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selspages 's review for:
Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What a fantastic read. I loved Mad, Elizabeth Zott, and the growth of each character. I loved the relationship between Walter and Elizabeth, and I loved how her story continued despite the obstacles she continued to face. The novel tackled grief and love in ways that I felt very tangible, heartwarming.
I will say, it does require a bit of suspension of disbelief — it’s difficult to tackle every nuance and crevice of what the experience of a woman was during the 1960s, and I’m of the belief that while the portrayal of “feminism” was a westernized and white one, this book would not have the place to adequately and justly portray the even more nuanced and complex experience of women of color during this time period. Of course, a book would be perfect if every single topic and theme was thoroughly and deeply discussed, but it’s not realistic, and clearly, the author would not have been the best person for the job of telling those stories. So for what it is worth, I loved this book and the world we were transported to. I also loved the dog POV, by the way. I don’t quite understand the hate on this, lol.
I will say, it does require a bit of suspension of disbelief — it’s difficult to tackle every nuance and crevice of what the experience of a woman was during the 1960s, and I’m of the belief that while the portrayal of “feminism” was a westernized and white one, this book would not have the place to adequately and justly portray the even more nuanced and complex experience of women of color during this time period. Of course, a book would be perfect if every single topic and theme was thoroughly and deeply discussed, but it’s not realistic, and clearly, the author would not have been the best person for the job of telling those stories. So for what it is worth, I loved this book and the world we were transported to. I also loved the dog POV, by the way. I don’t quite understand the hate on this, lol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual harassment
Moderate: Suicide