Lessons in Chemistry: A Catalyst for Change?

The 1950s marked a golden age for scientific and technological innovation - everything from the advent of the first video game to the groundbreaking discoveries in molecular biology took place during this time. While the scientific world was making rapid strides, some things remained unchanged and stationary: gender conformity and traditional gender roles in society. Seventy-five years ago, women holding positions in professional work was frowned upon.  Women in science faced endless barriers, adversaries, and a lack of support, making their journey arduous and sometimes unsustainable. As a young woman with a passion for science and aspirations for a future career in the field, I was curious about the experiences of these women and how their struggles compare to those faced by women in science today. When I recently came across Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, a book that captures women scientists' challenges in the 1950s, it compelled me to read it.

When I first picked up Lessons in Chemistry, I initially mistook it for nonfiction as the story felt so real, transporting me into the life of an aspiring woman scientist in the 1950s. The story centers on Elizabeth Zott and her journey to follow her passion for chemistry despite numerous challenges. She faced single motherhood following the loss of her husband, an unsupportive family, and persistent prejudice at work. Although her life did not unfold the way she had expected, she was able to fulfill all her goals and gain more than she had ever imagined. I loved the book's storyline and plot - it was engaging and had a perfect blend of humor, emotion, and unexpected developments. Garmus' writing style also accentuated this; she used POVs of multiple characters, flashbacks, and objects from the past to create a thorough story, including suspense and unresolved conflicts. I felt emotions for all the characters: pity, awe, disgust, and everything in between. They were all unique and memorable, each with a story and character development that was inspiring to read. Six-Thirty the Dog and Mad Zott, Elizabeth's daughter, two of my favorite and most influential characters, added humor and color to the story, elevating it and making me enjoy the book even more.

Though this book was great overall, it had some drawbacks. As much as the story felt real and personal, the book lacked historical accuracy or specific details of that era to be classified as historical fiction. The events were too far-fetched, such as Elizabeth's participation in her cooking show, Mad reciting the periodic table at age 3, and reading complex books at age 4. These aspects ruined the illusion the rest of the book created and made it feel less realistic. Additionally, the story's original meaning was overshadowed by the intricate plot. Its purpose was to advocate for women's empowerment and rights, and although this message was present throughout the book, its primary focus was on the development of the plot and less on conveying these themes. While I loved Elizabeth's character, I didn't appreciate her portrayal as purely book-smart and emotionally unaware, as that type of personality is a stereotype of women in STEM and could have been avoided. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book, especially the characters, the plot, and the emotions it created. It contained personality and both sweet and intense moments that captivated me for hours. However, the events were exaggerated and not historically accurate, making me less invested in the story. Regardless, I strongly recommend this book to readers who want something both entertaining and impactful to read. This book will encourage readers to stay true to their path, regardless of other's opinions. It certainly inspired me to do just that. As Elizabeth Zott once said, "Courage is the root of change—and change is what we're chemically designed to do."