A review by fazazzle
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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

2.0

I purchased this book in anticipation of the Apple TV adaptation starring Brie Larson, but I really wish I didn’t. I’ve seen this title circulate around for years and hailed as a terrific piece of literature, but I truly do not agree.

While there are some redeeming qualities to this book (i.e., most of Six-Thirty’s POVs, the reveals at the end, and the development of the main romance), I could not wholeheartedly get behind this book.
The turning point for me was about 95 pages in, when we witness Calvin’s death. I don’t think that this death was meaningless (it was hinted from the beginning, so we did know it was coming), but the exaggerated, violent description of his death is really unnecessary. I don’t think that being needlessly cruel in the specifics of Calvin’s death really does much for the story or even the character development of outside characters.


Also, I know that this story takes place in the 1960s, but the feminist perspective felt very one-dimensional and was really ineffective for me. Honestly, it was kind of textbook White Feminism. I think that a lot more could have been done with these characters and this story if the feminism dared to dig a little deeper. Although I did enjoy the way that the cooking shows impacted the female audience members, I think that ultimately a lot of the messages fall a little flat. 

Ultimately, I don’t think I would really recommend this book to others. Although the writing style was (at times) interesting and there were some nice moments, I don’t really think this book will stand the test of time. 
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