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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The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict
There are many books out now about WWII, but don’t stop reading them until you finish The Only Woman in the Room. Not just a pretty face, this biographical/historical novel of actress Hedy Kiesler will totally “wow” you!
As a former famous actress in Austria, Hedy had a front row seat to many dinners with her wealthy husband Frederick (Fritz) Mandl and his guests, who included European leaders who eventually became top players in the Second World War.
Hedy, the gorgeous young hostess, listened well and took notes, mental and written, on the many table discussions in their castle. Ready to use this information to help the Allies, the opportunity didn’t arise for many years to come, and in an unexpected way.
Follow Hedy out of Austria to Los Angeles where stardom awaits this beautiful woman. Her chance friendship with composer/musician George Antheil creates a scientific discovery that affects every one of our lives today. Read on and do not skip the Author’s Note at the end of this book to find out how.
Hedy, the only woman in the room more than once in her life, opened the door for acceptance of women’s contributions to mankind, proving that there is often more to beauty than meets the eye.
I did not read the prelude and was glad I didn’t because I was really stunned by the revelation. This is a story for all woman to draw from. Truly enjoyable and informative read.
The history behind this novel fascinated me. I had no idea that Hedy Lamarr was Jewish, had a nude role in a film in the 1930s, or was so very intelligent.
I really enjoyed finding out more about this beautiful actress! It was well written and easy to read. It sure kept me reading until the end!
A fictionalized account of Jewish screen siren and inventor Hedy Kiesler aka Heddy Lamarr. I had not heard of Hedy until this story and now I am super intrigued by her story. In ‘The Only Woman in the Room’ Hedy gives up acting to marry Friedrich Mandl. A marriage of love and what she hopes is protection for her and her family as this is before WWII and rumors are swirling of a Nazi Germany and the treatment of Jews. After a stormy marriage, Hedy flees to London taking secrets with her and divorces Friedrich. After meeting with a Hollywood director she reinvents herself and tries to put her past behind her. However, her past continues to haunt her and she decides to do something about the secret she carries. I will not say more but this was a real page turner for me and I read it in one sitting. I truly loved Hedy’s story even if parts of it are fictionalized. If you are into historical reads about strong women then give this a go.
What an amazing woman!
Hedy Lamarr had an amazing life. Women with vision and technological brilliance are still under appreciated. If you liked Hidden Figures you’ll like this book. This book made me want to know more about her patent and its influence on our current wireless technologies. Her continued search for the right relationship also resonated with me. It is a delicate balance to be fulfilled and also to share a life with someone. This book also shows a compelling view of the Viennese experience as Nazi Germany pushed closer and then overtook the country of Austria. Hollywood’s heyday and contract actors’ lives also was well told.
Can’t imagine growing up in the time of Hitler.
She was lucky to escape
There is nothing new under the sun. It was true in the Third Century B.C. when the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote it and it is true in 2018.
And some of those perennial truths is that women are valued for their beauty and preyed upon for sex and must fight for equality in their vocations and avocations.
Take Hedy Lamarr, the gorgeous Austrian-born star. Marie Benedict’s new historical fiction novel The Only Woman in the Room peels back the Hollywood-packaged icon of female physical perfection and offers us a woman who would be in the #MeToo marches and fighting to be taken seriously as an inventor.
I had seen the fascinating American Masters show Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story and was interested to see how Benedict handled Lamarr’s exceptional story. Although I have some issues with the writing, I believe that the importance of bringing Lamarr’s story to the general public in an accessible venue is more important. The book is a page-turner, quick and easy to read. It hits all the hot-button issues in contemporary society: Antisemitism, abuse and control of women, the power used by Hollywood moguls over starlets, immigration and refugees. Throw in marriage and divorce, adoption, and single moms. And no, the book is not fiction written to address these issues! Hedy Lamarr’s life touched on them all.
If all you know about Hedy Lamarr is her films or “It’s Hedley!” from Mel Brooks movie Blazing Saddles, you need to read this book.
Benedict’s previous books include The Other Einstein and Carnegie’s Maid. Learn more about them here.
I received an ARC from bookreporter.com in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
I love all of Marie Benedict’s books and this one is as good or better than her others.
I enjoying this fictionaluzed biography of A strong woman until it ended suddenly and left me wondering what happened next. I was going to recommend it to my book club and was quite disappointed with the non-ending