2022 Reading Challenge: favorite category from 2017 (book about an interesting woman)

[baronessekat]

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


In the late 1950's/early 1960's finding a woman in a chemistry lab was highly unusual. But Elizabeth Zott was not your usual woman. Strong-minded, independent, focused, Elizabeth struggles to make a place in a 'man's world'.

She finds herself confronting the biggest name in Chemistry at her place of employment and is not impressed. He's awkward, single-minded and focused. But time and chance makes her re-evaluate him. She and Calvin form a highly unusual pair - she refuses to marry him out of fear that his name will cause her work to be subsumed by him. But they love and support each other.

Until a freak accident takes him away and leaves her alone, pregnant and unwed. Due to misogynistic attitudes and professional jealousy, Elizabeth then finds herself unemployed and still trying to be the chemist she was born to be.

But she finds away to survive, raise her daughter and teach herself and the nation that women are not just something to keep at home.

++++

OK, I totally understand the hype now. I was hesitant to get this book from the library and now i am glad i did. The story is compelling, the characters are fully fleshed out and feel real.

i cannot recommend this book enough.



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