I recently finished Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. I’m late to the trend, but one of my goals this year was to read more. I have read more than I did last year, but not enough.
Lessons in Chemistry quickly became an addicting book. With various dramatic elements and themes of female empowerment; I could not put it down.
This Lessons in Chemistry review will review my opinions on the book and why you should read it. WARNING! SPOILER ALERTS AHEAD!
It took me about two months to finish it. But it is quite an easy read, and you could finish it in a week or so if you have the time and dedication.
Lessons in Chemistry Summary
Elizabeth Zott faced a traumatic event in her doctoral program. As a female chemist and eventually forced out of it in the 1960s.
She moves on to Hastings Research, where she meets the eventual love of her life, Calvin Evans. After concerns about her research from Evans, Zott adopts a dog and teaches it English.
Unfortunately, yet another life-changing event forces her out of Hastings due to her unexpected pregnancy once again.
The story follows her journey navigating her strong ambitions as a chemist and her fame as a TV host.
Although she faces multiple adversities throughout the novel, Zott is commended for her research. In the end, she is supported by an investor with a shocking connection to her past.
The Hook
The whirlwind romance of Zott and Evans initially hooked me to the book. The author makes you believe that Zott and Evans are both incapable of love but somehow, they work perfectly.
It makes me wonder how the cast of Lessons in Chemistry replicated this love. You can find the series on Apple TV.
But most importantly, it wasn’t the love, but my love for Elizabeth Zott. Elizabeth Zott’s character was appealing because of her stubbornness. Just when you thought that she couldn’t outsmart you, she did.
Zott never gives up. She always pushes through despite great pain and adversity and has a warrior’s willpower.
Writing Style
Upon reading Lessons in Chemistry reviews, I was sceptical about whether I would like it. However, I can attest to you here that I loved it.
Garmus is incredibly talented in creating witty dialogue and intertwining chemistry quickly into the novel for those who do not understand anything related to STEM (a.k.a me).
Furthermore, the mystery around Calvin’s death and her relationship with her “talking” dog is fascinating.
What I loved most about Garmus’ approach to the novel was how she cleverly spoke about such heavy topics. There were many shocks and twists, but it wasn’t too indigestible.
Characters and their Impact
If you can’t tell, my favourite character from Lessons in Chemistry was Elizabeth Zott. She is not your average woman in the 1960s. She breaks boundaries, is indescribably resilient stubborn, and believes in herself when no one else does.
The book points out that all the women at that time had similar beliefs but were sidelined and silenced.
Additionally, I appreciated Harriet Sloane. The next-door neighbour takes Zott under her wing when she realises how busy she is being a single mother. Sloane’s selflessness in acting as a caregiver and performing a labour of love for Zott and her daughter is incredible.
Not only this, but her character development throughout the novel to see her from a woman avoiding her disgusting, misogynist husband to finally breaking free from him and filing for divorce follows through the themes of female empowerment.
Themes
Lessons in Chemistry cover many themes, from feminism, female friendships, female empowerment, and motherhood to grief and loss; the book has it all.
The central theme of feminism follows Zott as a pioneer in fighting against discrimination as a woman in the workplace. She does not let her sex diminish her role as a chemist. She breaks through barriers and fights through the societal expectations of being “less than” a man just because she is a woman.
Although the book is set in the 60s, Zott’s approach to parenthood is ahead of its time. She encourages her daughter to educate herself and sees education as a privilege that can be used as a tool to advance herself.
The novel grapples with the importance of female friendships and women putting each other up rather than pinning them down. One example is Sloane’s continuous support to Zott. Zott’s co-worker, who was forced to turn against her, only to join forces with each other in the end and come out evens stronger.
These were only some of the themes that I found extremely interesting.
Critique
My most extensive critique of Lessons in Chemistry is that I hoped for a look into the future of Madeline Elizabeth and the rest of the characters.
I loved the final ending of the connection to Calvin’s past, but I feel that their family went through so much – I would’ve loved to see how everything ended up playing out.
But like most things in life, all good things must come to an end, and anything more would take away from the quality of the novel. I’m just selfish and want to hear what happens next!
Personal Connection
Lessons in Chemistry resonated with me because the description of the mother-daughter relationship reminded me a lot of my relationship with my mother.
I’m incredibly grateful that my parents, especially my mother, have never expected anything less from me than to embrace my education and use my opportunities.
Even the character of Elizabeth Zott reminded me of my mother—a woman with incredible fearlessness, a groundbreaker, sassy, feisty, and strong-willed.
Although my mom isn’t a chemist, she is still a huge role model to me for her character and role as a mother.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would reread this novel and pay more attention to the central themes. I’ve seen some discussion questions online and would love to create a more prominent analysis of the novel’s major themes (if I had the time, maybe a summer project).
Everyone should read this, especially men, because the central themes present in this novel are still (unfortunately) things women have to battle to this day.
Gramus does a great job presenting frustration with minor demeaning actions that sometimes not everyone notices and constantly having to prove yourself as a woman. Even though the setting is the 1960s, there is still much we can learn from it.
You can purchase the novel on Amazon for as little as 14.99 as the Kindle option.
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