Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel

Goodreads and other social media have been recommending this book to me for a while, but I looked at the cover and decided I didn't want to read another nerdy rom-com. I enjoy that genre generally, but not enough to grab this one. Then I saw the trailer for the upcoming Apple TV show. Puzzled, I read the blurb and a few reviews. This is where the old saying about "assumptions" showed me I was making a colossal mistake in judging a book by its cover. Anyway, long story short, I haven't enjoyed a book like this in a very long time. It's more historical fiction about the fifties and sixties as well as women's fiction. Elizabeth is a chemist in the Fifties, though very few think a woman has the mind and ability to be a scientist. The one exception is Calvin Evans, a noted chemist in his own right and the man who becomes Elizabeth's soulmate. This is brilliant writing, wry and poignant in turn. Elizabeth is alone except for Calvin because she's beautiful and intelligent, a deadly combination to men's egos that makes her an unwitting rival to other women who think their only job is to marry and produce children in this era. The supporting cast is lovely. Mad is perfect in her own unique manner, a genius of a child who sees things more clearly than many adults. Six-Thirty, the dog, has some of the best 'lines' in the book. Harriet, the Catholic neighbor stuck in a dead marriage, becomes Elizabeth and Mad's support line. Every character, good and bad, feels like people I've met in my real life, and it is delightful to see them collected here, contributing to this wonderful story. I'm old enough to remember the Fifties and Sixties. Ms. Garmus had captured every nuance of the period and sprinkled them like fairy dust over the stories about rowing and early live TV. If this all sounds like an odd combination, believe me, the author makes it all work. Bonnie Garmus has produced a terrific book, and I can't wait for more from her.

A novel about a super bright female chemist dealing with gender discrimination in both the workplace and in her personal life in the early 60’s. To call the protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, feisty might be an understatement. I worried briefly early on about whether this was going to become a tiresome ongoing feminist rant. However, author Bonnie Garmus presents Zott’s story with an excellent balance of uncompromising fierceness, laugh out loud humor and quietly developing warmth. Additionally, she reveals her characters with both honesty and respect….well, maybe not Dr. Donatti. But, honestly, in the course of our lives, how many of us have not encountered at least one “Dr. Donatti” type of character? In summary, the book is insightful, as well as delightfully entertaining. I will probably read it again. Enjoy!

Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant Chemist in the late 50’s/early 60’s when a woman’s “place” was in the kitchen. Her innovative ideas and contributions are continually dismissed by the pompous men in her field. She eventually agrees to host a cooking show in order to financially support her daughter and herself. After all, cooking is chemistry. Elizabeth is ferociously strong and resilient. Her independence and determination make her a wonderful role model for young women. Garmus paints a humorous, colorful story of the oppression women dealt with and how tenacity and perseverance can overcome most challenges. I was invested in Elizabeth’s character from the beginning, but when she rescued Six Thirty, I was done for. Her conversations with this amazing canine are some of the best moments in the story. I love the interactions between Elizabeth, Six Thirty and her daughter, Mads. I rated this 4.5, simply because it felt rushed at the end. However, it was an excellent read that I can highly recommend.

Prepare to be captivated by Bonnie Garmus' enchanting novel, "Lessons in Chemistry," a heartwarming and delightful tale that beautifully combines the wonders of science and the complexities of human relationships. Through her exquisitely crafted prose, Garmus takes readers on a remarkable journey that will leave them feeling enlightened, deeply moved, and inspired. Set in the early 1960s, "Lessons in Chemistry" introduces us to Elizabeth Zott, a driven and passionate young woman who finds herself caught between her dreams of becoming a scientist and the societal expectations that seek to confine her to the role of a housewife. Garmus masterfully portrays Elizabeth's struggle to defy the odds and pursue her ambitions by landing a position as a television cooking show assistant. This unexpected opportunity sets the stage for a captivating exploration of career aspirations, personal growth, and the power of embracing one's true self. What truly sets this novel apart is Garmus' remarkable ability to seamlessly weave together the worlds of science and love. As Elizabeth navigates the complexities of her demanding job and an unexpected romance with a charismatic professor, readers are treated to a thought-provoking examination of the intersections between personal and professional aspirations. Garmus' attention to detail shines through as she incorporates fascinating scientific principles into the narrative, making "Lessons in Chemistry" not just a love story but also a celebration of the joys of learning and discovery. Moreover, Garmus' skillful rendering of her characters deepens the emotional resonance of the story. Elizabeth emerges as a strong and relatable protagonist, her journey serving as a powerful reminder that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter the obstacles that stand in our way. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, providing layers of authenticity and dynamics that make them truly unforgettable. Notably, Garmus' prose is elegant, poetic, and infused with genuine emotion. She effortlessly transports the reader to a bygone era, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the 1960s. From the bustling television studios to the hallowed halls of academia, every setting is brought to life in vivid detail, creating a rich and immersive reading experience. "Lessons in Chemistry" is not simply a book; it's a celebration of women's empowerment, the pursuit of dreams, and the courage to redefine societal norms. Bonnie Garmus has created a masterpiece that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. If you are searching for a novel that will uplift, inspire, and remind you of the transformative power of love and intellect, "Lessons in Chemistry" is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be captivated by its beauty and left with a renewed belief in the endless possibilities that life has to offer.

Loved the way the author took you on an emotional and informative journey about life and lessons and heartache and happiness. What a great storyteller Bonnie Garmus is.

The book arrived in perfect condition but had a bit of dust and dirt on the back. I was able to remove most of it with some wet wipes As for the book itself, I didn’t read it yet

This book has had a huge amount of marketing and appears to have sold a lot of copies which is always great for the writer (and the industry in general). I've also had a few friends read it too and have heard nothing but good. The book is 386 pages split into 46 chapters which makes reading it very easy. I had a look on Amazon before I started and was amused to se that this is the number one book in the "Feminist Criticism" category (there was me thinking it was a novel!). The story starts with Elizabeth as a mother, scientist and TV presenter, juggling her commitments in a way that was unusual for the 1960s. We then go back ten years and begin to understand how she got where she is now. Whilst appearing to be light on the surface, the book quickly moves to much darker territory, showing the sexism and abuse that was accepted as normal. That sums up the beauty of this book - it has an unforgiving hardness at its centre but is wrapped but a thin layer of social predictability making it accessible to read. There is a balance of comedy and serious issues that also makes the book fun. Elizabeth as a character is hard to believe and I thought the author could have softened her more but, let yourself go with the depiction, and she is a great focus for the novel. The story has a big build up before we actually get Elizabeth on TV (which is marketed as the core of the novel) - this feels like a long time but is necessary as it sets the scene. Everyone in the book is a remarkable person for all sorts of reasons - even Six Thirty (the dog) who is taught to recognise hundreds of specific words. Getting further into the book I became more and more aware of how deep the topic is. There is a lot of thought around the equality messages and you can't help but make comparisons to today's society - some problems have been reduced by legislation and gradual society change but many issues are worse than ever. Women appearing on TV today would say that their looks are analysed more than ever before, with the possibilities of feedback not limited to phone calls and letters. Endings of novels are hard to get right but this one is perfectly achieved. There is a lovely amount of emotion mixed in with a good balance of well structured plot.

There is long time that I’ve read something so impactful, interesting and profound. A book that took my attention since the first chapter and make me feel inspired by stories full of encrypted messages and important debates.

Utterly brilliant. One of the best I've ever read. Imaginative, clever, totally original and beautifully crafted characters.