Lessons in Chemistry

The 8-million-copy worldwide and Sunday Times #1 bestseller and award-winner featuring the uncompromising, unconventional Elizabeth Zott, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, offers an exhilarating blend of wisdom, wit, and poignancy set against the backdrop of America in the 1960s.

Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist whose dreams are marginalized in a male-dominated society. Despite her undeniable talent, she is forced to navigate an era where women’s intelligences are systematically underestimated. Working at the Hastings Research Institute, she faces relentless sexism from her all-male colleagues who take a very unscientific view of gender equality. Elizabeth’s journey takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself as the star of America’s favourite cooking show, Supper at Six. However, this is not just a culinary show – through each episode, Elizabeth dares women to challenge societal norms and demand more from life. Her unconventional methods and revolutionary mindset inspire a movement, one molecule at a time, igniting a social change that extends well beyond the kitchen.

A Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller, this uplifting summer read has been recognised as a major literary triumph. It has now been adapted into a highly anticipated Apple TV series starring Brie Larson.

The New York Times named it among the Top 100 Best Books of the 21st Century as chosen by readers, a testament to its impact and popularity.

"The most charming, life-enhancing novel I've read in ages," - Sunday Times

"A page-turning and highly satisfying tale," - Maggie Shipstead, author of Great Circle

Your ability to change everything – including yourself – starts here.

Lessons in Chemistry is celebrated not just for its compelling narrative but also for the thought-provoking dialogues it sparks about gender roles, equality, and the transformative power of persistence and intelligence. Underneath its entertaining storyline, the novel subtly addresses the broader issues of sexism, the importance of scientific discovery, and the fight for a more equitable society.

A Book of the Year for:

• Guardian
• Times
• Sunday Times
• New York Times
• Good Housekeeping
• Woman & Home
• Stylist
• TLS
• Oprah Daily
• Newsweek
• Mail on Sunday
• Entertainment Weekly
• NPR
• India Knight
• Hay Festival
• Waterstones
• Amazon
• Books are My Bag
• And many more!

Lessons in Chemistry has amassed accolades including:

• Author of the Year at the British Book Awards
• Winner of the Goodreads Choice Best Debut Novel Award
• Winner of the Books are My Bag Reader's Choice Award
• Winner of the Books are My Bag Breakthrough Author Award
• Shortlisted for the HWA Crown Award

Praise for Lessons in Chemistry:

• "Full of humour, heartbreak and characters who feel like real people" - Red Magazine
• "Thought-provoking and stylish" - Guardian
• "Laugh-out-loud funny and brimming with life, generosity and courage" - Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
• "I loved Lessons in Chemistry and am devastated to have finished it!" - Nigella Lawson
• "A novel that sparks joy with every page" - Elizabeth Day, author of Magpie
• "Witty and sometimes hilarious ... the Catch-22 of early feminism" - Stephen King
• "A beautiful, sharp, funny and dark modern classic. I adored it" - Chris Whitaker, author of We Begin at the End

Lessons in Chemistry has sold over 8 million copies worldwide across all formats as of December 2023. It’s a story not just for its time, but for all time, capturing hearts and minds with its spirited protagonist and her unyielding quest for equality.