Members all gave this book 9/10 - unusual for us. We described it as uplifting, confidence-building, humorous, a good plot with several good subplots and great characters, and deliciously subversive. We were all sorry when it finished, which is always a good sign.
Interestingly, the book was on our list for last year but we found it hard to get from the library, with a waiting list a kilometre long, so we postponed it until this year. However, the situation hasn't improved much on the waitlist front, presumably as the word about it spreads.
Set in the 1960s, Elizabeth Zott is a chemistry technician working in a research institute dominated by men. Elizabeth is an uncompromising, unconventional heroine whose story is supported by a series of interesting subplots featuring sympathetic characters including Madeleine, her daughter; 6.30, the intelligent family dog; Harriet, the neighbour and babysitter; and Walter Pine, a television producer.
Elizabeth must deal with a series of seriously wicked men in positions of authority over her including Dr Meyers and Dr Donatti, and women who play society's games including Miss Frask. And then there's Calvin Evans, a brilliant chemist with a background as troubled as Elizabeth's. He has to learn several painful truths about independent Elizabeth. Nevertheless after a couple of mis-starts he begins a strange, intense relationship with Elizabeth which Harriet describes as "almost supernatural - like identical twins separated at birth who accidentally stumble upon each other in a foxhole and despite death all around, are amazed to discover that not only do they look alike and share a serious allergy to clams, but neither of them like Dean Martin.”
They move in together and eventually even enjoy rowing together, from which Elizabeth learns some important lessons.
However, after some sad and painful events, Elizabeth decides to set up a laboratory at home and become an independent contractor while she raises baby Madeline on her own. Then, after an altercation with Walter, based on Madeline's nutritious and delicious lunch, she finds herself a rising star on an afternoon TV cooking show. But she is not really teaching the predominantly female audience cooking but chemistry, self respect, and a scientific perspective which debunks religion and societal constructs.
And there's a lot more in this satisfying good read!
Who is Bonnie Garmus?
Bonnie Garmus, 66, is an American author and former copywriter and creative director. Lessons in Chemistry was her debut novel and was released in April last year. The book has been adapted as a series for Apple TV+.
Bonnie is married with two daughters and lives in London. She enjoys open water swimming and has rowed competitively.
Are you already in a bookclub?
You may feel that you cannot commit to another bookclub because you are already a member of one (or two!)
We’d still love you to join us just as a Newsletter subscriber. We’d love to hear what other bookclubs are reading and what you think are the pick of the titles that we must read!
In the same way, we hope you will take away from our reviews some pearlers to share with your regular club.
