Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
Several months ago, I reviewed the book Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus for the Rambler Cafe Blog. Although I enjoyed reading it, there were aspects to it that left me feeling a bit underwhelmed.
On the one hand, I enjoyed getting to know Elizabeth Zott and how her mind works, but on the other hand, I just didn’t find her totally believable, which left me frustrated at times.
Well, here I am eight months later, having just finished the Lessons In Chemistry TV series, and I am almost speechless with how much I loved it. It has maintained the heart and soul of the book and eliminated the frustrating parts that would have been difficult to translate to the screen anyway.
The premise is Elizabeth Zott, played by Brie Larsen, is a brilliant scientist who is discriminated against in a male-dominated science lab in 1950s America. Although she is a more talented and insightful chemist than her male counterparts, she is relegated to assistant in the lab.
She meets Calvin Evans, played by Lewis Pullman, an award-winning scientist whom the lab relies on for funding. These two people, troubled by their pasts and apparent misfits amongst their peers, find a connection in their similarities and fall deeply in love.
Through tragedy, Elizabeth must find a way to support herself while remaining true to who she is as a woman and a chemist within the societal framework of the time period.
There are a couple of notable differences between the book and the series. Firstly, Elizabeth’s dog Six-thirty. In the book, Six-thirty has human qualities and abilities, suspending reality to the story, which would not have translated well to the screen.
In the series, Harriet is a university-educated African-American woman and activist with a loving husband. She is not a middle-aged white woman who is abused by her husband, as in the book. These departures only add to the series' quality while staying true to the book's essence.
Brie Larson's portrayal of Elizabeth is a true highlight. She brings depth and authenticity to a character who defies societal norms. The show seamlessly weaves together elements of drama, humor, and social commentary, creating an entertaining and thought-provoking narrative.
The supporting cast is equally noteworthy. Kevin Sussman (Big Bang Theory) masterfully brought Walter to life in the most empathetic way. Aja Naomi King's Harriet Sloane is equal parts strength and love.
I highly recommend this series. It is all the book's best parts, plus so much more. It is gut-wrenching, funny, heart-warming, and thought-provoking in equal measure. Just like any great recipe!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and look forward to hearing what you think in the comments.
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