Lessons in Chemistry | Bonnie Garmus REVIEW

I have never bought a book so fast and finished it in one sitting.

And this book looks intimidating because of its size of more than 500 pages and yet I breezed through it like it was no big deal.

From the synopsis, I read this book thinking it was a Historical Fiction but I got something more. Lessons in Chemistry feels like a blanketed women's fiction because it wasn't really touched on when the synopsis is described, it's something that you conclude yourself as you read.

This book is a debut novel by Bonnie Garmus, and it's become my instant favourite read of this year, so far. I have a feeling that the author would be an automatic buy for me as well because her writing, composition, and characterization fits all into my preference for a book, so I hope to see more works from her in the future.

Lessons in Chemistry starts off in the 60s, where Elizabeth Zott is a famous TV chef that has her own show in the afternoon slot that is a big hit among housewives. But no matter how successful she's been, her daughter, Mads could just see how unhappy her mother is in her current position. Elizabeth isn't just some pretty face on the television as the ideal American woman in the 60s, she's actually a chemist.

And no matter how many times did she have to remind everybody at what she does in the show is heavily related to chemistry, they all brush her off because what does women know about science, right?

She met the love of her life, Calvin Evans at the chemistry lab she worked at in the 50s. And out of all the male population she's worked with in the workplace, he is the only one to take her seriously and hear her out. They both have their own quirks that they utilize to understand each other and slot themselves into each others lives like clockwork. Elizabeth would have never met another man like Calvin and Calvin never met someone like Elizabeth.

It's apparent in the book where Elizabeth only got with Calvin because of his wealth instead of his looks because it's implied that Elizabeth is gorgeous and Calvin looked less than that but they are attracted to each other's brains and to them, that's enough.

The only reason how Elizabeth was moved from being a chemist to a television host in the first place was because of a random opportunity that arises itself when Elizabeth confronted a parent that their child took her daughter's lunch that she carefully catered for her to consume the optimum amount of proteins and carbs whatnot. The television station tried to make her conform into the stereotypical 60s housewife, but Elizabeth is stern to have it her way or she walks.

Her impact was imminent, her daughter notes that almost all of her classmates brought out lunch that is similar to what the previous broadcast's meal of the day and housewives around America feel appreciated, and makes them feel that they are capable to do more in their own home than just being a caretaker to her family. Elizabeth makes these women feel seen and heard, and given her iconic line at every episode:

"Children set the table, your mother needs a moment."

It is safe to say that letting your children to set the table is the least of appreciation they can do toward their mother for supplying and care for them, and leaving their mother to have a moment to herself so that she won't get too overwhelmed from all the housework is just enough to motivate herself on what she should do next.

A simple but powerful line, and a much needed impact to build the perfect society of the 60s. I wish Elizabeth Zott existed in real life, the world would be so much different today if she was.

The ending of this book where everything circles back to where she wanted to started from was perfect. It feels like its not the end, but more of a new beginning for Elizabeth and I'm okay with that because from everything what I read from start to finish, all the trials and tribulations she's faced, she deserves this ending. And I still think about this book until now because of how amazing it wrapped up, I feel content just thinking about it.

Based on the reviews, they find this book with humour, and while some scenes do make me genuinely elated, I don't think its a comedy to begin with. Elizabeth is unconventional, she doesn't think and say the same way as other people do and while the reviews say they find her funny, I just think they don't understand her enough.

Personally, I've experienced some similar situations with Elizabeth, and its almost disheartening to read reviews expressing that she's a peculiar and funny character. Because I myself has been laughed at and brushed off when I voiced out some of my own ideas and reasons, making me feel like my input isn't needed and that made me more reserved with myself.

I adore Elizabeth in more ways than one. I aspire to be her and we're both somewhat similar of having to do a different career of our choosing in order to support our own interest. It's inevitable, but in today's society, you have to make some sacrifices to survive and leave a little happiness to yourself in your own little bubble.

Loved it, I could see myself reading this book again whenever I feel like I'm in the outs, so a grand 5-stars from me.