A review by ceebee86
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

dark emotional informative lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I found it uniquely fun and yet at times very jarring. You’re gonna feel like you’re getting hatecrimed by proxy multiple times.

I think what stands out the most is the remarkable characterization. Every character is very distinct from each other. And though some critics say Zott feels too 2020s and that it deals with “modern” themes, I think that’s an intellectual disservice. The fight for women to be taken seriously didn’t start in 2015 wtf cmon guys.

There’s an essence of the era very clearly in every interaction.
The main couple is very refreshing. It kinda made me go “holy autism batman!!!” several times but that’s the beauty of Garmus’ characterization skills.

My one gripe is how the antagonistic people were REALLY antagonistic. Like everyone who isn’t the main character is cartoonishly evil. The cast of “good” characters builds up slowly but holy god you’re fighting the current of shitty personalities every step of the way. It’s like the whole populace needed to burn in hell.

Otherwise great read. I was a STEM girlie for those 300 ish pages and I enjoyed it.