"Over several seasons (Kassabova's move occurred at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic), the poet and writer set out to study the deep relationship between the area's people and plants, as well as with the land itself." --Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine "A radiant memoir of wonder and revelation."-- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) " Elixir is the latest example of Kapka Kassabova's knack for sensory and poignant nonfiction. Her previous books, Border and To the Lake , were two unforgettable adventures brimming with rich history and beautiful characters. Elixir marks another step forward as her most immersive and organic work yet."-- World Literature Today " Elixir is the vibrant, beautiful story of a singular, remarkable place. It issues a call to reclaim the physical, emotional, and spiritual connection between humanity and the natural world."- Catherine Thureson, Foreword (starred review) "Poetic and wistful, it's a fascinating read for anyone who loves history, nature or the Balkans, with all its history both modern and ancient.

" --Lacey Pfalz, TravelPulse "Kassabova's narrative loops and wanders, moving from plant-based healers to the plants themselves and other natives who call the Mesta basin home. Those who enter will be willing to get lost in this beautiful and aromatic maze, in which they will find rich and sumptuous wonders."-- Poornima Apte, Booklist "The mark of a good book is that it changes you. Sometimes a little, sometimes a lot. Nan Shepherd, Robin Wall Kimmerer and Jay Griffiths have all wielded that power over me, but I've rarely been so aware of an internal change being wrought, word by word, as I have these past days immersed in Kapka Kassabova's alchemical prose. I fancy she had me under her spell from page one, with reference to the 'smiling gallopL of rivers flowing downhill." -- The Guardian (UK).