A review by bethantg
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

After a few days, I've realised that my biggest issue with this book is that it did not have to be a historical fiction. This book doesn't need to be set in the 20th century, because the issues it discusses are still prevalent, and not only does it not need this setting, I feel that this setting actively detracts from the story. Elizabeth still would not fit into modern-day roles of acceptability, and her refusal to repackage herself to be more palatable or to disrespect the intelligence of her viewers would still make her stand out and be appreciated. Calvin would've still been loveable without being the only non-misogynist in the room. Mad still would've been a kooky child. Catholics and bad husbands still very much exist, so Harriet's situation wouldn't change a bit. This is why the setting isn't necessary, but the reason that the setting detracts is because this book is having 21st century feminist conversations that feel anachronistic, using the 1950s as an aesthetic rather than bringing the reader into that time period and discussing the issues of the time. It's a good story, but the contrast between the setting and the messaging really took me out of it at points. 
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