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Lessons in Chemistry

Garmus, Bonnie

  3 Reviews

The only certain thing is change ... something that Elizabeth Zott can attest to, not only in her work as a research chemist battling the gender inequality of the time, but in her life in general. It is California in the 1950s and 60s, so when Elizabeth becomes pregnant, she loses her job. But change is afoot... and as the reluctant star of a TV cooking show, she initiates her own quiet revolution.

Engaging and entertaining, this satisfying story, with its quirky and resourceful heroine, illuminates the sexism and misogyny of decades past.

Comments from BDS Reviewers

"Quirky and highly original. It was fun to read."

"The themes for discussion suggest that this is a 'heavy' book, but somehow it isn't. It is balanced and often fun."

'Incredible (but unfortunately also believable) sexism, both overt and covert."

"I had experienced gender inequality when I was younger and found this book quite sad. It brought it all back to me again."

"Laugh out loud funny."

"Sad and romantic in places. Hopeful and frustrating. Engaging on every page."

"A well-constructed book in terms of pace; it never slowed down."

"The book highlights the prejudice women encountered in the 1950s."

"I found it fun to read but it also deals with important themes like gender inequality, sexual abuse, toxicity in academic institutions and big companies."

"I found the humour a little 'corny' and the story seemed a bit superficial."

Pages
386
Year
2022

Reviews

WELL 074
08-05-2023
Much enjoyed by most of our group. We appreciated the deadpan humour and reflections on the life of a woman in the 1960s. Some felt the number of coincidences was extreme and overly used but generally agreed it was a good read.
AUCK 116
03-05-2023
We loved the book. A serious issue covered with style and humour. We found many laugh out loud moments. A first novel - hope there are many more.
TEPUK 006
13-03-2023
Light read. Enjoyed by all. Discussions mainly centred on the use of humour to approach such a serious topic - misogyny - and why the writer chose this style.