Lessons In Chemistry | Book Review

And yes, I finally got my hands on Lessons In Chemistry this week! Being one of the most anticipated books of 2022, it marks yet another rollicking debut of 2022, in the most flamboyant fashion.

This is the story of Elizabeth Zott, a self educated, able and competent chemist. Pursuing her research on abiogenesis, she is constantly on the receiving end of discrimination and injustice, being a woman. Upon loosing her formal job, she finds herself don the role of a cooking show – reluctantly albeit. And bang! The show is a runaway success. And, Zott becomes an inspiration for the women across the nation.

A few pages into the book and you know you have a winner at hand. This was a perfect setting for a scintillating, humorous read with a sharp message.

The first thing that I loved about this book was the two unforgettable characters of Elizabeth and Madeline Zott. Like mum, like daughter! The bold, confident and unafraid demeanor of Elizabeth made me admire her instantly! A magnetic personality, one heck of a character. A male chauvinist’s thorn in the flesh, a producer’s nightmare and a daughter’s role model. She keeps doing exactly the opposite of what conventional wisdom says. She doesn’t fall into the steps, but rather has the courage to bring about a change.

Madeline (aka Mad) Zott! is the little, precocious and adorable daughter who wins you with her innocent inquisitiveness and simple wisdom.

Six Thirty! A dog as unique as it’s name. There is a point where the author says that although not human, he has much more humanity than most people. And this, I suppose, justifiably summarizes the role Six Thirty plays throughout this book. His unusual intelligence, a protectiveness towards Elizabeth and Madeline, and unwavering compassion are unmissable. As much a hero as Zott. A selfless being, full of gratitude towards the Zotts for having him in their family.

I found Lessons In Chemistry an intelligently written book. Bonnie Garmus bringing Cooking and Chemistry into one is fascinating. The author formulates recipes into some complex chemical reactions, which none knew till now! An interesting thought with a great execution! What’s more, it is a joy to read all these forgotten terms after such a long time – bunsen burners, test tubes, beakers! They bring memories from school rushing back to enchant you with nostalgia of times gone by.

Each episode of ‘Supper At Six‘ is a laugh riot! We have the producer pleading with Zott to read the cues, to comply with the channel’s demands, to go by the book. And then, we have Zott doing just the opposite, kicking each plea straight out the window. The Supper At Six episodes feel like chemistry classes where no one really knows what’s going on, but all nevertheless aware it is something special and intelligent!

There is a place where Garmus goes on to define the Lab Technicians – brace yourselves! People who want to be in science but don’t have the brains. Hahah! Can you beat that? I don’t think so!

Towards the end of the book, there are a few unexpected turns that give the book it’s high points. There are some winning moments that are both overwhelming as well as inspiring. There are a handful of revelations as well. It’s like the book suddenly shifts into top gear and covers ground after a dragging first half.

Conclusion:

Lessons In Chemistry lived up to it’s hype. I had big expectations from the book, and it more-or-less met them. I had expected the ‘reluctant host’ thing to provide some wacky humor, and so it did. The euphoria around Elizabeth – the TV host – it percolates the book and touches you at some point. You get attached to the character. And, the book even surprised me at the end.

I did have a few reservations in the first half though. I felt, the book was delving too much into the past. Some parts, specially all that rowing stuff were a bit of a drag, could easily have been shortened and made the book more crisp and fast paced. Though I do not wish to turn this review into the cliche man-woman debate, I do feel the whole the mortification of men felt a bit exaggerated at times. But I kept reminding myself, it’s the 1950s.

But, in totality, Lessons In Chemistry won my heart at the end. This is a book that asks for a sequel. A character like Elizabeth Zott needs to live on. You can read this one without a second thought! Get it here.

Enjoy some more hilarious reads of the year here: Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead | Book Review , Dinner With The Schnabels | Book Review