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grifen87's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in my effort to be more aware of famous scientists and women in history. I had heard Marie's name mentioned over the years but wanted to know more about her and how she became famous. Quinn did a great job at presenting Marie's life on a personal level and in the context in which she lived, from her home country of Poland to her time in France and beyond (I applaud the linguistic effort made with both Polish and French). It was interesting to find someone so relatable in some ways - one deeply genuine and appreciative of the natural world who sees through the noise and sensationalism of "free" societies - but living in the distant days of the late 19th century. It's comforting in a sense to see that there was turmoil and uncertainty then just like there is today, but it's also sad to realize that we haven't learned as much from the mistakes of that time as one might hope. I was especially drawn to the deep, special love that she and Pierre had, not only working together but also taking their vacations in the countryside, cycling and losing track of time with each other. But she was also no stranger to sadness. [Spoilers] She spent her early years in an oppressed Poland, lost her mother to tuberculosis, later lost her husband in a freak accident, had several miscarriages, etc. But through all of this she was strong, focused, resourceful, and continued to care for those close to her. Also kudos to Ernest Rutherford for being so supportive of her in a scientific world generally biased against women, and that despite her being difficult to work with at times.
annateixido's review against another edition
4.0
she’s got a poin, she’s an icon, she’s a legend and she is the moment
torlin_keru's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! The author gets into the science when she needs to, and explains it in an approachable way. I really enjoyed reading about so many things I've learned about in science and engineering classes in a narrative instead of in a textbook. I also appreciated the perspective on what it takes for someone to overcome culture and other's prejudices to be among the first to do certain things. Marie Curie had an incredible life and did so much good.
The only negative to this book was that the author got bogged down by the details at times, especially in the first chapter, which is mainly about Marie's parents and siblings (you can probably skip it without missing much).
I was inspired by Marie's life and impressed by her husband Pierre, who was incredibly supportive of her life as a working mother and never tried to take credit for her work. In fact, he called others out when they dismissed her contribution.
The only negative to this book was that the author got bogged down by the details at times, especially in the first chapter, which is mainly about Marie's parents and siblings (you can probably skip it without missing much).
I was inspired by Marie's life and impressed by her husband Pierre, who was incredibly supportive of her life as a working mother and never tried to take credit for her work. In fact, he called others out when they dismissed her contribution.
micklesreads's review against another edition
3.0
I knew that the biography category of the Read Harder Challenge would be tough for me, and I was right.
This book is well-researched and well-written (though I do find the author jumps around a bit with years, and that can be quite confusing), and Marie Curie was a fascinating, bad-ass, brilliant woman. It's just that I'm not a fan of biographies; I need a plot I think.
Read For: Read Harder
This book is well-researched and well-written (though I do find the author jumps around a bit with years, and that can be quite confusing), and Marie Curie was a fascinating, bad-ass, brilliant woman. It's just that I'm not a fan of biographies; I need a plot I think.
Read For: Read Harder
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