LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

Miranda Raison delivers a zestful performance of Bonnie Garmus's debut novel. Set in the 1950s and early '60s, the story explores the prefeminist spheres of science and television through the career and family experiences of Elizabeth Zott. Raison crisply voices Zott, a no-nonsense chemist who has been antagonized and victimized by men all her life. Portrayals of supporting characters, such as Zott's paramour, Calvin Evans; neighbor Harriet Sloane, and TV producer Walter Pine, are exquisite counterpoints to the headstrong chemist. When Zott becomes famous as the host of a cooking show for housewives, Raison's pinpoint narration places the listener in the front row of the studio audience. The production includes a delightful interview with the author by Pandora Sykes. E.S.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2022]