This was such a unique story and an absolutely delightful read!! Elizabeth Zott is a character I will remember for a long time, but she wasn't the only one that made this story work so well…the rest of the characters — Calvin, Frask, Madeline, Harriet, Walter, Wakely, and the character I adored the most, Six Thirty (Elizabeth's dog), were all essential in creating a special kind of chemistry that made this book such a fabulous read! From the very first page, I was hooked and found it tremendously difficult to put the book down. To be honest, when I first read the premise for Bonnie Garmus's debut novel, I was a little apprehensive given the story's "science" theme (I usually don't do too well with overly "science-y" books) — but I actually didn't need to worry, as this ended up not being a book about "science" per se, but rather, a story about two scientists and the chemistry that ensues when they meet and fall in love. Yes, this is a love story, but not in the traditional sense (it's definitely not a romance); this can also be considered historical fiction, as it is set in California in the 1960s and comments on the social conventions of the time, but even here, the timeline blurs a little — with its exploration of male- dominated workplaces, sexist attitudes towards women, the inclination in a patriarchal society to suppress women's achievements and relegate them to the household without the ability to ever stray outside those lines, the idea that women are not allowed to be their own individual selves and must get "permission" from the men in their lives for every little thing, etc. — the story is both timely and resonant to modern times as well (especially in light of our country's recent encroachments on women's rights). The debate over religion in the story, while a bit more subtle, was also reflective of the debate in society at large.
The other unique aspect in this book was the humor, which I felt was rendered brilliantly throughout the entire story — this, admittedly, was one of the things I loved most about the story (aside from the characters of course). I love books that are funny without deliberately meaning to be, but at the same time, are also poignant and emotionally resonant without veering into melodramatic. This one combined both wonderfully, and to great effect.
And the characters, I can't say enough about them! Mad and Six Thirty stole my heart from the start (in fact, I adored Six Thirty to the point that, immediately after finishing the book, I felt a great urge to get a dog of my own and teach it to understand 900+ words, lol!). Elizabeth is a character I greatly admired — whip-smart, capable, confident…the type of woman who is not afraid to stand up for her rights, even if it means being cast out and shunned. I loved Elizabeth's straightforward personality and how oblivious she was to what others thought of her: some of my favorite scenes were the ones where the men who were trying to "put her in her place" found themselves going absolutely apoplectic when she didn't react the way they expected (for me, these scenes alone were "worth the price of admission", lol)! I also loved Harriet and wish I had a neighbor like her (and yes, her "curiosity" notwithstanding). I could go on but I will let you read the book and get to know these characters for yourself.
And with that, yes, I wholeheartedly recommend this one, no doubt about it! This was a book I didn't know I needed right now and while the writing wasn't always perfect, the endearing characters and engaging story more than made up for it. I sincerely hope that Bonnie Garmus writes another novel and if she does, I will definitely be there for it!
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