Lessons in Chemistry

About book: 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 is the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take 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. 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 is not just teaching women to cook. She is daring them to change the status quo.

My thoughts: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a historical romance novel. This was my second time reading the book, as it was the choice for my book club.

Right from the start, it is clear that the story is deeply rooted in its time. The descriptions of events, interactions, and people transported me back to the 1950s, immersing me in the era.

The chapters vary in length—some are short, adding to the tension and drama, while others are longer, allowing for deeper explanations. This mix kept me engaged, offering glimpses into the lives of Elizabeth and Calvin. Elizabeth, in particular, stood out as an honest, intellectual, and forward-thinking woman, far ahead of her time.

Revisiting this book only deepened my appreciation for it. Garmus crafts a compelling story with rich characters and a sharp critique of societal norms. Lessons in Chemistry is a novel that remains just as powerful on a second read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong, memorable characters.