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A review by estherpew
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, Bonnie Garmus
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
I can tell why so many people love this book and why my mom kept on me telling me to read it (also so we could watch the show together). It’s a great read, an emotional one, a heartbreaking one, one that makes me think about how women and marginalized people have been and are treated, especially in certain fields of work. My favorite character was the dog. Loved the growth the dog showed. I was nervous for the dog the entire time, as I sat next to my slumbering doggo.
I am a big fan of romance novels. They are all I read. And it would have been a disappointment if the author had found another partner for Elizabeth. What happens is completely heartbreaking - but it would have been utterly disappointing to the story and the readers if Elizabeth found someone new. I appreciated that the author did not do that. I unfortunately feel that too many authors nowadays want their readers to have the happy ending (which, as someone who mostly reads romance, I do truly enjoy and appreciate), but this felt so much more real.
One thing that felt a little off to me was the daughter. I enjoyed the character but I’m not the biggest fan of the extremely smart child trope. And yes, I do think it’s a trope. It fit in this story but it’s not one of my favorite things in a story.
And - I think more books need to have trigger and content warnings at the start of their book. Even if a scene isn’t overly descriptive, it still needs to warn folks. We never know what someone is going through, or has experienced. There is absolutely no harm is putting in a warning at the start of a book. If you don’t like them or need them, then don’t read them. But it could make someone be safe when reading a book.
A book I truly couldn’t put down, as I’m writing this review at 1am. And now my mom and I can watch the show and I’ll likely get irritated at all the small inconsistencies from one medium to the other. At least I’m aware that I do this!!
I am a big fan of romance novels. They are all I read. And it would have been a disappointment if the author had found another partner for Elizabeth. What happens is completely heartbreaking - but it would have been utterly disappointing to the story and the readers if Elizabeth found someone new. I appreciated that the author did not do that. I unfortunately feel that too many authors nowadays want their readers to have the happy ending (which, as someone who mostly reads romance, I do truly enjoy and appreciate), but this felt so much more real.
One thing that felt a little off to me was the daughter. I enjoyed the character but I’m not the biggest fan of the extremely smart child trope. And yes, I do think it’s a trope. It fit in this story but it’s not one of my favorite things in a story.
And - I think more books need to have trigger and content warnings at the start of their book. Even if a scene isn’t overly descriptive, it still needs to warn folks. We never know what someone is going through, or has experienced. There is absolutely no harm is putting in a warning at the start of a book. If you don’t like them or need them, then don’t read them. But it could make someone be safe when reading a book.
A book I truly couldn’t put down, as I’m writing this review at 1am. And now my mom and I can watch the show and I’ll likely get irritated at all the small inconsistencies from one medium to the other. At least I’m aware that I do this!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
Minor: Domestic abuse