A review by kadyofbooks
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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

5.0

So, I absolutely LOVED this book!! I can't wait to reread it some day. I loved following Elizabeth's story, although it also made me furious at how women were treated throughout history. This focuses on the 1960's and even though things have changed for the better since then, there are still some things that need changing now. (And I do get the criticism that some people mentioned about Elizabeth feeling like a 21st century woman time-travelling back to the 1950s/60s and with that background trying to make a life in society.)
The characters Bonnie Garmus wrote felt very real (maybe a bit stereotypical at some points but, nevertheless, real).
I especially loved Elizabeth's relationship with her daughter, Mad. Although she originally didn't want children, once Mad was in her life I felt like that changed to accomodate the changed reality. I also loved that Garmus didn't portray motherhood as being easy-going from the beginning. Elizabeth does struggle with her new role as a mother and therefore a rolemodel and caregiver to a younger being. What I also loved about that was that she raised Mad to be independent and curious but not naive.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings