Lessons in Chemistry  

Lessons in Chemistry  

Author: Garmus Bonnie 

Publisher‏: ‎ Penguin  

Language‏: ‎ English 

Paperback‏: ‎ 400 pages 

Audiobook: 11 hours and 56 minutes 

Narrator: Miranda Raison 

Imagine a world where your intelligence is constantly underestimated, not because you’re not brilliant, but because of your gender. 

Welcome to the world of Elizabeth Zott, the fierce, no-nonsense scientist and the protagonist who makes one race through the pages of Lessons in Chemistry. Or, in my case, chapters/ hours in my audiobook app. 

Elizabeth is not here to play nice. She’s here to do science—except the 1960s aren’t quite ready for a woman who refuses to play second fiddle to her male counterparts, let alone make major breakthroughs in chemistry. But Zott isn’t the kind to back down. When the scientific community cuts her out, she pivots in the most unexpected way—by becoming the host of a TV cooking show. 

But don’t let it fool you. Elizabeth doesn’t teach recipes. She teaches chemistry, hidden in the language of cooking, empowering stay-at-home wives and mothers in a way no one saw coming. And that’s not even the best part. Her no-frill show and practical recipes, as well as scientific jargon (as the producers initially call it), find a faithful female audience. 

Garmus’s sharp wit takes centre stage and makes you chuckle when you least expect it. The humour is dry, and the dialogues crackle with understated sarcasm. The characters—Elizabeth. Mad, Kalvin and a deeply perceptive dog, Six-Thirty—leave quite a mark. 

The audiobook version of Lessons in Chemistry is narrated by Miranda Raison, a British actress. 

She does an excellent job of bringing Zott to life. The crisp, clear voice crackles with confidence and makes the reader immediately associate with Zott, who refuses to back down, come what may. 

Raison leaves no doubts about Elizabeth’s quiet defiance, her male colleagues’ condescension, and the warmth of the people who genuinely support her. The dog, Six-Thirty, acquires quite an endearing personality through her narration! 

My only grouse for the book would be a predictable climax. Though it is heartwarming and feel-good, I felt it came about a bit too easy. Like the events just fell into place. But that’s just me nitpicking. 

At its core, Lessons in Chemistry isn’t just about science or feminism—but it’s really about defying expectations, breaking barriers, and believing in yourself—even when the world doesn’t. It’s witty, warm, and just the right amount of rebellion. Read it, and you’ll never look at cooking—or societal norms—the same way again.