This post is my take on this wonderful debut novel. Following is my honest Lessons in Chemistry review.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If your lifelong dream has been to become a chemist, but you’re feeling too overwhelmed with the equations and formulas involved, then fret not – there is a novel that can show you the way!
No, not really; if you picked up this book hoping to learn about chemistry, you would be slightly disappointed, or maybe a lot disappointed. I’ll let you decide.
I have wanted to read this novel since its debut in 2022. However, I resisted until now because, at 400 pages, it is one of the longer debut novels on my list. You should not let the length of this novel deter you, though. It is an easy, enjoyable read.
Lessons in Chemistry is Bonnie Garmus’ first novel. A wonderful debut novel set in the middle of the 20th century and tackling the serious topics of single parenthood, sexism, and identity, this fictional story is centered around a female scientist’s love of chemistry and the societal norms that she must overcome to pursue her dream.
Keep reading for my full review and discover why Lessons in Chemistry could be the perfect debut novel.
The Gist
Bonnie Garmus’s debut novel tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, who is no average woman, but a brilliant scientist who longs to follow in the footsteps of past female scientists and make a difference in the world of chemistry despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks.
After enduring a sexual assault, Elizabeth is forced to give up her goal of attaining her Ph.D. She subsequently secures a position as a junior researcher at the Hastings Research Institute, where she meets the love of her life, fellow research chemist Calvin Evans.
After Evans dies in an unfortunate accident, Elizabeth finds herself pregnant in the patriarchal society of the late 1950s. Despite being a brilliant emerging chemist and a single mother, she is immediately fired and forced to support her daughter in a very unconventional way. To make ends meet, she ultimately is forced to take a job as the host of a cooking show at a local television station.
Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking in her afternoon show “Supper at Six” quickly becomes popular as she teaches housewives to cook using chemistry terms and techniques.
What I Liked
The character development was well-researched and thorough. The very serious themes of depression and sexual harassment were handled with brevity.
Elizabeth is an extraordinary woman with a brilliant mind who is tenacious, confident, and maybe a little bit arrogant. Madeline, Elizabeth’s daughter, is often the star of the story. Mad is the precocious daughter who, at 4 years old, is wise beyond her years, and when she tackles a common homework assignment with a very mature method, the end result is a little comical but touching. Another strong character is Harriet, her neighbor and part-time babysitter. Despite being judgmental in the beginning and an unhappy person, she quickly endears herself to Elizabeth and Mad as she realizes things are not always as they seem.
Calvin, who is Elizabeth’s love interest, is a complex individual. He was adopted at an early age and told that his biological mother died during childbirth. When his adoptive parents were killed, he was sent to live in an orphanage, where he waged a personal vendetta against the directors. Although Calvin was known for being extremely unfriendly, he did love Elizabeth, and his tenderness toward her was moving. Other male characters that are noteworthy are Walter Pine, the producer of Elizabeth’s show, who grew on me throughout the story, and Minister Wakely, whose friendship with young Mad is really heartwarming.
Elizabeth’s personality, tenacious attitude, and unwillingness to give up on her dream of becoming a research chemist despite overwhelming odds were inspiring, and I found myself really connecting with her constant struggles through everyday life.
The disconnect between religion and science is explored from a scientific and religious point of view in ways that one could understand both sides of this controversial coin and was an interesting addition to the storyline.
What I Loathed
Some of the male characters in this book were really deplorable. My fellow book club member commented that the author must have had a really poor view of the male species because most of the male characters are really unlikeable, namely Dr. Donatti, Harriet’s husband, and Phil.
Elizabeth’s dog named Six Thirty is a main character and a plot point that did not particularly resonate with me. Some of the story is told through his point of view as though he were almost human. I found this extremely intelligent dog character offputting and a little disjointed and would have preferred the dog to be more in the background.
I also found the continued sexism and misogynistic points of view distasteful, but I reminded myself that this story is set in the 1950s, a time period when those situations were commonplace.
The rape scene was jarring and unexpected, and I could have done without it.
Epilogue of my Lessons in Chemistry Review
Overall Bonnie Garmus’ Lessons in Chemistry is a powerful and inspiring read. Following Elizabeth’s relentless pursuit of dreams and goals her entire life is riveting and often humorous. It is a moving and motivational story that proves a person can do anything if they are patient and willing.
“Whenever you start doubting yourself,”……….. “whenever you feel afraid, just remember, Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories….. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started.” Elizabeth Zott’s concluding speech for Supper at six in Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Buy the novel Lessons in Chemistry here.
I absolutely recommend this book. I’m sure that your local library or bookstore has a copy in stock. Pick one up today and let me know if you agree with my review. Happy Reading.
