Lessons in Chemistry

This is a book I devoured in one sitting. Elizabeth Zott and Calvin Evans have an unusually honest relationship for the early 1950s, when much of the US was conservative and conformist. They bitt heads in a chemistry lab before they fall in love and begin living together. When he dies in an accident, the life they had built together shatters. However Elizabeth finds the strength to rebuild her life, bring up her daughter and continue her work in science.

“Your day is your choice, Elizabeth.” And what a choice Bonnie Garmus has made with Lessons in Chemistry! This dazzling debut novel seamlessly blends wit, feminism, and resilience, delivering a story as complex and powerful as its protagonist.Elizabeth Zott isn’t your conventional 1960s woman. A brilliant chemist navigating a male-dominated world, she challenges societal norms with intellect and an indomitable spirit. The narrative brims with her rebellious energy, showing how she carves her path despite the odds.The story revolves around Elizabeth’s unlikely journey from a dismissed scientist to a TV cooking show host, using food as a medium to teach chemistry—and subtly, empowerment. “Cooking is chemistry,” she declares, transforming the domestic into the scientific.But Lessons in Chemistry isn’t just about Elizabeth’s fiery defiance—it’s about the tender, profound relationships she builds. From Six-Thirty, her fiercely loyal and intelligent dog, to her daughter Madeline, who inherits her mother’s fiery spirit, each bond is layered and authentic.This novel bursts with humor and biting commentary, often delivered in Elizabeth’s matter-of-fact observations: “Sometimes I think life gets so complicated that the only thing we can do is to simplify it. Break it into its smallest parts and go from there.”Bonnie Garmus masterfully explores themes of sexism, grief, love, and ambition without compromising the light-hearted, engaging tone. Each page brims with Elizabeth’s irrepressible brilliance, reminding readers to persevere and demand respect.If you love stories that challenge norms, elevate overlooked voices, and leave you inspired, Lessons in Chemistry is a must-read. As Elizabeth herself says: “Courage is the root of change—and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.” This book will make you laugh, cry, and think long after the final page.A truly groundbreaking read—5 stars, all the way!

A book set in the 50s and 60s, it opens well. While it deals with themes like SA and misogyny, it does so…differently…I, personally, prefer this lighter, matter of fact treatment of this grave matter (no pun intended), it still remains impactful. This, I think is particularly well done. The way our community functions, is also well described: how visibility and empty credentialisation trumps true talent and creativity.That said, there are Flaws. Glaring ones, particularly if you are a chemist (or a scientist of any sort).For one, it is clear that the author has almost zero knowledge of chemistry, yet has written a book where her protagonists keep speaking about the subject. This is tedious. No one, however clever, accomplished or knowledgeable is going to label the vinegar bottle “CH3COOH” or say “sodium chloride” when referring to salt, especially in the context of cooking. The formulae that litter the book are also absurd.For another, I can’t say I like the last third of the book or the child character. The twist? in the end was quite predictable and quite underwhelming.Overall, the book is well paced and easy to read (I finished it in a few hours).

Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry introduces us to Elizabeth Zott, a fiercely intelligent chemist navigating a world that constantly underestimates her. Rejected by the male-dominated scientific community, Elizabeth’s life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But this isn’t your average show—Elizabeth sneaks in lessons on chemistry (both literal and metaphorical) to empower women and encourage them to break free from societal norms.This book is a perfect blend of humor and heartbreak. Elizabeth is a character you can’t help but root for. Her resilience and unapologetic pursuit of her passions are inspiring, and her journey is a stark reminder of how much women have had to fight for basic recognition. The supporting cast adds layers to the story, especially her quirky dog, Six-Thirty, whose unique perspective brings both warmth and humor.Garmus beautifully tackles themes like sexism, love, loss, and perseverance. The feminist undertones are strong, but they never feel forced. Instead, they’re woven seamlessly into Elizabeth’s story, making you think about how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go.The writing is sharp and engaging, with moments that make you laugh, cry, and cheer for Elizabeth. Garmus also does a brilliant job of making scientific concepts accessible and interesting, turning the mundane into something extraordinary.Lessons in Chemistry is more than just a story; it’s a call to challenge societal norms and believe in your own power. Whether you’re a fan of strong female leads, love stories with depth, or books that make you think, this one’s for you.

The book is very well written. The characters are relatable (unfortunately so since the story is dated in 1950's America). The struggle women faced for basic respect at workplace even though they were educated and qualified has been woven into this narration beautifully. Matters as heinous as sexual abuse at workplace has been written in a non-cringe, blood curdling manner.Every woman should read this book to get an idea of the struggles women before us have gone through to get us this freedom. Every man should read this to understand the true meaning of equity that women demand today.