Lessons in Chemistry

by Bonnie Garmus.

We are blessed to have many smart, energetic, goal-oriented neighbors who overcame challenges to become great authors, business leaders, lawyers, physicians, politicians and scientists. Many neighbors are parents who encourage their children and grandchildren to fearlessly pursue their dreams and build a better world. Lessons in Chemistry, a best-selling debut novel by Bonnie Garmus (age 64 when she published it last year), juxtaposes these sources of inspiration against the darker themes of bigotry, abuse and hardship. Dark forces are ever-present in the story of a brilliant woman, her brilliant lover, their amazing daughter and a supernaturally smart dog. As they encounter obstacles, some people hold them back; others help them achieve their high aims. The quirkiness of this couple’s commitment to chemistry and their life choices cause us to laugh and puzzle over them.

In the early 1960’s Elizabeth and Calvin meet in a scientific laboratory. Calvin’s colleagues believe he will win a Nobel Prize, but something impedes his progress. Elizabeth encounters people who don’t believe women can be scientists. Undaunted, she raises their daughter, endures the cold sport of early morning rowing, and builds an impressive lab in her kitchen to continue her work. Through a quirk of fate she is hired to host a cooking show. Naturally, she explains the chemistry of cooking and inspires women to reach for their dreams. In Elizabeth’s story we see the sexism and bigotry that pervaded the sixties (and lingers today), and we marvel at Elizabeth’s energy and strength. This funny, inspirational, good read had us groaning and laughing at the chemistry jokes and Elizabeth’s earnest explanations and side comments. Along the way, we learned much about the chemical properties of attraction, bonding, and transformation. We’re eager to see Lessons in Chemistry on the screen (coming soon on AppleTV).

Janis Gogan