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A review by celtiqa
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. For context, I was born around the time period of this book. I have no doubt that the male entitlement portrayed was pretty much the norm - it was palpable throughout my working life.
This is a story about true love, the kind which doesn't bend to conform to social norms, when two highly intelligent people really love each other and don't place limits on them. Both the main characters are flawed, and like most other people of that time, doing their best to make the world a better place.
In passing, it deals with many of the key issues of our time: personal identity, inequality, sexism, rape, illegitimacy, intellectual theft, the struggles of a single parent, domestic violence, grief, and the unspoken but standard practice of women being undermined, demeaned, and relegated to roles far below their educational and intellectual capability. There are others; these are the ones which stood out for me.
“Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.” is one of many quotes which I hope is repeated through many generations.
I love that Elizabeth Zott finds a way to stay true to her own personal identity, even though her career path seems to change radically.
Lessons in Chemistry is on my list of books to give to the people I love.
This is a story about true love, the kind which doesn't bend to conform to social norms, when two highly intelligent people really love each other and don't place limits on them. Both the main characters are flawed, and like most other people of that time, doing their best to make the world a better place.
In passing, it deals with many of the key issues of our time: personal identity, inequality, sexism, rape, illegitimacy, intellectual theft, the struggles of a single parent, domestic violence, grief, and the unspoken but standard practice of women being undermined, demeaned, and relegated to roles far below their educational and intellectual capability. There are others; these are the ones which stood out for me.
I love that Elizabeth Zott finds a way to stay true to her own personal identity, even though her career path seems to change radically.
Lessons in Chemistry is on my list of books to give to the people I love.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexism, and Death of parent