A review by grifen87
Marie Curie: A Life by Susan Quinn

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.