharp, resourceful women navigate restrictive social hierarchies through intellect and wit.
Books on the same thread
The Midwife's Apprentice
Karen Cushman · Book · 1995
Like Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries, the protagonist of this story must rely on her practical skills and sharp intellect to survive and carve out a path within a rigid, historical setting.
The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder
Marissa Meyer · Book · 2012
Much like the protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries, Cinder uses her specialized technical knowledge to solve complex problems while navigating the dangerous political tensions and class disparities of her world.
The Starless Crown
James Rollins · Book · 2022
Readers who enjoyed the investigative spirit of The Apothecary Diaries will find a similar drive here as a gifted student works to uncover long-buried secrets to prevent an encroaching disaster.
The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Alexander McCall Smith · Book · 1999
If you appreciated the clever problem-solving in The Apothecary Diaries, you will find a kindred spirit in Precious Ramotswe, who uses her unique intuition to help members of her community.
Films on the same thread
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
Film · 2013
This film captures the same sense of a young woman struggling against the constraints of her environment that defined The Apothecary Diaries, grounded in a beautiful and historically atmospheric setting.
Suzume
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2022
The sense of duty and the weight of responsibility that Maomao faces in The Apothecary Diaries is reflected in Suzume's journey to resolve a calamity that threatens her world.
Mulan
Tony Bancroft · Film · 1998
Just as Maomao defies expectations in The Apothecary Diaries, Mulan proves her worth by stepping into a restricted role, using her resourcefulness to protect those around her from grave danger.
When Marnie Was There
Hiromasa Yonebayashi · Film · 2014
Fans of the psychological depth and mystery found in The Apothecary Diaries will appreciate the way this story explores hidden truths and isolation through the eyes of a young woman.
Podcasts on the same thread
Dark History
Audioboom Studios · Podcast · 2026
If the historical investigations in The Apothecary Diaries kept you engaged, this podcast offers a similarly compelling look at the hidden, often scandalous truths buried beneath the surface of history.
To Live and Die in LA
Tenderfoot TV & Audacy · Podcast · 2023
Those who enjoyed watching Maomao unearth medical mysteries in The Apothecary Diaries will appreciate the methodical, investigative approach taken to resolve this real-world cold case and uncover systemic corruption.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Apothecary Diaries about a doctor?
The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young woman trained by her apothecary father. While she begins as a lowly servant in the emperor's palace, she uses her medical knowledge to solve mysterious illnesses affecting the imperial heirs, eventually gaining recognition for her work.
What happens to Maomao in The Apothecary Diaries?
In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao is sold into service at the emperor's palace. After she intervenes to help sick imperial heirs, the official Jinshi promotes her. She then spends her time navigating palace life and using her apothecary skills to solve various medical mysteries.
Who is the main character in The Apothecary Diaries?
The protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries is Maomao. She is an apothecary who lived a peaceful life before being sold as a servant. Her life changes when her talent for medicine and mystery solving catches the attention of Jinshi, an official within the imperial palace.
Why does Maomao get promoted in The Apothecary Diaries?
Maomao earns a promotion in The Apothecary Diaries because she successfully identifies cures for the imperial heirs who fall ill. This display of medical expertise attracts the attention of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who recognizes her value and elevates her status within the palace.