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A review by baileewyatt
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
⭐️: 5/5
This book came so highly recommended that I thought it’d be overrated and I’d be unimpressed. This couldn’t have been further from the truth. Even after everything I’d heard, I was still surprised by the story that I was reading. The characters were so lovable (or hatable when applicable). I think that it’s so impressive when an author can make us truly love a character in spite of their flaws. However, it’s equally as impressive when they can make us hate a character to the core.
My favorite character, by far, was Mad. Her precociousness and sense of confidence even in times of questioning was admirable and adorable all at once. I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction and I felt like this one was so well done. You understood all the signs of the times but could be just as immersed as if it was present day. It was easy to follow and visualize. Overall, a great read. It’s a little long and normally at the end of a longer book I’m ready to be done. When this was over I was craving more content. This is a must read…will it be my favorite of 2023? We’ll find out soon…
This book came so highly recommended that I thought it’d be overrated and I’d be unimpressed. This couldn’t have been further from the truth. Even after everything I’d heard, I was still surprised by the story that I was reading. The characters were so lovable (or hatable when applicable). I think that it’s so impressive when an author can make us truly love a character in spite of their flaws. However, it’s equally as impressive when they can make us hate a character to the core.
My favorite character, by far, was Mad. Her precociousness and sense of confidence even in times of questioning was admirable and adorable all at once. I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction and I felt like this one was so well done. You understood all the signs of the times but could be just as immersed as if it was present day. It was easy to follow and visualize. Overall, a great read. It’s a little long and normally at the end of a longer book I’m ready to be done. When this was over I was craving more content. This is a must read…will it be my favorite of 2023? We’ll find out soon…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Car accident, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment