The spectacular art of cooking doesn’t have to be minimized to just ingredients, spices, temperatures, and recipes. It can be expanded into the grounds of chemistry, female empowerment, and self-liberation in the story of “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus.
Set in California during the dawn of the 1960s, when women commanded very little respect from men and received little-to-no credit for their work, “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus is an empowering and amazingly executed novel about the wondrous capabilities women possess, in infinitely many ways. Topics discussed include coming to terms with loss and grief, finding inner happiness, and discovering your full potential despite the opinions of others or obstacles you face.
In 390 pages divided up into 45 chapters, the main character, Elizabeth Zott takes readers on a journey through her remarkable life story as a passionate female chemist in a male-dominated field. She is able to face and conquer multiple obstacles that help mold her character and those around her for the better.
As a female chemist at Hastings Research Institute, Elizabeth has unfortunately grown used to the complications, harassment, and conflicts she faces everyday in her work environment surrounded by men. Especially because during the 1960s, most men did not expect women to be working, but to stay at home and take upon the role of ‘housewives’ to care for their families. Elizabeth has much more varied perspectives than most and believes strongly that women should be free to pursue their passions and educations without discrimination.
During the heights of her passionate career, Elizabeth encounters – and falls in love with – famous, intelligent chemist, Calvin Evans, whose work has been widely renowned in the chemistry world for years. The two fall in love with each other undeniably, not for their looks or capabilities, but simply for the brilliance of each other’s minds.
Years later, Elizabeth winds up becoming a fiercely independent single mother, with a job offer setting her up for potential stardom, allowing her to combine both her wits and culinary skills into a cooking show called “Supper at Six.” Ultimately, Elizabeth knows that with this platform, she can offer changes to the world. This opportunity would shatter the perceptions and stereotypes of women’s capabilities, and teach her viewers chemistry lessons, all through her determination to instigate societal change.
The genres of this novel fall under humor, historical fiction, and tragicomedy (a bittersweet mix of both tragedy and comedy). I would recommend this book for Young Adults. There are sequences and implications of intense violence in multiple scenes of the novel, and death is a common topic discussed throughout the novel amongst multiple characters. Also, the lengths of the chapters may vary, with some being longer than others.
Out of five stars, I would give this novel a 4.25; I had heard only good things about this novel and had been waiting a long time to read it and am so glad that I finally did. I think that this book is a worthy read that will make you laugh, cry, and smile during multiple parts of the story. Bonnie Garmus’ versatile storytelling craft makes incredible plot revelations that will definitely leave you awestruck at any given part in the novel. The essence and personalities of the characters are captured so vividly, that your emotions will seep through every page, leaving you wanting more and more from Elizabeth’s incredible life story.
An unforgettably heartfelt read, “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus will teach you so much more than you could ever expect from a novel. You will feel the words of the story both inwards and outwards. This novel will leave you reflecting on those you appreciate, what you unintentionally take for granted, and the importance of change-makers in society – because they are greatly fundamental and always needed.
