Superwoman is hard to do

Lessons in Chemistry

Bonnie Garmus

386 pages, Paperback, first published March 31, 2022

Elizabeth Zott is quite black and white when it comes to what is right and wrong but the only trouble is the rest of the world does not see things the same way as she does. Trying to forge a path as a female scientist in 1960's America where sexism and misogyny are the norms, Elizabeth would appear to have little chance of success. Then she is offered an opportunity to host a cooking show, a show that becomes more about simply putting meals on the table. 

Garmus has brought to the page, some diverse and really interesting characters. They are quirky, fallible, irrational, gullible, hopeful and alive. 

Elizabeth is a tour de force, a woman who says everything you have ever wanted to say. She is forthright and sassy. There are times when the vulnerability shines through and you empathise as she struggles. While Elizabeth is the centre of the story, she is upstaged slightly by her daughter Mad and the dog 6.30. 

One of the difficult moments in the book when Mad at a mere 5 or 6 years of age, knows that to be different is to have a difficult life. That was quite sobering. 

It is easy to understand why this book is so popular. 

For more on Bonnie Garmus check out her website. If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak, get along and ask about the furore over the cover designs.