Reviews with content warning for Physical abuse - Lezioni di chimica

WOW! I was so emotionally invested in this book that I had to take breaks because it would make me angry, sad or mad. And it should make the reader feel upset to see the injustices that take place in this book because those things happened (and sadly still happen). But I admit I wasn't emotionally ready for those scenes so at times this was a difficult read for me (sensitive readers be warned). Still all those emotions strongly connected me to the wonderful characters in the book and I kept reading. So glad I did. It's a marvelous book. Well written, great characters, and a fast moving well developed plot. It also love how it goes backward in time and has multiple POVs. I don't usually like kids and dogs, but Garmus did them expertly and I just loved them.

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eule's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This book is an inspiring and brave novel about the fight against misogyny in the 1960s. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist scarred by rape, discrimination, loss, grief and loneliness. Still she advocates for women’s rights (her cooking show based on chemistry) and the truth with confidence and courage to expose the people (men) who wronged her.

Even though I highly respect this work of literature, I have to mention some aspects that I did not quite enjoy.

Firstly, the character perspectives change all the time all of a sudden which can be quite confusing (love Six-Thirty’s pov though).

Secondly, the main plot is revealed right in the beginning (the first couple chapters) which was kind of off-putting.

Furthermore, I perceived Elizabeth as to perfect. She always seems strong and confident and unapproachable.

And lastly, it seems like the book wanted to pursue to many plots. One being the „women’s rights in science and work - plot“, another being the „mystery about Calvin Evans - plot“ and just another one being the „how to be a family - plot“. It just seems like the novel should include every possible trope.

To conclude, I recommend this book as an educational and revolutionary novel about the rise of feminism.

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meaghanslibrary's review against another edition

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adventurous funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Other books I ranked I feel need to be readjusted based on how much I liked this book. I could not put it down (except when socially required to do so).

This is a wonderful story of empowerment and chemistry, with a dash of cooking. I loved Elizabeth Zott she reminded me a bit of Eleanor Oliphant from “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” in that she says what’s on her mind with confidence and in a not cruel but honest way.

Also, I loved the way all the bits of the story tied together almost like fate, pun intended (given the religious bits spoken throughout the book). Although it was predictable a bit the end, I appreciated that it came together in a nice bow. It made me happy the book ended yet bittersweet that it did because I wanted to be with the characters a little longer. Also I love the wise dog, Six-Thirty. He reminded me of the wise Octopus, Marcellus in “Remarkably Bright Creatures.”

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margaret_k30's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective sad 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

4.25

Well, this was an interesting read. The primary characters are so well written, being shown as they are perceived by others and themselves. The side characters are nearly caricatures, especially the TV head, Chemistry head, and master's adviser. They were so vile I could spit, all taking what they wanted from EZ, either physically, professionally, or both. The throughline of Calvin's story ties it all up in a neat bow, but it didn't feel forced. I think my favorite characters are Mad and the priest. So much is revealed in their conversations that gets to the root of how terribly we can treat one another and how comfort is more than "I'm sorry for your loss." The most surprising addition is 6:30. A bit of a screwball addition to the motley crew, but he rounds them out nicely. There was a fair bit of pontificating, a general distaste for religion (painted as wholly bad and the root of all things terrible with zero redeeming qualities) and some odd questions/statements from the men in the book. (Like the doctor wondering why so many women choose to have kids. Seriously?) I was shocked when it ended as it felt a bit rushed (was hoping for an epilogue), but I'm looking forward to her next book for sure.

Side note: I absolutely love the fact that the author is over 60. She doesn't address ageism much in this book but I'm sure the publishing business is similar to the rest of the world in favoring youth. Seeing a woman over 40 have so much success gives me hope.

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bookwormbb's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book was cute and sweet overall to see the character find a support group. Mad is so lovable in my opinion.

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allielippe's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring medium-paced

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

2.0

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eleonorehilbig's review against another edition

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sad 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? No

1.5

so. this was BAD!
i would not have finished if it wasnt an audiobook and i had some long busjourneys ahead. ;)

this book consists purely of "not like other girl" characters.
elisabeth zott is a genius with impeccable morals,

who is also very quick to pick up rowing and who is the most beautiful woman ever and also has incredible chemistry in front of the tv and also she is an amazing chef and motivational speaker.

the other main characters are similarly extraordinary.

the way the EZ and CE have both grown up in toxic/religious environments and somehow came out without any internalized struggles is laughable at best and just plain offensive

in my opinion the feminism in the book is very problematic. as this book deals only with a very narrow view on feminism: very white, very middleclass.
additionally the female characters that work with the MC play into the "woman are formost enemies who want the attention of men" trope which is especially harmful when there are only 2 women in that workplace.

in terms of highlighting the problems the mc faces in her day to day life -

somehow only the SA and firing while pregnant

get highlighted where smaller but also important issues are sort of just glanced over - it felt as though they werent deemed important enough to be talked about.

additionally the message of the book is basically:

you can stand up to the patriarchy and be a mother and a successfull buisnesswoman so long as you have connections through your partner who are suuuuuper rich and as long as you re beautiful and also have somehow access to free babysitting.

the amount of dead or missing relatives also seemed like an easy way out to not having to discuss some of the choices the MC makes which in turn seems lazy

even for a "feel good" read these are issues that are imo harmful.
also to me elizabeth was insufferable.
the only good thing about this book was 6:30 the dog and how parts of it were narrated through his eyes.

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