A review by matttruss
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Really enjoyed this book and had no idea what to expect going in.  Bonnie Garmus has created some exceptional characters here.  Elizabeth Zott is a rock star, but Six Thirty steals the show, definitely the best character.  There are many reviews bashing the book as unrealistic, but it's fiction...it goes without saying this story is made up.  The characters are larger than life, Elizabeth Zott is a super genius and an instant athlete, but her athletic prowess comes from her understanding of physics and science.  Much like her understanding of everything in her life, to the point that she has a difficult time in social settings, humor, or understanding why some people just don't get it.  She also teaches her child at an over-the-top rate that is unrealistic, but again, suspend your disbelief.  Her view of religion is a result of her upbringing and we see religion in this book from her point of view for the most part, which may be unflattering.  Elizabeth Zott is not the only person I know with an unflattering view of organized religion.  There are plenty of bad male characters, yes, but they are a product of their environment.  The patriarchy is bad for everyone, even Donatti.  I wouldn't call the book humourous, but there are funny parts.  There are also some difficult scenes of sexual assault and death.  If you're expecting a funny, hyper-realistic story of a female chemist in the 50s/60s, maybe skip this one, but if you don't mind a sort of...alternative history with larger-than-life, over-the-top characters with a touch of whimsy,  a sad story with a bit of a redemption arc...you will be entertained. #genreisdead

"Courage is the root of change and change is what we are chemically designed to do."
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