A review by romeo_juliet_
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

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

2.5

Lessons in Chemistry has a fascinating setting and a host of interesting supporting characters. Calvin, in particular, stands out as a loveable character whose backstory - and legacy - drives much of the novel. However, Elizabeth can be frustrating and few of her flaws are examined in detail; she reads a little like someone from 2022 has been dropped into the 1950s and early 1960s. The novel also overdoes several of the points it is trying to make whilst failing to address  other relevant topics.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pregnancy, Car accident, Sexual assault, Rape, Death, Death of parent, Suicide, Grief, and Sexism

Moderate: Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Animal cruelty, and Religious bigotry

Sexual violence, death and grief are graphic and consistent topics throughout the novel.