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.
It has been praised for its originality, vibrancy, and relevance to contemporary issues. Some of the positive reviews are:
- “A smart, funny, and empowering novel that celebrates the power of knowledge, creativity, and courage.” – Publishers Weekly
- “A delightful and inspiring read that will make you laugh out loud and cheer for Elizabeth Zott.” – Kirkus Reviews
- “A witty and charming novel that blends science, cooking, romance, and feminism in a captivating way.” – Booklist
- “A novel that will make you want to learn new things, question old assumptions, and pursue your passions.” – Library Journal
The TV Series
Plot
The TV series is an adaptation of the novel, with some changes and additions to the plot and characters.
The series will consist of eight episodes, each written by Lee Eisenberg or Elissa Karasik, and directed by Sarah Adina Smith or Bert and Bertie.
The series will follow Elizabeth Zott’s journey from being a marginalized scientist to becoming a celebrated TV personality and a catalyst for social change.
It will also explore the themes of science, cooking, romance, friendship, family, and empowerment.
Cast
The series will feature Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott. Larson is an Academy Award winner for her role in Room (2015), and also known for her roles in Captain Marvel (2019), The Glass Castle (2017), Short Term 12 (2013), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), among others.
Larson is also an executive producer of the series. The other cast members are:
- Lewis Pullman as Calvin Evans. Pullman is known for his roles in Catch-22 (2019), Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), The Strangers: Prey at Night (2018), among others.
- Aja Naomi King as Harriet Slone. King is known for her roles in How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020), The Birth of a Nation (2016), Four (2012), among others.
- Stephanie Koenig as Fran Frask. Koenig is known for her roles in The Fosters (2016-2018), Stitchers (2015-2017), The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo (2016), among others.
- Patrick Walker as Wakely. Walker is known for his roles in The Resident (2018-2020), The Hate U Give (2018), The Passage (2019), among others.
- Thomas Mann as Boryweitz. Mann is known for his roles in Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015), Kong: Skull Island (2017), Project X (2012), among others.
- Kevin Sussman as Walter. Sussman is known for his roles in The Big Bang Theory (2007-2019), Ugly Betty (2006-2010), Hitch (2005), among others.
- Beau Bridges as Wilson. Bridges is a Golden Globe and Emmy winner for his roles in Without Warning: The James Brady Story (1991) and The Second Civil War (1997). He is also known for his roles in The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), The Descendants (2011), Masters of Sex (2013-2016), among others.
Release Date
The series is set to premiere on October 13, 2023, on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes. The remaining episodes will be released weekly until November 24, 2023.
Apple TV+ has shared a first look at the series on August 31, 2022, revealing the official poster and some stills from the show.
Conclusion
Lessons in Chemistry is a novel and a TV series that offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on history, science, and culture.
It is a story that celebrates the power of knowledge, creativity, and courage. It is a story that inspires you to learn new things, question old assumptions, and pursue your passions.
If you are interested in Lessons in Chemistry, you can order the novel online or find it at your local bookstore. You can also subscribe to Apple TV+ to watch the TV series when it premieres on October 13, 2023.
