Lessons in Chemistry

This book by Bonnie Garmus is the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who has the misfortune of being a woman in 1950/60's America.  After a frustrating failed academic career, Zott finds success in an unlikely place: as the host of a television cooking show.

The group thought the book a resounding success. It gave rise to a whole gamut of emotions, laughter, sadness, anger and frustration.   Most were engaged by the book from page one.  One member commented that the only non-misogynistic male in the book was Calvin, another that religion was "bad" and non-religion "good".  It seemed that these things came across as very black and white.

A long discussion ensued on one of themes in the book; that of sexual exploitation.  Some felt that not a lot had changed!

The book had a satisfactory conclusion and it would be highly recommended to others.

Review by Dorothy Ivatt