Reviews with content warning for Blood - Eine Frage der Chemie

I'm usually the first to say I don't read historical fiction, and that's because I have the distorted view that History means novels about young women in Victorian London, struggling to survive on the streets until a wealthy handsome man takes pity on them, gives them a servants job and invariably falls in love with her. This book couldn't be further away from that synopsis if it tried.

It's set in the 1960's, hence the historical. But it's based in America and Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant, resourceful woman all on her own. She has no need or want for a man to rescue her and her primary focus is science. There is an element of romance in there as her path crosses that of Calvin Evans, another brilliant scientist who falls for not only Elizabeth's looks but predominantly, her scientific brain. They can communicate with each other on the same level and soon they are inseparable but Elizabeth refuses to get married. They even have a dog named Six-Thirty because that's the time they adopted him, or rather he adopted them. He was an abandoned bomb sniffer dog and has the ability to pick things up exceptionally quickly, which is helpful to Elizabeth when she's left alone and pregnant

when Calvin dies unexpectedly.

Struggling to make ends meet, she tries going back to the science lab she was earlier fired from (for being a pregnant single woman, it is the 60's remember) but was taken on only as a lab assistant (glorified tea-maker) and quits in disgust. After a run-in with the single father of one of her daughter's classmates Walter Pine, who happens to be a TV producer looking for his next big production. He and Elizabeth end up creating 'Supper at Six', a cooking show aimed at housewives but Elizabeth in her own revolutionary way (and often at Walter's discomfort) ends up not only using scientific terms to cook but helping and inspiring women all over the country.

I loved Elizabeth's character and spirit, she didn't let anything or anyone, especially not a man, hold her back or tell her what to do or not to do. She was first and foremost a scientist, the fact she was female was neither here nor there to her and she refused to conform to male sexist standards, either in the lab or out of it.

I also loved how we often saw the lives of Elizabeth, Calvin and their daughter Mad, through the eyes of Six-Thirty, the dog. He made astute observations and saved the day more than once. I wasn't that keen on the daughter Mad. I know there are genius children out there but I just couldn't quite buy into the fact she was one and that she was conversing with adults often above their level, let alone a five-year-old child.

Overall, a very entertaining story and an unusual premise. I might even watch the TV show if I get a chance.

Content Warnings

kimmy0__0's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

I loved this book and loved the character Elizabeth Zott. This is a great representation of what women during that time frame and continue to struggle with in the world (certainty not to the same extent). There are great characters who steal your heart and you can't help but root for as they struggle through the ups and downs of life. I ADORED the chapters/insights from 6:30's perspective ❤️

Content Warnings

rkreads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative sad medium-paced

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

3.0

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kmac14's review against another edition

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sad tense slow-paced

2.0

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scmiller's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.25

Content Warnings

kjboldon's review against another edition

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fast-paced

3.0

Lots of trigger warnings. A fast read, often funny, weirdly shifting in tone, that felt rather packaged to me, like it had been forced into a similar narrative to Where'd You Go Bernadette? Excellent dog character and dog POV though.

Content Warnings

nightingale25's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Content Warnings

ecmiller's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

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