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A review by eule
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This book is an inspiring and brave novel about the fight against misogyny in the 1960s. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist scarred by rape, discrimination, loss, grief and loneliness. Still she advocates for women’s rights (her cooking show based on chemistry) and the truth with confidence and courage to expose the people (men) who wronged her.
Even though I highly respect this work of literature, I have to mention some aspects that I did not quite enjoy.
Firstly, the character perspectives change all the time all of a sudden which can be quite confusing (love Six-Thirty’s pov though).
Secondly, the main plot is revealed right in the beginning (the first couple chapters) which was kind of off-putting.
Furthermore, I perceived Elizabeth as to perfect. She always seems strong and confident and unapproachable.
And lastly, it seems like the book wanted to pursue to many plots. One being the „women’s rights in science and work - plot“, another being the „mystery about Calvin Evans - plot“ and just another one being the „how to be a family - plot“. It just seems like the novel should include every possible trope.
To conclude, I recommend this book as an educational and revolutionary novel about the rise of feminism.
Even though I highly respect this work of literature, I have to mention some aspects that I did not quite enjoy.
Firstly, the character perspectives change all the time all of a sudden which can be quite confusing (love Six-Thirty’s pov though).
Secondly, the main plot is revealed right in the beginning (the first couple chapters) which was kind of off-putting.
Furthermore, I perceived Elizabeth as to perfect. She always seems strong and confident and unapproachable.
And lastly, it seems like the book wanted to pursue to many plots. One being the „women’s rights in science and work - plot“, another being the „mystery about Calvin Evans - plot“ and just another one being the „how to be a family - plot“. It just seems like the novel should include every possible trope.
To conclude, I recommend this book as an educational and revolutionary novel about the rise of feminism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Alcoholism, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Child death, Death, Death of parent, Vomit, Sexual assault, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Misogyny