Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Lessons in Chemistry was one of the breakout debut novels of recent years, praised for its quirky blend of feminism, science, and satire. Set in 1960s California, it follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist navigating a patriarchal scientific world that continuously underestimates her. When her career takes an unexpected turn and she becomes the star of a wildly popular cooking show, Elizabeth uses the platform to challenge gender roles, teaching housewives chemistry under the guise of making dinner.

The book blends fiction with real-life frustrations faced by women in STEM, and its sharp concept and distinctive tone promised a fresh take on historical feminist fiction. With a dog that thinks in full sentences and a precocious daughter in the mix, it aims to be both heartfelt and humorous.

✅ What I Liked:
The central message, about women’s potential being stifled by systemic sexism, is powerful and still timely. Elizabeth Zott is an unusual and memorable character: unapologetically intelligent, determined, and emotionally guarded. Her resistance to conformity is admirable, and Garmus’s writing has flair, particularly in her dry wit and sharply observed moments of social commentary.

Six-Thirty, the dog, is a surprise highlight. His perspective adds an unexpected tenderness and humour that balances out some of the heavier themes. And Mad, Elizabeth’s daughter, is wonderfully drawn: curious, wise beyond her years, and heartbreaking in her quiet resilience.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
The tone often felt uneven. At times it reads like a zany, almost whimsical satire, and at other moments it tries to be a deeply emotional, grounded story of trauma and injustice, but the transitions don’t always feel smooth. The character of Elizabeth, while admirable in theory, can come across as implausibly perfect or emotionally flat, making it difficult to fully connect with her journey.

Some plot points stretched credibility, and the secondary characters often felt like caricatures—particularly the male villains, who lacked nuance. While the novel aims to critique gender stereotypes, it sometimes unintentionally reinforces others in reverse.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you’re looking for a book that blends historical fiction with a strong feminist message, and you enjoy character-driven stories with an unconventional structure, you’ll likely find Lessons in Chemistry both thought-provoking and entertaining. It’s an ideal choice for book clubs and readers who enjoy novels that spark discussion.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Lessons in Chemistry is a book with big ideas and a big heart, but not all of its elements come together smoothly. It’s bold and original, with moments of brilliance, but the inconsistent tone and characterisation might leave some readers a little underwhelmed. Still, it’s a debut with a lot to say—and worth reading for its unique approach to feminism and science;

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★ – A fizzy feminist premise that doesn’t fully react