THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
THE USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Marie Benedict, the bestselling author, brings to life the illuminating story of Hedy Lamarr, a remarkable woman whose brilliance was often eclipsed by her extraordinary beauty. This novel explores Lamarr's life starting in the tumultuous era of the Nazi rise to power, where her stunning looks offered her a reprieve from the impending dangers but also constrained her true ambitions. Marrying an Austrian arms dealer, she found herself close to the sinister machinations of the Third Reich, all the while utilizing her keen intellect.
As she navigated her privileged position, Lamarr overheard critical plans that could threaten her new home. Harnessing her scientific knowledge, she hatched a daring escape plan disguised as a simple woman, which led her from the confines of a castle to the dazzling lights of Hollywood. Yet, beneath the persona of a glamorous star awaited another layer of her life: that of a scientist with groundbreaking ideas. Despite her groundbreaking inventions in communication technology, her contributions went unrecognized due to the biases of her time and the overshadowing fame of her cinematic career.
The Only Woman in the Room is more than just a biography; it is a tribute to the countless women in science who have been overlooked throughout history. Benedict’s storytelling weaves Lamarr’s personal struggles with the greater narrative of women’s contributions to science that have been forgotten or ignored. The novel is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in history, science, or the female experience in a male-dominated world.
Other bestselling historical fiction by Marie Benedict includes:
- The Mystery of Mrs. Christie
- Lady Clementine
- Carnegie's Maid
- The Other Einstein