A review by onebook_more
Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus

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

3.5

Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott as she competes with the misogynistic world of 1950s America. A startlingly intelligent chemist who has faced irrevocable loss in her personal and professional life, Zott is thrust into the limelight when a local cooking show leads to her becoming the unlikely feminist hero her viewers need. 

This book came to me EXTREMELY hyped up. Multiple booksellers at my old job told me it was one of their favourite books of last year so I was expecting something really special. In honesty, it kind of missed the mark for me. It was definitely unique it its style and I love hearing stories that don't often get told, but the writing and pacing were not my cup of tea. I felt like it was just trying a little hard to be quirky and I would have loved more character work because I found Elizabeth to be so outlandish she was hard to connect to. 

I am clearly in the minority to not adore this one, but that's a risk we all take when delving into popular books! 

Content warnings: contains depictions of attempted sexual assault and completion of suicide. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings