2 years ago
29
In addition to being a writer, Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has also worked in technology, medicine and education. Her hobbies include swimming and rowing. She was born in California but currently lives in London with her husband, two daughters and dog. Her book debut “Lessons in Chemistry” was published in 2022 and has been translated into over 30 languages. It is now available to Slovak readers.
“Lessons in Chemistry” is a great story that will wring the reader emotionally. The cover says it is a funny story, which I don’t deny, there was no lack of humour, but I think other emotions were more prevalent here. It’s quite a read, it’s over 450 pages, but don’t let that put you off. I found the book easy and quick to read, the author’s style suited me, I didn’t even realise how quickly the pages were passing under my fingers.
In the story, we were able to get to know two versions of the main character, Elizabeth Zott. On the one hand, she was a brilliant chemist and an intelligent young woman who could take care of herself even on her own, she never gave up, she had no problem saying what was on her mind, she fought for her rights, which made her a thorn in many people’s side. As far as her emotional maturity was concerned, it was rather stagnant there, some “ordinary” things she just couldn’t understand, so she seemed cold and arrogant at times.
However, there was also a kinder and more sensitive side to her, which she showed especially with her loved ones. You could sense that she loved Calvin, her colleague and the love of her life, very much and would do the first and the last for her little daughter Mad. I admit that I had mixed feelings about her at first, but gradually she won me over completely.
She never had it easy, life had dealt her several blows that she still hadn’t processed. Unfortunately, she lived at a time when very few people were able to appreciate her contribution to science and chemistry. There are passages here that will make you want to throw the book out the window, especially when you read about how men treated women during this period. Even sadder was when a woman was having her legs tripped by another woman.
I saw that several readers criticized the book for not portraying enough of the atmosphere of the fifties and sixties during which the story takes place, which is true, but I didn’t find it particularly lacking. The author focused more on portraying the status of women during that time period, when they were primarily expected to sit at home and take care of the children, husband, and household. Their any other ambition was received with resentment.
I also grew very fond of Elizabeth’s animal friend, who I can’t imagine this story without. I liked that in places the plot was described from his point of view as well. Mad was also great, an intelligent and curious little girl who (like her mom) some people couldn’t understand and tried to change her. She will make your heart skip a beat in places.
“Lessons in Chemistry” is sure to please (not only) readers who enjoy strong female heroines. I was completely won over by this story and recommend it with all ten.