In this captivating novel, Bonnie Garmus weaves together science, love, and ambition.

The story follows the life of Dr. Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant, gifted research chemist navigating the male-dominated world of academia in the late 1950s and early 1960s who becomes a single mother and a TV cooking show host after being fired from her job at Hastings Research Institute.

As she grapples with her own secrets and desires, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and scientific breakthroughs with fantastic determination.

Several themes emerge:

• Gender Equality: The novel delves into the challenges faced by women in STEM fields during an era when their contributions were often overlooked.
• Passion for Science: The author beautifully captures the excitement and curiosity that drives scientists to explore the unknown.
• Personal Sacrifices: Dr. Zott’s choices between career and personal life highlight the sacrifices required to pursue one’s dreams.

Writing Style: Garmus’s prose is elegant and evocative, seamlessly blending scientific explanations with emotional depth. The chemistry puns sprinkled throughout add a delightful touch.

According to the author, her inspiration to write Lessons in Chemistry came from her own experience as a woman working in male-dominated fields, as well as her fascination with the history of science and cooking.

She said in an interview with The Guardian: “I wanted to write about a woman who was brilliant at science, but also had a sense of humor and a rebellious streak. I also wanted to show how cooking can be a form of chemistry, and how Elizabeth uses her scientific knowledge to create recipes that are both delicious and educational.”

She also revealed that she did extensive research on the period, the scientific topics, and the culinary trends of the time and that she consulted with experts in chemistry, physics, and food science to make sure her novel was accurate and authentic.

Overall Impression: “Lessons in Chemistry” is thought-provoking and beautifully crafted, celebrating the pursuit of knowledge, love, and resilience. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or simply appreciate well-written fiction, this book is a must-read (without a doubt, it’s the best fiction I’ve read in years, if not the best).

I’ll remember “Chemistry” long after reading it; you may find yourself reassessing your life, your mother’s, and perhaps that of other female relatives (at least in my case, it did). and I now look at cooking in a brand-new light (it’s a delicious, scientific art form; how cool is that?).

I would like to end with the closing words on the final episode of the cooking show “Supper at Six“:

“Whenever you start doubting yourself, whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change-and change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can and cannot achieve.

and no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. and then get started.”

“And then I’m going to ask each of you to take a moment and recommit. Challenge yourself, ladies. Use the laws of chemistry and change the status quo.”