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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Too much emphasis on her beauty
The “teaser” implied that the book was about Ms Lamar’s contribution to present day technology; yet it devoted not a complete chapter to that subject. It almost seems that it mentions it in passing. Oh she also did this along with her movies.
Great true story
I’m not a fan of this author’s writing style. She tells it from the point of view of the protagonist, which gives it too much of the feel of young adult fiction. However, it is a great story, which certainly needs to be told. It makes me want to know more, and now I am searching for a more reliable source of information, to get the whole story on this amazing woman.
I found the story fascinating but the book is poorly written.
What a life she lead! And such a brilliant woman! Learned a lot…..great read!
It had many surprising twists.
Hedy Lamarr was one of those names I had heard, but since her acting career was over when I was very young, I didn’t know anything about her. I found this book to be fascinating.
I read a lot on the Holocaust but, learned something new in this book.
Learned a lot about Hedy Lamar I had never heard. No idea she was a Nazi refugee, much less of her brilliant mind and scientific background and amazing contributions to us today.
I thoroughly enjoyed Benedict’s treatment of Hedy Lamarr’s incredible story. Though the facts were already known to me, the style with which the author presented them kept me turning pages with feeling. Hedy’s accomplishments far transcended her beauty, yet, because she was a woman, she struggled against prejudice and parochial thinking. Her story is at once inspiring and infuriating. Kudos to Ms. Benedict for shining more than stage lights on Hedy’s story.
I enjoyed reading about Hedy Lamarr. Movie star and inventor. A very interesting life.
The story of Hedy Lamar. I had no idea. Very interesting. Couldn’t put it down.
Another example of what humanity missed due to misogyny.
Women’s efforts have been long neglected. Fascinating story.
The Kennedy family is almost endlessly fascinating. Kick is no execption.
A little bit of history that should be known especially for those interested in womens studies.
Loved the story
Fascinating story of a young woman’s fight for freedom and insight into the choveniste of the period on both sids of the ocean.
Learned about Hedy Lamarr who learned first hand about sexual discrimination.