A review by jnestwd
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Set in the conservative early 1960s, Elizabeth Zott is a chemist working in the lab at Hastings Research Institute. Sexism and prejudice is a daily occurrence for Zott, but when she falls in love with a fellow Chemist - Calvin Evans - all the subsequent noise and scandal of their relationship fades into the background as they focus solely on one another. But when a tragic accident befalls the pair, Elizabeth is forced to take a new direction, one that steers her away from the career she so greatly loves, but that serves her family best. 

 

Right from the very first sentence, I was hooked on Elizabeth Zott’s story. 

 

The tenacity and confidence of Zott is inspiring and uplifting, and is extremely relevant even today in 2024 (sadly). 

 

A lot of the horrible treatment that Zott is subjected to is difficult to read, and yet, much of it is still very prevalent in our current society, if not more carefully cloaked to appear as something else. 

 

Elizabeth’s view on life as black and white, right or wrong is surprisingly refreshing, and a good reminder that if you want to pursue a certain path in life, there really isn’t any excuse that can stop you. If you want to do something, there is a way and an answer for everything. 

 

The characters in Lessons in Chemistry are extraordinary and so incredibly likeable. There are a lot of personalities in the story and yet, Bonnie Garmus cuts no corners. Every character is skilfully developed and refined to bring so much depth and tension to the story. 

 

I cannot believe that Garmus herself does not have a background in chemistry because Elizabeth Zott was so believable as an expert chemist! 

 

I loved this book and immediately want to reread. I’m so excited to see Bonnie Garmus speak this week at the Auckland Writers Festival!