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A review by satsumaorange
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
challenging
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
4.5
I was initially turned off by this book due to the cover and title - it appeared like one of those dime-a-dozen romance books I tend to avoid. But my amazing mother, a woman in science who has been my inspiration since childhood, highly recommended it and gifted it to me as a Christmas present. And boy, am I so glad she did.
This book was fantastic, compelling, and simultaneously infuriating. Every other page, I felt myself coming to Elizabeth's defense on every side. It angered me so deeply the way she was treated, that I started bookmarking every time someone said or did something genuinely kind to her. Total number: 20. If you are sensitive to sexism, I'd advise you to brace yourself.
HOWEVER.
Elizabeth was a compelling character to me, and I kept reading just to watch her shine as herself despite her hardships. Some people may have issues with her pragmatic, blunt, and very literal personality, but I actually really enjoy characters like Elizabeth! I choose to interpret her mannerisms as indicative of autism, which made her relatable and endearing to me.
If you have been turned away by the cover, I do encourage you to try Lessons in Chemistry. It's a wonderful story of empowering women, overcoming enormous adversity, and finding the true meaning of family.
This book was fantastic, compelling, and simultaneously infuriating. Every other page, I felt myself coming to Elizabeth's defense on every side. It angered me so deeply the way she was treated, that I started bookmarking every time someone said or did something genuinely kind to her. Total number: 20. If you are sensitive to sexism, I'd advise you to brace yourself.
HOWEVER.
Elizabeth was a compelling character to me, and I kept reading just to watch her shine as herself despite her hardships. Some people may have issues with her pragmatic, blunt, and very literal personality, but I actually really enjoy characters like Elizabeth! I choose to interpret her mannerisms as indicative of autism, which made her relatable and endearing to me.
If you have been turned away by the cover, I do encourage you to try Lessons in Chemistry. It's a wonderful story of empowering women, overcoming enormous adversity, and finding the true meaning of family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Death, Classism, Grief, Car accident, and Gaslighting
Minor: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Child death, Outing, Death of parent, Vomit, Drug use, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Body shaming, Pregnancy, Toxic relationship, and Suicidal thoughts