Diksia.com - If you are looking for a novel or a TV series that combines humor, drama, romance, and education, you might want to check out Lessons in Chemistry.
It is a novel by Bonnie Garmus, published in March 2022, and an upcoming drama television series developed by Lee Eisenberg, starring and executive produced by Academy Award winner Brie Larson.
The novel and the TV series follow Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist who becomes a TV cooking show host in the 1960s, and how she uses her scientific knowledge and wit to educate housewives on various topics, from chemistry to feminism, while challenging the status quo.
In this article, we will give you an overview of what Lessons in Chemistry is about, why you should read the novel or watch the TV series, and what you can expect from them.
The Novel
Plot
The novel is set in the early 1960s, a time when women were expected to be homemakers and not professionals. Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman.
She is a chemist who works at Hastings Research Institute, where she faces discrimination and sexism from her all-male team.
The only exception is Calvin Evans, a lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with her mind.
But life is unpredictable, and Elizabeth soon finds herself pregnant, alone, and fired from her lab. She has no choice but to accept a job as the host of a TV cooking show called “Supper at Six”.
Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary.
She also uses her show as a platform to teach women about science, history, culture, and politics. She becomes a sensation, but not everyone is happy with her. She has to deal with the backlash from conservative groups, jealous rivals, and her own personal issues.
The novel is a humorous and insightful exploration of gender roles, social norms, and scientific curiosity.
It features a diverse and colorful cast of characters, such as Harriet Slone, Elizabeth’s best friend and fellow rebel; Fran Frask, Elizabeth’s ambitious producer; Wakely, Elizabeth’s son; and Walter, Elizabeth’s pet monkey.
Reception
The novel has received critical acclaim and popular success. It has become a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Best Historical Fiction and Winner for Best Debut Novel in 2022.
