A review by dogoodwithbooks
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
4.0
CW: misogyny, sexual violence, abuse (mentioned), workplace sexual harassment, death of a parent, car accident, unplanned pregnancy, religious intolerance
Lessons in Chemistry has been on so many bookworms' radars since it published almost one year ago, and you all probably know what the book is about.
Elizabeth Zott is the kind of character we want to read about. Interestingly complex and layered to resonate with women no matter who they are, Zott inspires a generation of women to go after what they truly want and break through the glass ceilings holding them back in 1960s America. Throughout the book, you get to see her grow from her single mindset of doing life alone to discovering her own found family amidst her relationship with Calvin Evans and the ensemble of supporting characters. While Elizabeth and Calvin are not the typical love story, readers can see how that they were truly meant to be together and how the power of love can move people from despair and grief.
This book can be intense at times and there are some hard truths about how people treated women back in the 1960s. Additionally, there may be some opinions in the book one may not personally agree with (specifically regarding religion). However, I think those should take the time to read the book (while ensuring to take care of themselves) before casting any judgments about the book.
Nevertheless, Lessons in Chemistry is definitely worth the hype. Garmus is able to transport readers back and imagined a rewritten history of a woman making a breakthrough in the scientific and entertainment communities. If this sounds like you would be interested in a book like that, you came to the right place.
Lessons in Chemistry has been on so many bookworms' radars since it published almost one year ago, and you all probably know what the book is about.
Elizabeth Zott is the kind of character we want to read about. Interestingly complex and layered to resonate with women no matter who they are, Zott inspires a generation of women to go after what they truly want and break through the glass ceilings holding them back in 1960s America. Throughout the book, you get to see her grow from her single mindset of doing life alone to discovering her own found family amidst her relationship with Calvin Evans and the ensemble of supporting characters. While Elizabeth and Calvin are not the typical love story, readers can see how that they were truly meant to be together and how the power of love can move people from despair and grief.
This book can be intense at times and there are some hard truths about how people treated women back in the 1960s. Additionally, there may be some opinions in the book one may not personally agree with (specifically regarding religion). However, I think those should take the time to read the book (while ensuring to take care of themselves) before casting any judgments about the book.
Nevertheless, Lessons in Chemistry is definitely worth the hype. Garmus is able to transport readers back and imagined a rewritten history of a woman making a breakthrough in the scientific and entertainment communities. If this sounds like you would be interested in a book like that, you came to the right place.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Misogyny, and Car accident
Moderate: Sexual violence, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment