Lessons in Chemistry

By: Bonnie Garmus

Narrated by: Miranda Raison

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

INCLUDES AN EXCLUSIVE AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH PANDORA SYKES

Your ability to change everything - including yourself - starts here

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. Forced to resign, she reluctantly signs on as the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But her revolutionary approach to cooking, fuelled by scientific and rational commentary, grabs the attention of a nation.

Soon, a legion of overlooked housewives find themselves daring to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.

©2022 Bonnie Garmus (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

‘Laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with life, generosity and courage’ RACHEL JOYCE

'A novel that sparks joy with every page' ELIZABETH DAY

'I loved Lessons in Chemistry and am devastated to have finished it!' NIGELLA LAWSON

Chemistry lessons and so much more!

Once I started reading this book, I couldn’t put it down. This story tackles some big issues of the early 1960s in a male dominated workforce - sexism, sexual abuse, and operating outside “the norm”. Two social outcasts meet and a strong bond develops between them. But they have to face the judgment and abuse of society.

I loved the characters in this book. They were well developed and full of unique personalities. This group of misfits captured my heart - an obsessed and brilliant scientist, an unwed mother, an unhappy housewife, a precocious child, a minister with an open mind, a struggling single dad, and an amazing dog.

Through everything, the story reminds us of the bonds we form and that we never know what someone is or has gone through. This book could have been such a downer, but thanks to the characters, it was full of humor and hope. This is a must-listen!

A must for any woman who has been interrupted for no good reason

A timely book given today's challenges in society for any person who has had to endure prejudice.

Loved It

I loved this audiobook version of Lessons in Chemistry. It was so well narrated. Loved so many of the characters, it had me chuckling out loud often, a few times my heart was touched by sadness and always I was engaged. It highlights how difficult it was for women not so long ago, and let's be honest it hasn't all gone away. I loved Mads the daughter and her ability to cut through all the garbage and say it like it is. I just didn't want to say good bye to these characters.

Brilliant book.

Get this book, it is fantastic in so many respects. A fabulous smart entertaining clever moving story about intelligent women.

Charming, educational and so funny

I loved the characters and the entire tone of the book because of them. I was reluctant to listen to this title because of the advertising audiobooks was shoving in my face for so long, but I finally jumped in and I’m so happy I did.
I look forward to the next novel by Bonnie Garmus.

Love love love

Love it so much! I think the narrator also did a super job in conveying the vibe of the story and the personality of these characters.

Don’t hesitate - outstanding!

What a wonderful, thought provoking, enjoyable listen… I will buy this book to read again and have on my bookshelf. Beautifully crafted, brilliantly performed and now I can’t help but look at my beautiful dog and wonder what’s going through his mind. Loved it!

Loved this book!

I loved everything about this book... well written and well researched and enjoyed the excellent narration.

Fantastic

I loved this story yes as some critics have pointed out some parts are not realistic - but it’s a story with an incredibly important message and a lot of hope I loved it…

Ok, entertaining but a bit exaggerated

Characters are OTT in terms of dramatization and not hugely believable but it’s very entertaining,
Makes the point reiterating madmen in parts.
Love how she personified the dog elevating it to almost human intelligence - part of the entertaining qualities.