Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Уроки химии

What a strange book - it was not at all what I expected from what I’d heard or from the marketing. There’s a pull quote on the cover calling it an “utter delight” and I genuinely don’t know who would think that. This was one of the most profoundly (and yet implausibly) sad books I’ve ever read. Unrelentingly, almost, though there is a sort of happy, at least hopeful-ish, if again, implausible ending. What it reminded me of, in an unexpected and bizarre way, was A Little Life, though it’s not quite as hideously cruel as that book.

I enjoyed reading this, despite the sadness, but I found it rather unsatisfying as well. What I liked was the propulsion of the narrative and the zingy, constantly moving POV (I especially enjoyed the dog’s POV). But because of that very mechanism, while the book is theoretically mostly about Elizabeth, I felt like she was barely developed and pretty unrelatable as a character - all of this happens to her, but you spend more time with the reactions and feelings of those around her than with her. It left me feeling that she was a bit of an automaton and even when her thoughts and feelings were described, they had very little heft. (I don’t think I’d actually want to spend more time in her head, but it’s a strange choice for your main character.) I liked Calvin better, but it also felt a bit strange that this book that’s theoretically a feminist story about this compelling woman was really so much about a man instead.

I’m not sure if I’ll recommend this but I think I’d check out what this author does next.

Content Warnings

bibiblockzzz's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

radmusikitty's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny informative mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

chemistrychick68's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Content Warnings

sofiavilla's review against another edition

Go to review page

inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Content Warnings

skylover's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

this is one of the most female empowering books i've ever read, fitting to read in the year of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and the Barbie movie. I laughed, cried, gasped, got goosebumps, and learned a lot from this book about the history of women's rights, and literal chemistry. One of my favorites I've read this year - i rooted for the female characters, i loved the different perspectives, and found this book relatable on so many levels. I'd befriend Elizabeth and Harriet in a instant if I could. I didn't mesh with the rushed ending, kinda felt like it left you hanging, and it did get slow at times when there seemed to be no hope or good people until pg 140 and then it turns around.

Content Warnings

More...