Reviews with content warning for Infidelity - Eine Frage der Chemie

it's like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo but even better imo. i fell in love with Elizabeth Zott, whose experiences are painful to read and made me want to scream with indignation. in fact, (almost*) the whole cast was lovable—not just "able to be loved", but rather, "no choice but to love". an engaging, many-threaded story full of heart that weaved into one for a rock-solid ending (for which i'm a sucker).

*except, to be honest, Walter Pine. i don't see how he was much better than the villainous men before him (Donatti and Lebensmal); maybe he was "just following orders", but as if that makes up for it. he's a devoted father, but what kind of daughter's role model is complicit in the mistreatment of women under his own purview? but of course he's ultimately

rewarded with a promotion—which i don't fault the writing for, it's prob the most realistic course of events unfortunately—but less believably, becomes bffs with Elizabeth at the drop of a hat

?? he may recognize the err of his ways, but did he follow that up with any significant changes, e.g. use his newfound power to uplift those he previously kept down? not that we know of. maybe i hold a grudge like Calvin but i don't really see how Walter redeemed himself.

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glass123banan's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

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mogaddini's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

This was a book club read. I went into this one mostly blind. I know it's a really popular one and I honestly just assumed it was a memoir of sorts. When I realized it was completely fiction pretty early on, I had a hard time overcoming my disappointment, but I kept reading. Everything else was amazing. The feelings I felt were on par with what I thought the author would want us to feel and I even shed a tear or two near the end when the main "twist" was revealed and things started to tie together. My heart ached for the characters, both living and dead. The author did an amazing job writing this. Even with all the possible triggering content, it wasn't the main focus and I found the book itself to be relatively lighthearted. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy and rereading this one throughout the rest of my life. I listened to this via audiobook on 2x speed.

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corriejn's review against another edition

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4.5

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laheath'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? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Great debut novel! Elizabeth Zott is a female chemist in the early 1960's who struggles against sexism in her workplace and then becomes an example to other women, including her own daughter, on not accepting the status quo. Full of quirky characters and characters you love to hate because you've probably known someone like them. Laugh out loud funny while providing social commentary.

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trippalli's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.75

An excellent feminist book set in the 50d, 60s.. the characters are amazing as is their love, loses and the community built in this story, from defiant smart children to scientist women and single dad's this pushes all the boundaries, these and many many more, that society has deemed okay and accepted, then and now.

The first chapter, or near beginning had a harsh rape scene. If that triggers you I'd skip the beginning.. The bum gets better and better and while rape is a valid real concern this scene is so realistic and horrifying, that while she fights him off I would've rather skipped it. Keep reading though this book is amazing and full of wonderful people and their stories. Please read it, just skip the beginning if rape is triggering
A very good story, the warning flags are many but it's more in citing wrongs done and society and suicidal issues.. The family and community story overall is quite beautiful..a story of overcoming hardships and succeeding

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juli_powers's review against another edition

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challenging funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

3.5

The topics presented can be difficult to read at times. others, I found myself laughing out loud as I read. A lot is extremely exaggerated and at times took away from the story, but I loved the dogs perspective and protective nature, Mads character, and the way each character managed to get their name. Overall I enjoyed the story and couldn't put the book down.

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