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.
more
Amazing life of Hedy Lamar and her scientific contributions to the US.
Fascinating story
Amazing story of Hedi Lamor and her ties to World War Two and her contribution to science and technology. All true!
I have always been fascinated by stories of Hedy Lamarr. This was ok. Lots of Austrian/German backdrop history of World War 2. Got kind of lost, it was very detailed. Then book skipped around after she came to U.S. so that’s why 3 stars
The writing seemed lazy. Some descriptions and statements were used word for word at different places in the book. The content was interesting, but it was like reading a children’s book about adult subject matter that didn’t translate well. The best part of the book was the author’s note at the end telling more about Hedy Lamar.
This was a fascinating story about a brilliant, beautiful woman. It’s sad that she is only remembered as a talented actress, not as a brilliant scientist.
Good book about an amazing woman!
Interesting insight into a Hollywood icon.
A very interesting book based on a true story. Well worth reading.
I really liked learning the story behind the “genius” 1940’s Star.
Having known Hedy Lamarr as an actress, alone, I was amazed at her brilliant intellect at designing, with a cohort, a method to make USA torpedoes more accurate during WWII. I am not a card-carrying feminist, but to deny using the new weapons system solely because a woman was the inventor, along with her (male) partner is unconscionable. I realize that her invention is being used today for WIFI and cell phones. I was very sorry to read that she died in Florida at age 85, all alone.
Who knew Hedy Lamar was so intelligent? Beauty can have brains. Too bad she lived during a time that women were supposed to stay home and have babies
Interesting times. Fascinating characters. Held my interest throughout.
Interesting info about the life & hidden talents of a remarkable woman. Sometimes felt that the first person presentation was a bit presumptuous since book is not an autobiography or biography.
I thought Hedy Lamar was just An actress. Very interesting to find she was also a scientist.
I’d seen the documentary On Hedy so suggested this for ou book club. Our favorite book of the year, hands down. Or should I say, “Thumbs up!”
The story was interesting, but the facts are not too accurate. According to our submarine friends, the system Hedy suggests in this book was not what was used on the subs. Also, where was the mention of Samson and Delilah? I think Hedy starred in this film.
A woman before her time. Ms. La Mar dispels the myth, that you can have either brains or beauty not both. She had both and her inventions and insights sonar and tracking are used today. She is a true role model every young woman should inspire too.
It is a tragedy when a woman’s stunning mind is overlooked simply because of her beauty. I wondered how many things she would have come up with. Her idea would definitely have save lives.
This is the true story of Hedy Lamarr. It doesn’t say much about her education but she was very intelligent. She was also very confident. She was starring in a play in Austria and a older man saw it and fell in love with her. After they were married she found out he was abusive. He wanted her to be a beautiful decoration. He owned an ammunition plant in France. By being a decoration she heard lots of information.
She had hid away some money and before the war was escalated she fled to America. Her grandparents were Jewish but her family had never practiced their religion. Her husbands circumstances were very similar. The Nazi’s eventually took a
wake the factory. When she came up with a radar system to keep submarines from being bombed it was turned down because she was a woman. They suggested she sell war bonds. She sold millions of dollars of bonds..
I wish it would have went further after the war. The system sheinvented is the basic principle behind cell phones. Very educational book.