Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Blurb:

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality. Forced to resign, she reluctantly signs on as the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But her revolutionary approach to cooking, fuelled by scientific and rational commentary, grabs the attention of a nation.

Soon, a legion of overlooked housewives find themselves daring to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.

My thoughts:

Lessons in Chemistry is my favourite read of the year so far. It follows Elizabeth Zott who is a chemist in the 1960s facing sexism and inequality in the work place. I adored Zott because from the very first page, she sticks up for herself and her own values. She doesn’t care what others think about her living arrangements nor their opinion on her career. One moment that has stuck with me was when Zott questions why people have to call her a female chemist, instead of simply a chemist. There are harrowing and difficult moments to read about in this book, especially where male colleagues and teachers are involved. The author doesn’t shy away from topics surrounding sexual assault or misogynistic behaviour even when it’s a horrendous thing to read about.

The setting being around science was intriguing too and as a reader we get to learn a bit about different aspects of chemistry through Zott’s job. When she ends up working at the TV station as a chef, her comedic value is brilliant. I love that she was meant to teach the women sat at home the importance of cooking a substantial meal for their families and the men they lived with. But Zott ends up ignoring the producers and teaches them science through her cooking. She also encourages them to rest, value themselves and chase their own dreams. The message of the book is important and I think it would be a great book for schools to read in class.

There are many stand-out characters in this story. Other than the main character, I loved Calvin and Mad. The latter in particular was fun to read about – she’s clever, witty and kind, just like her mother. The dog, Six-Thirty, is a great addition to the story. He even has his own point of view, briefly, which may sound a bit strange but it works really well with the plot. A lot of the female characters in this novel have growth mainly when they realise that they’re being taught to be something they’re not or are women being pitted against each other. It’s something that could very easily still happen in many work environments today.

It’s worth noting that this is not a romantic comedy because some editions of the book do make it look like it is. It’s a story of growth, family, loss and standing up for what’s important in life. It’s such a fast-paced and fascinating story, it took every fibre of my being to put the book down when I needed to get on with my own life. If you read one book this year, make sure it’s this one.

Rating: 5/5

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