This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie GarmusPublication Date: April 5, 2022
Publisher: Doubleday / Penguin Random House
Pages: 400
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Feminist
Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an *average* woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show *Supper at Six*. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, *Lessons in Chemistry* is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.
REVIEW
I have a deep appreciation for the overall narrative presented in Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus. The story revolves around the brilliant chemist, Elizabeth Zott, who defies societal expectations and challenges gender norms in the male-dominated field of science during the early 1960s. As an individual who runs several different chemistry programs in my own line of work, I was particularly drawn to the premise of this book.
However, despite my initial excitement, I found myself grappling with conflicting emotions towards the main character. Elizabeth’s struggle to be taken seriously resonated with me on a profound level, as I have experienced similar obstacles in my own career. I admired her determination and relentless pursuit of her goals. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but be put off by her pretentious and snobbish attitude throughout the narrative. It created a disconnect that prevented me from fully immersing myself in the story and hindered my ability to fully appreciate Elizabeth’s journey.
It’s important to note that personal preferences and subjective interpretations play a significant role in our enjoyment of literature. While I acknowledge the author’s intent to create a complex and multi-faceted protagonist, Elizabeth’s demeanour just didn’t align with my own sensibilities. This, in turn, affected my overall reading experience.
Despite my reservations, I must commend the author for creating a vibrant and original story. Lessons in Chemistry explores themes of feminism, societal change, and the power of unconventional thinking. The supporting characters introduced throughout the book added depth and nuance to the plot, contributing to its overall richness.
While I greatly appreciate the storytelling and the underlying messages conveyed in Lessons in Chemistry, my inability to fully connect with the main character, Elizabeth Zott, hindered my complete enjoyment of the book. Nevertheless, I encourage readers to approach this novel with an open mind, as personal preferences may vary.
