Review: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

With the recent release of the TV series adaptation, I figured this is a good time to write my review of Lessons in Chemistry and have a place for it in my blog. While I had to admit that I originally purchased it because of the cover and because it’s been all over bookstagram during that time, this book proved to be an unexpectedly fun read – and let me enjoy reading a printed book for the first time in a while (which only happens lately when I really enjoy what I am reading).

Title: Lessons in Chemistry
Author: Bonnie Garmus
First Publication Date: March 31, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction
Rating: ☕☕☕☕︎ (3.5/5)
Content Warnings: highlight to view {misogyny, rape and sexual assault, child abuse, workplace sexual harassment, death of a parent, car accident}

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 as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist. (via Goodreads)

THOUGHTS

Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.

Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott as she navigates the treacherous and misogynistic 1950’s society and workplace. First as a woman of intellect trying to make it in a “man’s profession” and then as a single mother, fighting tooth and nail to keep herself and her child alive. By sudden a twist of fate, she ended up hosting a cooking show that proved revolutionary in helping women see their true potential.

Bonnie Garmus’ writing style will really reel you in with how easy it is to read. The sentences were written simply, with convenient breaks. I think Bonnie’s background as a copy writer influenced this so much. The writing style could’ve veered close to chic lit category if not for the heavy topics that are nestled within the story: harsh misogyny (both from men and women) and even explicit sexual assault, which honestly caught me off guard most times. All the sexual assault and attempted rape scenes are so out of the blue, they are sometimes hard to read. But at the same time, it’s sad reading that these things were a norm and everywhere during the 50’s.

There were times when I feel like the POV shifts without warning and I historically have some problem with this kind of style (uhm, hello Wuthering Heights). The Six-Thirty (dog) POV introduced whimsy to the narrative but it was also confusing at some point. It was out of the blue and it was hard to suspend disbelief because of how sudden the shift is. This somehow pushes it from historical fiction realm to almost speculative (to have dogs that intelligent, but then we would never know lol).

On the other hand, wasn’t that the very definition of life? Constant adaptations brought about by a series of never-ending mistakes? Yes, and she should know.

Despite the flaws I mentioned above, I found the story engaging and full of colourful, memorable characters. I am a very slow reader so I found myself doing constant late nights reading this in bed because there were instances when I can’t close it and stop. Reading about Elizabeth’s adventures has been an inspiring affair, but also sad that she had to undergo that. There was always a casual sense of heartbreak looming around the corner because Elizabeth has learned to set aside all the tragedies in her life to continue moving forward. The halfway point of the story when it was narrated how she survived and made a living despite not being allowed to work at Hasting’s was genius but also sad. Coupled with the uncertainty and fear or being a new parent, much more so being a new single parent with no close family to lean into. And though this book steered too closely to wishful thinking to be historically accurate (if you read this, you’ll know), it is still very apparent that being a woman in the fifties was hard: less rights, less opportunities. So she had to do and sacrifice a lot of things in order to survive.

I also liked the friendship Elizabeth has with Harriet and Wakely and Walter Pine (even Frask). Sometimes, it’s the friendships in our life that makes everything bearable. Elizabeth is a little awkward and socially unaware but she still managed to cultivate friendships that helped her later in life. Which gives me so much hope: the fact that if you continue being genuine, you will meet these people, you will find them.

OVERALL

Despite what Elizabeth Zott will tell you, Supper at Six is not just an introduction to chemistry, he wrote that day on the plane. It’s a thirty-minute, five-day-a-week lesson in life. And not in who we are or what we’re made of, but rather, who we’re capable of becoming.

All in all, this has been a good reading experience still despite what I said before. I think the most disconcerting thing about this was that the writing tone doesn’t align so much with the themes (it was marketed as a ‘lough-out-loud’ book as well). Though I am not saying that heavy themes should always be presented in a ‘heavy’ manner as well (there were books where I really like this), I guess there still should be a better treatment for it so it wouldn’t jump at you whenever you read it. Honestly, it was a bit confusing as a reader.

I am still rating this a 3.5 out 5 because of the story, the characters, and the positive feelings I am left with after I finished it. There’s always something to be said about ending the story on a high and giving the readers a resolution that satisfies them. I think it really has potential and I am excited to watch the TV series as I think this story could easily lend itself better in that format. If you like a strong female character, with focus on how she overcame hurdles in life, this may be a book that you would enjoy.

“Take a moment for yourself,” Harriet said. “Everyday.” “A moment.” “A moment where you are your own priority. Just you. Not your baby, not your work, […] not your filthy house, not anything. Just you. Elizabeth Zott. Whatever you need, whatever you want, whatever you seek, reconnect with it in that moment.” She gave a sharp tug to her fake pearls. “Then recommit.”

RATING

QUOTABLE QUOTES

Elizabeth Zott hold grudges too. Except her grudges were mainly reserved for a patriarchal society founded on the idea that women were less. Less capable. Less intelligent. Less inventive. A society that believed men went to work and did important things – discovered planets, developed products, created Laws – and women stayed at home and raised children. She didn’t want children – she knew this about herself – but she also knew that plenty of other women did want children and a career. And what was wrong with that? Nothing. It was exactly what men got.

When it came to equality, 1952 was a real disappointment.

It’s one thing to be brilliant, but to be brilliant without opportunity – that was something else. If Mozart had been born to a poor family in Bombay instead of a cultured one in Salzburg, would he have composed Symphony no. 36 in C? Not a chance.

“When I was a kid, […] I used to tell myself every day was new. That anything could happen.” […] That had to be a special brand of bravery, for a child to endure the worst, and despite every law in the universe and all evidence to the contrary, decide the next day might be better.

He’d once heard someone say it was important to be reminded of one’s failures, but he didn’t know why. Failures, by their very nature, had a way of being unforgettable.

“Not every woman wants to be a mother. […] More to the point, not every woman should be. […] “Still, I’m surprised by how many women sign up for motherhood considering how difficult pregnancy can be – morning sickness, stretch marks, death. Again, you’re fine.” […] “It’s just that we tend to treat pregnancy as the most common condition in the world – as ordinary as stubbing a toe – when the truth is, it’s like getting hit by a truck. Although obviously a truck causes less damage.”

“Chemistry is change and change is the core of you belief system. Which is good because that’s what we need more of – people who refuse to accept the status quo, who aren’t afraid to take on the unacceptable. But sometimes the unacceptable […] is, in fact, permanent, Elizabeth. Things happen. They just do.”

“Whenever you start doubting yourself,” she said, turning back to the audience, “whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change – and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeon hole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design you own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started.

About the Author

Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has worked widely in the fields of technology, medicine, and education. She’s an open-water swimmer, a rower, and mother to two pretty amazing daughters. Born in California and most recently from Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.

Author Website | Instagram | Twitter | Goodreads

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