Violetta Armour
The book cover suggests this is “Chick Lit.” The title might imply you are reading a science textbook. It is neither but, rather, so much more. I think this book will appeal to both men and women, and even to those who got a C- in chemistry.
Set in the early 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry follows the life of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist researcher who doesn’t get the respect and recognition she deserves at Hastings Research Institute, an all-male company that takes a very unscientific view of equality in the workplace. There is, however, one male scientist, Calvin Evans, a Nobel prize nominee, who recognizes her outstanding abilities, so much so that he falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results, as she reciprocates.
Elizabeth is cheated out of her doctorate, fired from her job, and faces a personal tragedy (no plot spoilers here). But being the strong and determined woman she is, she (forgive the cliché) turns lemons into lemonade. She converts her kitchen into a lab equipped with beakers, pipettes, and a centrifuge to continue her research into “abiogenesis”—life rising from simplistic non-life forms. She then gets hoodwinked into hosting a TV cooking show, Supper at Six. She seizes this opportunity to treat the creation of a stew or casserole into a valuable chemistry lesson for her viewers who send the ratings soaring, much to her producers’ shock, who want her to read the traditional cue cards instead.
Somehow this author has managed to take a serious subject (the lack of equality in the ‘60s workplace) and make a strong case, along with plenty of lighthearted fun mixed in. The raising of Elizabeth’s daughter Madeline to be a strong woman provides many delightful scenes, as well as her conversations with the family dog 6:30 (named for the time they found him). A few scenes are from 6:30’s point of view, which lends another interesting aspect to the story. As any dog lover knows, they are great observers of their surroundings and family’s emotions. If only we knew what they were thinking. In this book, we do!
There’s also a mystery involving Calvin’s family and a look at the politics and dysfunction of the local TV station. And the author’s love of rowing plays a role in the story, too. This is the author’s debut novel at age 65!
Lessons in Chemistry will make its global debut on Apple TV+ in 2023. I, for one, will tune in.
Reviewer Violetta Armour is a Sun Lakes resident and former owner of Pages Bookstore in Ahwatukee. She has published five novels, including award-winning I’ll Always Be with You, and three mysteries, her latest being A Pickleball Poison. She’s a frequent contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Her books are available on Amazon.com.