Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A delight for readers of Where'd You Go, Bernadette and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, this blockbuster debut set in 1960s California features the singular voice of Elizabeth Zott, a scientist whose career takes a detour when she becomes the star of a beloved TV cooking show.


Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it's the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with--of all things--her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth's unusual approach to cooking ("combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride") proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn't just teaching women to cook. She's daring them to change the status quo.

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.

Review:

Although I loved Lessons In Chemistry, by Bonnie Gamus, don't expect it to be  a light-hearted romp, like the novel,  Where'd You Go Bernadette,  that is referenced in the description on Goodreads.  This is a novel about a stubborn, woman who persists in her passion for science, in spite of the crushing misogyny of the 1950's & 60's.  There are very funny moments in the book, especially when she takes command of a silly cooking show meant for housewives.  She actually turns it into a show about empowerment and self-worth for women doing the thankless job of taking care of children and home.  But there are also moments of sexual violence, and degradation that are difficult to read.  This is especially true because I just love the character of Elizabeth.  Overall, this was a very worthwhile read, and I highly recommend it.

What I Liked:

Characters:

This is a highly character driven book.  What I mean by that is that the author created these wonderful (and sometimes infuriating) characters and then put them in situations to see what would happen.   

Elizabeth, having no family to speak of, makes her way in the world without the judgement, or guidance, of anyone.  So she sees no reason why she shouldn't be able to do things like be a chemistry major in college, or become a scientist.  She doesn't have the awareness to understand that what she wants is going to be nearly impossible during the 1950's, when the book begins.  Calvin, is similarly clueless.  He has grown up in a boys home for orphans, and also doesn't have a family.  Both Elizabeth and Calvin are genius-level smart, and look at problems without any social context.  But, because Calvin is a man, he is praised for his quirkiness and allowed to do whatever he wants.  But when Elizabeth acts the same way, she is told she's a troublemaker, and immediately shut down.  I was glad they found each other and had a chance at happiness.

The supporting characters fall into one of two groups:  those who perpetuate the status quo, and those who's views are changing.  Every boss in this book definitely is a chauvinist, and sees Elizabeth only in terms of her beauty and what she can do for them.  But, there are also characters who are showing the beginnings of awareness that what is happening to Elizabeth is wrong.  As they get to know her, they rally to support her, creating a kind of alternate family.  I loved this.

Themes:

The book is all about facing injustice head on, even when there is a price to pay.  Elizabeth doesn't seem aware, at first, that there are virtually no opportunities for intelligent women in the workforce, in 1952.  She has a very modern outlook on how things should be.  If she is smart enough to do the work, she should be given the opportunity to do so.  But society has put women firmly in the role of wife and/or mother.  People look at her as unnatural (or even immoral) for not wanting marriage and children.  Some of the people who give her the most trouble, are actually women.  I think these women feel like, if they had to give up on their dreams, all other women should have to as well.  As my mother was in this generation (and also majored in chemistry in college), it gave me a great appreciation for what women faced in this period.  

Story:

I can't go into the story much without giving too much away.  I will say that I loved that there were several little mysteries that we hear about that are resolved by the end of the book.  The story also shows how unpredictable life can be.  Even when we find a safe harbor, it may not last.  Sometimes life changes on a dime, and then we have to pick up the pieces.   

The Dog:

I loved, loved, loved the character of Elizabeth's dog, Six-Thirty.  He has thoughts, dreams, and an immense love of Elizabeth and those around her.  Whenever Six-Thirty was in a scene, I immediately wanted to know what he was thinking.  This is just a wonderful aspect of this book.

Trigger Warning:

This book does include scenes of sexual violence that may be triggering to some readers.

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date:  April 5th, 2022

Author:  Bonnie Gamus

Publisher:  Doubleday

Genre: Historical Fiction

Page Length:  400 Pages

Source:  NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:  Once you get to know the characters you won't want to put this down.  I highly recommend it.