Happy New Year, friends! Today I have a review of The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict, publishing via Sourcebooks Landmark on January 8, 2019! I’ve read all of Marie Benedict’s books, and she continues to write about strong and fascinating women with her latest endeavor.
My Thoughts:
I read and enjoyed Carnegie’s Maid, and I have been looking forward to reading Marie Benedict’s latest fictional portrayal of a strong woman. In this instance, she has written about Hedy (Kiesler) Lamarr.
Born Jewish, Hedy Kiesler later finds herself an actress married to an Austrian arms dealer. Hedy is able to use her powerful position to avoid Nazi persecution. At the same time, her husband is controlling and difficult, and one evening in 1937, she disguises herself and flees.
Where does she land? None other than Hollywood, and this is where she becomes the notorious Hedy Lamarr, famous movie star. Not only is Lamarr a stunning and well-loved actress hiding her Jewish heritage, she is also a brilliant scientist with an idea that may save her new country- that is, if anyone will take her seriously.
I found The Only Woman in the Room to be engrossing and enchanting. Hedy Lamarr is a strong female figure we need to know about, not just for her film legacy, but for her scientific contributions as well. Kudos to Marie Benedict for highlighting an extraordinary woman with a powerfully-written story. Fans of World War II fiction will find much to love in this fascinating story.
Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
She was beautiful. She was a genius. Could the world handle both? A powerful, illuminating novel about Hedy Lamarr.
Hedy Kiesler is lucky. Her beauty leads to a starring role in a controversial film and marriage to a powerful Austrian arms dealer, allowing her to evade Nazi persecution despite her Jewish heritage. But Hedy is also intelligent. At lavish Vienna dinner parties, she overhears the Third Reich’s plans. One night in 1937, desperate to escape her controlling husband and the rise of the Nazis, she disguises herself and flees her husband’s castle.
She lands in Hollywood, where she becomes Hedy Lamarr, screen star. But Hedy is keeping a secret even more shocking than her Jewish heritage: she is a scientist. She has an idea that might help the country and that might ease her guilt for escaping alone — if anyone will 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.
Have you read The Only Woman in the Room, or is it on your TBR? Have you read any other books by Marie Benedict? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
I haven’t heard about this book yet but sounds like an amazing read. have to check this out thanks for sharing.
Happy New Year, keep reading and looking forward to more fab post!
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Thank you, Ashi! It was such a lovely read! I love reading about strong women. Happy New Year to you, too! ♥️
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Fab review! I love the sound of this one and will definitely be adding it to Goodreads!
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Thank you, Nicki! Hedy Lamarr was absolutely fascinating!
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I’ve actually requested it on NetGalley after reading this. I think she was the Bluetooth Pioneer wasn’t she?
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Yes, that’s right! I forgot I was reviewing a little early and it would still be on NG- I have my fingers crossed for you. 🤞 ♥️
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Thanks 🙂
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Haven’t seen this one yet, Jen. Sure does sound good though. Love your review and Happy New Year! ♥️ xoxo
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Thank you, favorite M! I loved learning about Hedy Lamarr- such a fascinating and smart woman! Happy New Year to you, too, my friend! ♥️
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Great review, Jennifer! It sounds like a strong and compelling read with a a good protagonist.
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Thank you, Stephen! She definitely was a powerful and smart protagonist, and I loved getting to know more about her.
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I do have to check this one out. I had heard that Hedy Lamarr was not only an actress but also an absolutely brilliant woman.
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Oh, yes, so brilliant, Marialyce. I’m grateful this author illuminated her story.
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Okay I want to read this one now after reading your wonderful review!! Lovely flowers my friend!!💕🎉💕
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Thanks so much, Sus! Those were from my azaleas about six weeks ago! They bloom for me a few times a year. ♥️ xoxo
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Great review, Jennifer! Already liking the character! I love novels based on true stories! And HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours, Jennifer! I wanna thank you for making my blogging experience a meaningful one. You are actually the first blogger who made me feel that my blog posts matter! Thank you so much! ❤️😘
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Thank you, Jee! She is such a wonderful character- powerful and strong and brilliant! Thank you, too, for the kind words. Your posts absolutely matter, and I’m so happy when I see one pop up. You have the most generous, genuine spirit, and I’m grateful to know you! ♥️ Happy New Year!
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Awww tq for your kind words! I’m touched! I feel the same way about you too, Jennifer! ❤️😘 Big hugs!
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Fascinating review, Jennifer. I am a fan of WW II fiction. I added this one to my tbr list. Happy Reading in 2019. 💕📚
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Thank you, Virginia! It was such a good book. Hedy Lamarr has quite the story! Happy reading to you too! ♥️
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I like the sound of an enchanting read. Wonderful review, Jennifer!
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Thanks so much, Chrissi!
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Happy New Year, Jennifer:)). This is a great review – thank you for sharing.
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Happy New Year, Sarah, and thank you so much!
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Another book to add to my TBR list! I can’t keep up with you, Jennifer! LOL!
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Thank you, Janet! I’m trying so hard to slow down! 😊
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This looks great. X you always discover fabulous books x
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Thank you so much! I really enjoyed this one!
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I have not heard of this book or author but it sure sounds amazing. I will see what I can find at the library by her. Wonderful review.
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Thanks, Carla! I hope you can find one of her books. This book has been my favorite of the three, but all of the women have been interesting.
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I’d love to read this one sometime! I only learned that Hedy Lamarr was a scientist as well as a movie star a few years back, and have been intrigued by the idea ever since – it seems such an unlikely combination somehow.
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It does seem an unlikely combination, FF. I now want to watch some of her old movies. I’m fascinated by her. I hope you enjoy it, too, if you decide to read it. ♥️
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Carnegie’s Maid is still on my TBR, and this sounds fantastic as well! I don’t know a ton about Hedy Lamarr but she sounds fascinating!
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She is so fascinating, Angela! This story topped Carnegie’s Maid, though I loved that one, too, just because Hedy is so special.
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Sounds wonderful Jenni! And as you know I’m a huge fan of historical fiction. 🤗
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Thanks, Beth! Yes, you are! 💗
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Wow. That sounds pretty awesome. I have a sample of Carnegie’s Maid I keep meaning to start… and now I have to go add this one too. Great review again!
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Thanks so much, Nina! ♥️ I liked this one even a touch more than CM, and I enjoyed that one. Hedy is mesmerizing!
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You made me request it in NG. Lol. So fingers crossed now.
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🤞 I hope you get it!
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