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A review by genderqueer_hiker
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I nearly DNF'd at 25%. I could not read this as historical fiction or anything rooted in reality. I was able to finish this and not hate it by placing it into more of a magical realism/fanfic/AU reality. There are no people of color; the villains are hugely dramatic, overplayed, and relatively stupid. It's highly predictable.
It features a very stereotypical autistic-coded woman who never understands humor, sarcasm, or social dynamics. We bury our one gay character without ever even meeting him, and he's only ever used to spur on our main character’s meandering arc. There is a detailed rape in the first ~5% of the book. The author's invasive exposition gives me the impression she thinks we're stupid and irritated me to no end. I was painfully aware that this story is a direct product of its author. The dog is the best part.
It features a very stereotypical autistic-coded woman who never understands humor, sarcasm, or social dynamics. We bury our one gay character without ever even meeting him, and he's only ever used to spur on our main character’s meandering arc. There is a detailed rape in the first ~5% of the book. The author's invasive exposition gives me the impression she thinks we're stupid and irritated me to no end. I was painfully aware that this story is a direct product of its author. The dog is the best part.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Rape, Sexism, Gaslighting, Death, Sexual violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Grief and Pregnancy
Minor: Domestic abuse, Car accident, Pedophilia, Religious bigotry, and Mental illness