Summary
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus examines women’s roles and emerging feminism in the 1960s. The story follows Elizabeth Zott, a chemist battling sexism at her research institute in California. Overlooked and undervalued in her workplace, she later becomes the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six, which she leverages to demonstrate her scientific knowledge and women’s potential to excel in any field. Elizabeth's journey represents a complex struggle to defy gender stereotypes and gain equal recognition.
Plot
Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott, a chemist facing obstacles in a male-dominated field. Elizabeth experiences gender discrimination, including an unjust expulsion from UCLA after a traumatic event. She later joins Hastings Research Institute, meeting fellow scientist Calvin Evans. Their relationship grows, despite her concern about its impact on her career.
Calvin's sudden death forces Elizabeth to navigate single motherhood in a critical society. Not long after, she is let go from her job. Rebounding, Elizabeth becomes the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six, transforming it into a platform for scientific education and feminist ideas. The show encourages women to challenge societal norms.
Elizabeth continues to influence both science and media. A chance to return to Hastings in a leadership role allows her to shape future research. She discovers connections related to Calvin's past, deepening her understanding of family. Elizabeth's journey highlights resilience and intellect in a challenging environment.
Themes
Feminism and gender inequality
Lessons in Chemistry examines feminism and gender inequality in the 1960s through Elizabeth Zott, a chemist who faces both overt and subtle misogyny while trying to establish her career. Male colleagues undermine her, creating a work environment where casual chauvinism leads to intellectual theft and harassment. This reflects systemic gender inequality in that era's scientific communities. Women, despite qualifications, often faced roles deemed "appropriate," like administrative tasks. Institutional sexism, not lack of skill, hinders Elizabeth's career, showing societal resistance to women in scientific roles.
When Elizabeth begins her cooking show, Supper at Six, she integrates chemistry lessons, challenging traditional gender roles and asserting women's intellectual capabilities. Her determination critiques societal structures that stifle women's ambitions and advocates for the recognition of their contributions in all fields.
Cooking as a means of empowerment
Elizabeth Zott uses cooking as a means of empowerment and rebellion. Her show, Supper at Six, recasts the kitchen as a place for scientific exploration and accomplishment, prompting women of the 1960s to question societal constraints. In addition, Elizabeth treats cooking as a precise scientific task similar to her laboratory work. She provides chemistry-inspired instructions, making cooking an intellectual activity. Elizabeth Zott turns cooking into a platform for social change. Her show educates and inspires viewers to question traditional norms, using food to spark important conversations.
Quick facts
Lessons in Chemistry is Bonnie Garmus's acclaimed debut novel, published just before her 65th birthday.
The protagonist, Elizabeth Zott, is a chemist turned unconventional cooking show host in the 1960s.
Elizabeth Zott's TV cooking show, Supper at Six, subtly promotes feminism and scientific education.
Lessons in Chemistry blends comedy, tragedy, and social satire, emphasizing resilience and female empowerment in the face of misogyny.
Garmus drew from her personal experiences with sexism in advertising and copywriting.
A dog named Six-Thirty, a character providing comic relief and emotional depth, was inspired by Garmus's own dog.
Lessons in Chemistry quickly became a bestseller, spending over a year on The New York Times bestseller list and selling millions of copies worldwide.
The novel has received numerous accolades, including the Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Debut in 2022.
Lessons in Chemistry is based on extensive research, featuring references to actual scientific concepts and historical figures.
The novel has resonated with multi-generational audiences, addressing timeless themes of gender discrimination, resilience, and societal change.
In 2023, Apple TV+ adapted Lessons in Chemistry into an eight-episode miniseries, starring Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott.
Key characters
Elizabeth Zott: The protagonist. An accomplished chemist, Elizabeth Zott faces societal constraints. Her dedication to science and challenge of traditional roles lead to her becoming a TV cooking show host. She navigates single parenthood while confronting and influencing societal norms.
Calvin Evans: A respected scientist at the Hastings Research Institute, Calvin Evans admires Elizabeth’s intelligence and perseverance. Their relationship explores themes of love and equality, examining collaboration and respect both personally and professionally.
Madeline "Mad" Zott: The daughter of Elizabeth and Calvin, Mad grows up in an unconventional family. Her character reflects the empowerment inspired by her mother’s strength and guidance.
Six-Thirty: The family dog, Six-Thirty, contributes humor and emotional depth, acting as a unique link within the Zott family.
Harriet Sloane: A neighbor and ally, Harriet supports Elizabeth's quest for independence and career success. Her friendship emphasizes the novel’s theme of community and mutual support.
Dr. Donatti and Dr. Meyers: These characters represent workplace sexism and the societal barriers Elizabeth encounters in her career, symbolizing the challenges she faces to establish herself as a scientist.
TV adaptation
Lessons in Chemistry was adapted into an eight-part limited series, which began streaming on Apple TV+ on October 13, 2023. Starring Academy Award-winning actress Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott, the series features Lewis Pullman as Calvin Evans, Elizabeth’s colleague and partner, and Aja Naomi King as Harriet Sloane, Elizabeth’s neighbor and ally. Receiving positive reviews from critics and nominations for two Golden Globe Awards, the series remains faithful to the themes and messages of Bonnie Garmus's novel while making some adjustments to characters and plot.
About the author
Bonnie Garmus is the author of the bestselling novel Lessons in Chemistry (2022), published just before she turned 65. Before launching her literary career, Garmus worked as a copywriter in the tech industry, where she experienced both success and sexism. An incident of a male colleague claiming credit for her ideas reportedly inspired her novel. Her work addresses themes of resilience and empowerment.
