Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ellemnope 's review for:
Lessons in Chemistry
by Bonnie Garmus
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow. Without a doubt, Lessons in Chemistry will be in my top reads for 2022. I went in with little expectation and little knowledge of the plot and was suddenly overwhelmed with how much I was engaged by this novel and intrigued by Elizabeth Zott.
Elizabeth is incredibly smart and strong in character. Though she is clearly heads and shoulders above any of her coworkers, she is consistently belittled simply for being a woman. Regardless, she refuses to take this treatment and braves more than one uncomfortable and/or harrowing situation with incredible poise.
The writing is witty and infused with a wonderful sardonic humor. Mixed in with this are some incredibly dark and difficult topics, yet it is representative of believable moments. It is incredibly smart and intricately composed. There is a smidge of magical realism rolled into the plot, as the point of view does occasionally shift to Six-Thirty, Elizabeth's dog. At first, I wasn't sure this approach was going to work, but oh boy...Garmus pulls it all off brilliantly.
The atmosphere of the 1960s is incredibly well dramatized. There is something of a Mad Men feel to the professional world in the novel and everything about it felt so fully genuine, though clearly distilled to move the plot and hit hard. The judgment towards women's motivations, appropriate attire, and place in the world were so brutally laid out on the page. I at once felt, angry, disbelieving, disgusted, and proud of Elizabeth for her refusal to accept any confines based on gender.
Beyond Zott, the other characters are also amply dynamic. They are tangible and well-balanced, though there is admittedly a bit of hyperbole here and there. Still, this also moves the plot forward quite well and did nothing to detract from my ability to enjoy the story...it may have actually enhanced it (everyone loves a well-written baddy). For those questioning the believablity of young Mad's character, I could believe every bit of her. I have a precocious 5-year-old myself, so some of her actions, predilections, and knowledge base were highly reflective of our daily life.
I have to say that I am quite stunned to read such a quality novel as a debut. There is high polish to the plot and characters. It felt nearly seamless, with clearly researched background and excellent detail that gave everything a well-rounded feel. Highly recommend.
Elizabeth is incredibly smart and strong in character. Though she is clearly heads and shoulders above any of her coworkers, she is consistently belittled simply for being a woman. Regardless, she refuses to take this treatment and braves more than one uncomfortable and/or harrowing situation with incredible poise.
The writing is witty and infused with a wonderful sardonic humor. Mixed in with this are some incredibly dark and difficult topics, yet it is representative of believable moments. It is incredibly smart and intricately composed. There is a smidge of magical realism rolled into the plot, as the point of view does occasionally shift to Six-Thirty, Elizabeth's dog. At first, I wasn't sure this approach was going to work, but oh boy...Garmus pulls it all off brilliantly.
The atmosphere of the 1960s is incredibly well dramatized. There is something of a Mad Men feel to the professional world in the novel and everything about it felt so fully genuine, though clearly distilled to move the plot and hit hard. The judgment towards women's motivations, appropriate attire, and place in the world were so brutally laid out on the page. I at once felt, angry, disbelieving, disgusted, and proud of Elizabeth for her refusal to accept any confines based on gender.
Beyond Zott, the other characters are also amply dynamic. They are tangible and well-balanced, though there is admittedly a bit of hyperbole here and there. Still, this also moves the plot forward quite well and did nothing to detract from my ability to enjoy the story...it may have actually enhanced it (everyone loves a well-written baddy). For those questioning the believablity of young Mad's character, I could believe every bit of her. I have a precocious 5-year-old myself, so some of her actions, predilections, and knowledge base were highly reflective of our daily life.
I have to say that I am quite stunned to read such a quality novel as a debut. There is high polish to the plot and characters. It felt nearly seamless, with clearly researched background and excellent detail that gave everything a well-rounded feel. Highly recommend.