A review by lrose02
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This book was a whirlwind. Elizabeth is a beautifully rich main character who defies society at every turn in a way that is completely understandable to a modern female reader. The first twist of the book is heartbreaking especially as it happens so soon. The love story is not quite a subplot,
although brief
, as it drives the rest of the book. There’s so much character development from all side characters and so many of them are fleshed out. The ending was a happy one and hopeful too, and it made me happy to close the book knowing it’s a standalone. Everything made sense, it wasn’t rushed but still felt nicely wrapped up. The only downside were the few graphic SA scenes that added to the plot but also could not have been needed to be described so vividly. 
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