A review by outer_books
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

challenging dark emotional funny inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

PLEASE READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS BEFORE DIVING INTO THIS BOOK!!!! (another to add amongst the others from below, 'BIRTH AND LABOR')


Short summary: We follow Elizabeth Zott, a chemist, where she faces the challenges of loss, gain and different paths that she takes in her life to make a change for herself and others in the sixties where women where not seen as equal as men.

Likes:
  • the flow of the writing is beautiful. it's too descriptive in my eyes while too short and abrupt. I could still feel the characters' behaviours and how they feel from them showing it without telling. As well as having not too long description which made it easier for my head to paint a picture of the world and the characters.
  • the characters have very varying personalities and behaviours.
  • its not so realistic that its super fun to read. like having an overly smart dog that could learn over 900 words from the vocabulary and has the attention of a human being.
  • I love that the chemical terms were not that complicated to understand.
Dislikes:
  • I did chuckle on some instances in the book but it wasn't much despite it being marketed as a 'Humorous' book.

Final thoughts:
This is book is unrealistic in the aspect of 'every single man was sexist and unaccepting of women back in the 60s'. But there were topics that were very interesting and realistic that still exists today such as sexism, misogyny and people are ingrained to refuse to put the first foot at the door for change due to fear. I love the little humours here and there but it wasn't a lot. It was fun and emotional to watch Elizabeth's hard journey from what she wanted to something completely beyond her imaginations but still did what she loved. I know I gave it a 3.5/5, it doesn't mean it was bad I really enjoyed the book whether somethings are realistic or not. It was such a fun read for me!
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