Lessons in Chemistry is a novel by Bonnie Garmus, first published in 2021. The story is set in the early 1960s in California and follows the life of Elizabeth Zott, a young woman pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at a prestigious university. The novel is a coming-of-age story that deals with themes such as sexism, discrimination, love, and following one's dreams, which are reflected in Elizabeth's scientific experiments. Elizabeth's struggle to be taken seriously as a female scientist is paralleled by the resistance that her experiments sometimes face.
Garmus uses this imagery to create a rich, nuanced story that is entertaining and thought-provoking.
The story begins with Elizabeth struggling to find her place in the male-dominated world of academia. She is constantly belittled by her male colleagues, who believe that women cannot become successful scientists. Elizabeth's mentor, Dr. Owen, is one of the few people who believe in her and helps her navigate her challenges.
As the story progresses, Elizabeth is torn between her passion for chemistry and her desire to have a family. She meets Henry, a graduate student in English literature, and they begin a relationship. However, Henry's traditional views on gender roles clash with Elizabeth's ambition, and their relationship becomes strained.
Elizabeth's struggles are further complicated when she discovers that she is pregnant. She must decide whether to continue pursuing her dreams or put them on hold to start a family. Elizabeth ultimately chooses to have an abortion, which is illegal at the time and faces significant emotional and legal repercussions.
Throughout the novel, Garmus explores the challenges women face in male-dominated fields and the societal pressures that dictate their societal roles. Elizabeth's journey is a reflection of the struggles that many women have faced and continue to face in the pursuit of their dreams. In examining the struggles that women face, Garmus takes a feminist perspective. Lessons in Chemistry, after all, is a feminist novel.
Finally, one of the most notable aspects of Lessons in Chemistry is the vivid imagery that Bonnie Garmus employs throughout the novel. Garmus uses detailed descriptions of scientific experiments and chemical reactions to create a fascinating and immersive world. Through her use of sensory language, the reader can feel the heat of the Bunsen burners, smell the chemicals, and see the colors of the reactions. This imagery not only serves to enhance the reader's experience but also serves as a metaphor for the themes explored in the novel. Elizabeth's chemical reactions reflect the responses happening within her own life. Just as chemicals can react and change unpredictably, so can Elizabeth's life.
