New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Chiaverini illuminates the life of Ada Byron King, Countess of Lovelace—Lord Byron’s daughter and the world’s first computer programmer. The only legitimate child of Lord Byron, the most brilliant, revered, and scandalous of the Romantic poets, Ada was destined for fame long before her birth. But her mathematician mother, estranged from Ada’s infamous … estranged from Ada’s infamous and destructively passionate father, is determined to save her only child from her perilous Byron heritage. Banishing fairy tales and make-believe from the nursery, Ada’s mother provides her daughter with a rigorous education grounded in mathematics and science. Any troubling spark of imagination—or worse yet, passion or poetry—is promptly extinguished. Or so her mother believes.
When Ada is introduced into London society as a highly eligible young heiress, she at last discovers the intellectual and social circles she has craved all her life. Little does she realize how her exciting new friendship with Charles Babbage—the brilliant, charming, and occasionally curmudgeonly inventor of an extraordinary machine, the Difference Engine—will define her destiny.
Enchantress of Numbers unveils the passions, dreams, and insatiable thirst for knowledge of a largely unheralded pioneer in computing—a young woman who stepped out of her father’s shadow to achieve her own laurels and champion the new technology that would shape the future.
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History at its inspirational best.
It was very slow to develop and Ada’s personality lacked depth. Her short life was tragic. In a different time she might have accomplished much more.
Excellent insight of society expectations and the way few escape that bondage. The complex relationships in this story often end sadly but the reader still wants the main character to succeed.
This novel introduced me to Byron’s daughter and a whole new world. Fascinating!. Chiaverini ‘s book is fr above her usual.
Looking at how a woman coped in the mixed environment of a famous poet as a father who she was forbidden to meet, a domineering mother, and a need for scientific pursuit was engrossing reading for me. I’ve read various books on both the father and the mother and seeing the daughter’s perspective helped me fill out the picture. Hard to believe people were so repressed and held back from their intended lives, but amazing to see how much she accomplished in spite of the restrictions. Excellent view into the times and relationships.
I learned a lot from this book, but did not find it as compelling as some of the author’s earlier books.
This was a well-researched book on a little woman overlooked for her mathematical talent and influence on computing. It was both enjoyable and informative to read. The characters were well drawn and quite believable.
This is the novelization of the true story of Ada Lovelace, the daughter of the poet Byron. The factual information is amazing, and the creativity with which Ada’s life is portrayed–in the first person– is well written, slightly modernized, but using similar words, phrases and techniques of the age. At first, it plodded on a bit and her remembrances of earliest childhood were not very realistic, but as the novel progressed, her TRUE story drew you in, the story of the woman and how she was, generally, not able to have her own agency or be successful in any career or professional aspiration due to the misogynistic laws and customs of the time. This was a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it.
Too slow. Needs to cut out at least 1/3 of the book
Ms Chiaverini takes real-life people and events and brings them to life of the page.
her attention to historical detail is unrivaled.
Couldn’t decide between 3 or 4 stars, but went with the higher rating. The book started slow, but as the book progressed it got better. It really must have been hard for Ada to grow up when she did since she was such an intelligent, inquisitive woman.
Marvelous historical fiction, obviously based on factual research about the life of Lord Byron’s daughter, ada Lovelace. She was a mathematical genius who wrote what historians consider the first computer program. Fascinating, romantic, informative, fun.
Enjoyed immensely. Learned so much about Byron, his abandoned wife & daughter, & the effect he had, especially on daughter who knew him. Equally learned about her study of math & relationship with Burbridge & role in the differential machine.
Well written and very believable while an incredulous account of how the characters behave. I enjoyed the read very much.
Great story. Awkward writing. Weak editing.
Written in the voice of Lady Ava Lovelace, this is an historical novel. Very interesting about moving about how people lived, the role of women and their choices, as well as individual choices.
Nasty characters Told first person Society not described in interesting way. I don’t recommend
Very interesting and informative book. It seemed to be very well researched. It made me want to learn more about Ada and Lord Byron. Interesting approach to the complexities of the Mother/Daughter relationships, and the limitations on the rights of women at that time.
Twee writing that has great potential. Disappointed.
I really like this author. I have read most of her other books and really enjoyed them. However, the subject matter made this particular book dry and not very entertaining.