The New York Times and USA Today Bestseller! She possessed a stunning beauty. She also possessed a stunning mind. Could the world handle both?Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich’s plans while at her husband’s side, understanding more than anyone would … while at her husband’s side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star.
But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she knew a few secrets about the enemy. She had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis…if anyone would listen to her.
A powerful novel based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication, The Only Woman in the Room is a masterpiece.
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Bought it for my daughters after I read it.
I was amazed at this historical read about a famous Hollywood actress, where she came from, who she was, her attempts to help with the war, and her amazing invention work. She was very different from her Hollywood persona.
Very eye opening, never knew Heddy Lamar was so brilliant, not just a pretty face.
When my sister first recommended this book to me I thought “I’m probably not going to like it”, but I loved it! I couldn’t have guessed that this wasHeddy Lamar’s life!!! Fascinating!
The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict is a fictionalized account of Austrian actress, Hedy Lamarr’s life. I enjoyed learning about her life in the midst of war torn German aggression in Poland, Austria and other countries. As with many people of Jewish heritage who never practiced their religion, Hedy was 10 years old before she realized her family was Jewish. This was not so uncommon for that time period. She was married to a war monger, (himself a non-practicing Jew), who supplied weaponry to Hitler. The book chronicles her marriage, her family relationship, the escape, the new life in Hollywood, and her inventive endeavors. The information was good–but the flow was not.
The invention to aid US torpedo launches was largely ignored until the 1960’s…nothing new here, men hated to give credence to women, especially a beautiful one. She invented the Fizzy drink, and the technology, frequency hopping, which is now used in communications including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, cordless phones and cell phones.
I knew very little about Heddy Lamar, so this historical fiction novel based on her amazing life was illuminating! You’ll learn about Austria and WWII from an entirely different perspective, and then her next life as a Hollywood movie star and Jewish woman motivated to help the war effort—first through scientific patents and later through war bonds fundraising. Fascinating!
loved it…
Thoroughly enjoyable — I learned a great deal about Hedy Lamarr and this time in history.
Great story based on the life of Hedy Lamar. Author is an attorney. I’ve loved all her books.
After reading Carnegie’s Maid, I knew I wanted to read another book by Marie Benedict. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy learning about Hedy Lamarr’s life before becoming a Hollywood icon. She was born Hedy Kiesler, a young girl in Austria who was a theater star. A marriage to an Austrian arms dealer puts her in the presence of leaders of political parties engaged in conversations with the Nazi party. Shocked by what she learns, she flees the country and reinvents herself as a Hollywood actress and secretly, a scientist. Fascinating read!
This was an amazing story. Unfortunately, we haven’t evolved much since the WWII era. The military in America still doesn’t seem to think very highly of women.
Not enough depth. Lots of details about her first marriage but skims through the rest. For example, the book goes from her running away from her abusive husband while still a teenager to her being on the QEII with lots of famous people. How did I that happen? Downplays her intellect. I wanted more details.
Inspiring and determined woman protagonist. Not enough of these in literature.
I loved the book, but the ending left me wanting to know what happened next. It did not follow Hedy Lamarr past WW II.
Very interesting to learn about this film star from the past. Seems well researched and the book reads easily
It was yet another amazing woman whose story has never been told. Someone whose work effects each of us every day and yet we had no idea. She was an inspiration to learn about from her brush with Hitler and her rise to stardom.
I just finished this book and it was an incredible read. I found myself being obsessed with what was next. Hedy was one of the strongest woman I’ve ever learned about. Just fascinating how far she went to educate herself scientifically, her amazing patience and endurance, and her extreme strong will. I’m still reeling from this amazing woman.
I always enjoy books about strong women.
Interesting, historical story of life during WWII about a well known actress.
A book about Hedy Lamar that is a biographical fiction. It captivated me in the first chapter and I was unable to put it down. Well written and an insight into a brilliant woman outside the movie industry. Highly recommend this book.