Book Review: Lessons in Chemistry

Molecules and motherhood collide in this tragicomic novel

Chemistry is the essence of life. Every plant, animal, and person on Earth is composed of primarily carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, with a few other trace—but critical—elements sprinkled in. Through chemical transformations, this humble handful of atoms becomes the myriad enzymes and molecules that produce the colorful feathers of a peacock or a leopard’s striped fur.

It turns out this is a pretty good metaphor for society. We commonly use the term “chemistry” to describe the bonds between friends, lovers, coworkers, family. Like chemical bonds, these interpersonal relationships can vary in strength from the near-unbreakable ionic bonds to weak and transient hydrogen bonds. Also like chemical bonds, the reactions between incompatible people can be unpredictable, and at times, violent.

This brings us to Lessons in Chemistry, the debut novel by Bonnie Garmus. Long-time All Science readers may recall this book was recommended by Dr. Natalie Hoepp during our 2023 interview. Shortly after our conversation, I bought the book, although I read it intermittently between many others, finishing it only recently.

Without ruining the many plot twists, Lessons in Chemistry tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who struggles to get recognition for her research into abiogenesis (the origins of life) in the patriarchal world of 1950s America—think Mad Men with beakers and safety goggles instead of Don Draper’s cocktails and suits. As you might expect, Zott encounters sexism at every turn. Men ranging from research assistants to TV executives are far more interested in her appearance than her brains. They constantly refer to her as a technician instead of a scientist, and some of her coworkers steal her work and take credit. When she protests, everyone is willing to believe the word of her corrupt superiors.

When she falls in love with the awkward but brilliant chemist Calvin Evans, everyone assumes she is trying to sleep her way to the top. Her supposed colleagues mock her by stitching “E.Z.” on her lab coat and referring to her as “Luscious Lizzie.” Ironically, Evans is one of only a few men in the novel who take her seriously and treats her as an equal.

This dynamic duo becomes the target of gossip and resentment at the Hastings Research institute. They have a child (out of wedlock, scandalous for the 50s), careers are upended, and tragedy strikes. Eventually, Zott finds herself hosting an afternoon cooking show called Supper at Six to support her daughter Madeline. Ever true to herself, Elizabeth rejects attempts by advertisers and producers to pigeonhole her into the role of attractive, passive homemaker. She uses her platform to teach her audience, nearly all women, the chemistry behind cooking. Eventually, Zott becomes a subversive feminist celebrity who encourages her fans to follow their dreams instead of settling for being an unhappy housewife.

This short synopsis cannot do Garmus’s novel justice. Subplots abound, and they come together for a satisfying ending. The midcentury setting lends itself to biting satire; I found myself laughing out loud often, as well as cringing at sadly believable scenes of discrimination. She weaves in philosophical themes about freewill versus pre-destination and the tension between science and religion. There are profound passages reflecting on the bonds of family, whether they are dictated merely by biology or rather the choices we make.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves science and smart fiction. You will be rewarded with an entertaining and thought-provoking journey back in time that directly parallels the challenges faced by women today. One note of caution to younger readers: there are a few brief scenes describing sexual harassment and assault (they are not graphic, but I feel compelled to provide the heads up).

Lessons in Chemistry itself is a meta-lesson in perseverance and following your dreams. Bonnie Garmus published this novel—her first—at the age of 65! Her manuscript was rejected 98 times before finally being accepted. It has since been adapted into a miniseries starring Brie Larson. In a recent interview with People magazine, she had this advice for those who are frustrated with their career or artistic ambitions:

“Only you know who you are, and who you want to become or what you want to do… Yet there are all these roadblocks, especially a lot of societal and cultural roadblocks, to that. But don’t let someone's rejection of your material or of you be the thing that guides you. Let you be the thing that guides you, that you decide, [for] your own future.”

That’s great advice we can all follow, whether your passion is chemistry, writing, or something else.