‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Elizabeth Zott is a gifted research scientist whose career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a TV cooking show host. She would have liked to stay working as a chemist but that option was not open to her. Cooking is all about chemistry too, but instead of sticking to the status quo and being the expected version of a housewife and mother in the role, Elizabeth speaks her mind without hesitation, and is more interested in empowering women than teaching them how to cook.

This debut novel is set in the midst of 1960s misogyny and patriarchy. Elizabeth believes in nutritious meals, but she more importantly believes in a no nonsense approach to defending women who are doing hard work they are getting no credit for. She encourages them to change their lives. Elizabeth has lived with love and loss and is struggling to single parent her daughter Madeline. She’s a surprising hilarious character I won’t soon forget. As the Guardian reviewer says, this book has just the “right comic formula.”

I found this book delightfully readable, original, life-affirming, full of witty deadpan humour, and supported by an amazing cast of characters, including a remarkable dog named Six-Thirty. It’s not perfect or profound, but I loved it. It feels brisk and flippant at times, and yet it deals with some serious subjects. Some brief content warnings apply, sexual harassment and some language.