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A review by cpaul89
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
4.0
I was unprepared for the start of this book. Within the first 20 pages is a sexual assault. I know I'm sensitive, but I wonder if this is an exaggeration of the landscape for women in the workforce/academia in the 1950s or if it's more accurate than we want to admit.
There are many instances of specific sexist moments that come across to me as trying to check the boxes of all the ways we know people have experienced sexism. Women can't be scientists, they belong in the kitchen, they aren't smart, and on and on. Main character, Elizabeth Zott, breaks through all of it. I recognize that some of these situations were truly barriers for many women in the workforce, especially jobs that women would even be considered for.
We begin by learning about Calvin Evans, his brilliance, and how he is the only person in the world to see Elizabeth Zott's even greater brilliance. While on the one hand this is better than the norm she is surrounded by, as a reader I'm disappointed that we initially see this through the eyes of a man. Again, I do understand this is a foundational part of their relationship -- the fact that he actually sees her.
Through Calvin, Elizabeth meets other characters who are in and out during the book. Then, when Calvin is gone, we start to meet new characters who pick her up and show her love and appreciation. She learns many lessons through the chemistry she has with each of them. There is her daughter, Mad, her dog, Six-Thirty, her neighbor, Harriet and a few others.
While Harriet's character shows other sides of the challenges of womanhood in the 50s & 60s, I appreciate her growth more. "It was Harriet's first paycheck, and she couldn't believe how powerful it made her feel."
By the end the people in Elizabeth's life have become her family, some by blood and some by choice. I'm such a sucker for found/chosen family.
The novel wraps up in a tidy bow with an excitement regarding Elizabeth's future. While all in all it's fine, the ending wouldn't pass the Bechdel Test ... Super disappointing for a book about breaking through the limitations put upon women by men to end with a discussion about a man.
There are many instances of specific sexist moments that come across to me as trying to check the boxes of all the ways we know people have experienced sexism. Women can't be scientists, they belong in the kitchen, they aren't smart, and on and on. Main character, Elizabeth Zott, breaks through all of it. I recognize that some of these situations were truly barriers for many women in the workforce, especially jobs that women would even be considered for.
We begin by learning about Calvin Evans, his brilliance, and how he is the only person in the world to see Elizabeth Zott's even greater brilliance. While on the one hand this is better than the norm she is surrounded by, as a reader I'm disappointed that we initially see this through the eyes of a man. Again, I do understand this is a foundational part of their relationship -- the fact that he actually sees her.
Through Calvin, Elizabeth meets other characters who are in and out during the book. Then, when Calvin is gone, we start to meet new characters who pick her up and show her love and appreciation. She learns many lessons through the chemistry she has with each of them. There is her daughter, Mad, her dog, Six-Thirty, her neighbor, Harriet and a few others.
While Harriet's character shows other sides of the challenges of womanhood in the 50s & 60s, I appreciate her growth more. "It was Harriet's first paycheck, and she couldn't believe how powerful it made her feel."
By the end the people in Elizabeth's life have become her family, some by blood and some by choice. I'm such a sucker for found/chosen family.
The novel wraps up in a tidy bow with an excitement regarding Elizabeth's future. While all in all it's fine, the ending wouldn't pass the Bechdel Test ... Super disappointing for a book about breaking through the limitations put upon women by men to end with a discussion about a man.