Wayward Reviews

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A tale of female struggles in the 1960s, where intellect and societal pressures collide – making for a powerful story of doing what feels right rather than conforming.

Book Synopsis

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel-prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with – of all things – her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later, Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (‘combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride’) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Meet the unconventional, uncompromising Elizabeth Zott.

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Review

* Non-Spoiler Review*

I picked this book up at the train station before my trip away to York, as I had forgotten to pack a book (disasterous!).

Lessons in Chemistry I had seen on the shelves for sometime, and also heard the Apple plus did a mini series of the book. Funny enough, I didn’t pick up this book based on the cover…now, don’t try and say don’t judge a book by its cover – well all do!

But for some reason, when I saw it on the shelves at the train station – I finally went, why not?

And I am happy I did!

What refreshing story. I haven’t read something in contemporary fiction like this in years. There was the right amount of drama and a mixture of good and bad scenarios.

I read the book in three days, all while I was away on holiday.

The main character borders on the line of annoying, but that’s only because she brings to light important issues during the story – which as we know historically was happening during the 1960s (and some are still happening today).

I adored that you got to see supporting characters perspective of the main character, as well as a consistent theme throughout the plot – the struggles that have to face when wanting a career.

As this review is non spoiler, I won’t go into any more detail. I will however point out that people should read the trigger warnings. While Garmus doesn’t go into graphic detail, there are some parts of the story that could trigger some.

Overall, it was a fantastic read – and you know what? I don’t want a sequel, it’s a fantastic standalone novel, and no wonder it got made into a mini series.

Spice Rating: 1/6 – See my rating system here

Book Rating: 4/5