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mariposagal's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, War, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, and Antisemitism
leda00's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
melissabraine's review against another edition
4.0
The Only Woman in the Room is an amazing historical novel which remained authentic throughout. It was very interesting to see a woman’s struggle at this time; through an abusive marriage with an Austrian munition businessman and sexism and sexualisation in the science and film industries. This was all a true story, which I think added shock to a lot of the plot line.
The only downside of this novel was that, because it is a highly accurate historical novel, the information Benedict was trying to put across sometimes seemed more like a report.
The only downside of this novel was that, because it is a highly accurate historical novel, the information Benedict was trying to put across sometimes seemed more like a report.
moniprieto's review against another edition
3.0
This book was good! However, if you have a book about Hedy Lamarr, a remarkable woman (not only for her beauty but her mind!!) Then I expect a lot more. The book focused too much on her beauty/fame (and she was beautiful) rather than the real meaning of being "the only woman in the room"
c8_19's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.5
My biggest critique is with the technical pieces of this story. The voice and style felt stiff, dialogue sounded like it was coming from well-rehearsed robots, and interactions between characters were never more than really surface level. Plot points were glossed over, in a way. I understand there were key years and key events the author was trying to cover, but the way it's done here made me feel like I was just quickly dipping into a moment and then quickly leaving.
Someone who enjoys historical fiction featuring a strong female lead would probably enjoy this and may find it refreshing that it's WWII era with the woman doing something other than code breaking.
Someone who enjoys historical fiction featuring a strong female lead would probably enjoy this and may find it refreshing that it's WWII era with the woman doing something other than code breaking.
akleinri's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
it was a fun, easy book. the writing wasn’t the absolute best, but I learned a bit about a historical figure. i wouldn’t reread it, but I don’t regret reading it
tillb1ta's review against another edition
4.0
Just a pretty face is not what Hedy Lamarr yearned for in life. Being an actress was easy but being recognized for scientific advancements was what she wanted most. Having been privy to conversations pre-war and learning from her papa during her childhood made Hedy ready to problem solve military issues with a musical composer in later life. She wanted to make a difference and save lives but because during that war’s time women were not held in high esteem her invention was denied. It wasn’t until decades later that she was finally given recognition rightfully so.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
3.5***
Hedy Lamarr was a movie star in the 1930s-50s, known for her ethereal beauty. She was also a highly intelligent, self-taught scientist and inventor. In this novel, Benedict tries to shed more light on the hidden aspects of Lamarr’s life, particularly her scientific inventions that led to advances in technology that we use today.
I knew some of this before reading the book, but still found it fascinating and engaging. Benedict spends the first half of the book exploring Hedy Kiesler’s life in Vienna, Austria, where at age nineteen she met and married a wealthy, powerful industrialist – Fritz Mandl. Part Two chronicles her efforts, once she’s arrived in Hollywood, to help the Allies win against Hitler.
She used the knowledge she gleaned from conversations she overheard between her husband and various political leaders, as well as her native intelligence, creativity and critical thinking to invent a device that would help make American naval operations virtually immune to radio interference. Unfortunately, she faced an uphill battle as the men in power could not even imagine taking her seriously, despite her having received a patent for the invention.
It’s an interesting tale, and Benedict does a good job of telling it. I was quickly drawn into the story and found it a compelling read.
Hedy Lamarr was a movie star in the 1930s-50s, known for her ethereal beauty. She was also a highly intelligent, self-taught scientist and inventor. In this novel, Benedict tries to shed more light on the hidden aspects of Lamarr’s life, particularly her scientific inventions that led to advances in technology that we use today.
I knew some of this before reading the book, but still found it fascinating and engaging. Benedict spends the first half of the book exploring Hedy Kiesler’s life in Vienna, Austria, where at age nineteen she met and married a wealthy, powerful industrialist – Fritz Mandl. Part Two chronicles her efforts, once she’s arrived in Hollywood, to help the Allies win against Hitler.
She used the knowledge she gleaned from conversations she overheard between her husband and various political leaders, as well as her native intelligence, creativity and critical thinking to invent a device that would help make American naval operations virtually immune to radio interference. Unfortunately, she faced an uphill battle as the men in power could not even imagine taking her seriously, despite her having received a patent for the invention.
It’s an interesting tale, and Benedict does a good job of telling it. I was quickly drawn into the story and found it a compelling read.
kjm9773's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0