We read Lessons in Chemistry as our March Book Club book. I thought it might be a good book to discuss amongst a group of women, but as we have not yet met, we will see.
The book tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who starts her career as a research assistant at “The Hastings Institute.” Good things happen. Bad things happen and Elizabeth ends up hosting a local television cooking show.
My Thoughts
I’ve seen publicity snippets describing Lessons in Chemistry as “Laugh-out-loud funny.” Let me tell you though there is very little funny in a story that takes place in the 1950s and 60s where a woman tries to have a career as something other than a teacher, secretary or nurse (to name a few). I found much of what Elizabeth endured infuriating, if not completely reprehensible.
Yet, at some point the tables did turn. Many of the loose threads tossed out in the first half of the book, came together (though predictably), to nicely tie up Elizabeth’s story. There were even some points where I did laugh out loud.
There are some moments you will need to suspend belief. Afterall, Ms. Garmus tells chunks of the story from the dog’s perspective (ala The Art of Racing in the Rain?). Nevertheless, despite the misogeny, violence, talking dogs and predictability of the story, I actually did enjoy it. A solid 4 stars for me.