A review by janaptrsn
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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

1.5

I was not able to enjoy this book for a few different reasons. I rated it 1.5 stars for the premise of it being a feminist book and representing women in STEM, especially in a time where there was so much misogyny around it. First off, the marketing for this book sets an entirely different tone than what I experienced reading it. I want to highlight that there are NO trigger warnings and very early on in the book there is a sudden graphic rape scene that I was not prepared for, as the book is marketed as a light, funny read. Then the main character is introduced to her love interest and their relationship feels unnatural to me since they go from him being sexist towards her to her being in love with him - no romantic build up. That made both characters unlikable and boring to me and it was hard to connect to them and their relationship. The dog‘s pov is very strange to me and personnaly I didn‘t enjoy reading his inner monologue and having him be a semi-human? The plot overall was a bit strange to me and felt boring lots of times. Throughout the book I was never able to warm up to Elizabeth as a character, her social awkwardness didn’t make her seem relatable, but cold and uninteresting. Towards the end I only kept reading so I could finish the book but I mentally checked out on what was really happening. Overall the main things I believe are wrong about this book are the false marketing and the absence of trigger warnings. The remaining points are mostly my personal taste and I can see how others might enjoy tose parts of the book!
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