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Lessons in Chemistry

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About this listen

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.

‘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

© Bonnie Garmus 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

 Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Political Romance Women's Fiction Biography Comedy Funny Inspiring Feel-Good

Critic reviews

The most charming, life-enhancing novel I've read in ages. A perfect delight. It's about Elizabeth Zott, a scientist who accidentally becomes a TV cook in the early 1960s. Very strongly recommend
This triumphant feminist fable, wittily observed, is teeming with vivid comic set-pieces
Polished, funny, thought-provoking. Wearing its research lightly but confidently with sentences so stylishly turned it's hard to believe it's a debut ... The real pleasure is in the dry wit of Garmus's writing
Not only is Elizabeth an unforgettable character, so too are her adorable dog Six Thirty and daughter, Mad. This is a truly unique book with some great life lessons
A book that sparks joy with every page. LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY is both funny and rousing: it had me laughing one minute and air-punching the next. Bonnie Garmus has created an unforgettable heroine
It's the world versus Elizabeth Zott, an extraordinary woman determined to live on her own terms, and I had no trouble choosing a side. Lessons in Chemistry is a page-turning and highly satisfying tale: zippy, zesty, and Zotty
Full of humour, heartbreak and characters who feel like real people. This is a book that everyone will be talking about
I haven't loved a character as much as the hero of this joyful, warm debut in a very long time
Absolutely unputdownable. I completely loved it
A transporting read, recommended for fans of Where'd You Go, Bernadette and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
All stars
Most relevant
I absolutely loved this book on so many levels. For sure it satisfied my feelings of injustice in our patriarchal society, it’s nailed to the mast for all to experience… but it’s a great tale too. Loveable characters and original plot. All round winner.

I laughed and cried. A masterpiece.

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I was never good at chemistry, infact I hated it. but the book didn't rely too much on THE science and was more the meaning of it and how the philosophy applied to it could be life changing.
I guessed SOME of the major plot twists when they were hinted but it all felt justified and satisfying.
tw
did have themes of sexual assault death and explosions some major plot points hinging on SA or descriptions of SA attempt

amazing book! makes me want to improve!

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Absolutely brilliantly written, striking a concerto of chords. Highly highly recommend. Well done Bonnie. I’ll read it again. 👏👏

Lessons in Chemistry

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Loved this book, I really got swept up in Elizabeth’s story and didn’t want it to end. I thought the narrator was great too.

Loved this book

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never a dull moment, you'll be rooting for forthright Elizabeth Zott. funny and thought provoking

Wonderful book, beautifully presented

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