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A review by samseaborn
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
5.0
I have never written a review on Goodreads before, ever. But this felt like the right book to do it for. I originally had read a sample of it (maybe 15/20 pages) a couple months back and just wasn't into it. I try to never read reviews to let them shape my opinions of things. Unfortunately, I didn't listen to myself for this one. I read some of the reviews and the lower starred ones seeped into my subconscious. But a couple months later, I decided to give it another go and I am so absolutely glad I did.
There are some beautiful building blocks in this novel. There are some really heavy hitting moments, some moments that are difficult to read. But there is so much love and understanding in this book as well. The characters are fleshed out, each their own person. Elizabeth is a modern woman in 1950's/60's America. And that can be seen as shocking and unrealistic to many while reading a period set piece of fiction. I honestly can see how that can be a turn off to a lot of people.
But, Elizabeth Zott is a complicated character, and if you only look at her on the surface level, then yes, she's difficult, rude, and unintentionally combative. But there is so much more to her. She is a loving mother, a determined careerist, a loyal friend, and an unapologetic moralist; in my opinion. And I do want to reiterate that this is: my opinion (clearly, as it's my review.) You may read this book and despise it, and you may agree with the lower reviews on here; and that's completely okay. Fiction is subjective, like any art form. You may not love this book, you may not even like it. But I do implore you to do one thing: give it a chance. Read it at your own leisure and form your own opinion. I think Elizabeth Zott deserves at least that much.
There are some beautiful building blocks in this novel. There are some really heavy hitting moments, some moments that are difficult to read. But there is so much love and understanding in this book as well. The characters are fleshed out, each their own person. Elizabeth is a modern woman in 1950's/60's America. And that can be seen as shocking and unrealistic to many while reading a period set piece of fiction. I honestly can see how that can be a turn off to a lot of people.
But, Elizabeth Zott is a complicated character, and if you only look at her on the surface level, then yes, she's difficult, rude, and unintentionally combative. But there is so much more to her. She is a loving mother, a determined careerist, a loyal friend, and an unapologetic moralist; in my opinion. And I do want to reiterate that this is: my opinion (clearly, as it's my review.) You may read this book and despise it, and you may agree with the lower reviews on here; and that's completely okay. Fiction is subjective, like any art form. You may not love this book, you may not even like it. But I do implore you to do one thing: give it a chance. Read it at your own leisure and form your own opinion. I think Elizabeth Zott deserves at least that much.