Marie Benedict is an amazing writer. I really enjoyed reading Carnagie’s Maid after its release in 2018. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the privilege of reading an e-arc of The Woman in the Room in exchange for an honest review.

I was in love with Hedy Lamarr as a character.
She was a very strong and powerful woman with great beauty and an amazing intellect.A woman always with a plan and the determination to do anything she set her mind to. A woman who reinvented herself after suffering loss and abuse.

The first half of the book was so so. I found myself very disinterested in the political parts. However that being said Benedict taught me things I didn’t know about WWII and I read a lot of WWII fiction.

Without giving too much away the second half of this book was by far my favorite. Hedy’s time in Hollywood was so exciting to read about. I loved Old Hollywood glamor and this book was full of great atmosphere.

I also enjoyed the different relationships Hedy had in her life and how she treated those people. Specifically her mother. You can see great character growth as the story progresses and Hedy gets older.

I will be purchasing a copy of this book and recommend it to my friends. Give it a little pass around before it finds a personal home on my bookshelf.

Hedy Lamarr was a remarkable woman in a tumultuous time. Always underestimated by her male counterparts, who only perceived beauty with no depth. That has, unfortunately, not changed. Women are either beautiful or not before all else. I love this story because it highlights a relevant problem so many years later in a male centered society.

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

This fascinating biographical fiction novel tells the story of Hedwig “Hedy” Keisler, better known to the world as the actress Hedy Lamarr. The story begins with Hedy’s life in Austria, working as an actress just prior to WWII. Born to Jewish parents, Hedy comes to the attention of military munitions manufacturer Friedrich Mandl. After a brief courtship, Hedy agrees to marry Mandl in the hopes that he will protect her and her parents from the lengthening shadow of Hitler’s Nazi regimen. However, she soon discovers that her new husband is a controlling, jealous and often abusive man. He tries to control every aspect of her life, even locking her up in their home, to keep her from leaving him. Hedy is privy to her husband’s meetings with high-level political and military operatives and she uses that time to absorb and learn all she can about their progress and plans. She finally escapes her husband and makes her way to Hollywood to begin a career in film. In Hollywood, Hedy realizes that she needs to be more than just another beautiful starlet. Suffering from survivor’s guilt at the outbreak of World War, Hedy uses all she learned from her former husband’s contacts, and becomes an inventor of a radio-guided torpedo system that will aid the Allies in their war against the Axis.

The Only Woman in the Room reads like a story ripped from today’s headlines. It deals with Antisemitism, the rise of Nationalism, abuse and control of women, immigration and refuges and even the long practice of Hollywood moguls abuse of power. This is an engrossing story of a women who refused to be defined by her beauty alone. This is a captivating story of a complicated women who was so much more than the starlet up on the screen. A great read for historical fiction fans as well as those who enjoy stories of WWII and old Hollywood.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. This book is historical fiction about the actress Hedy Lamarr who until this book I have never heard of. This was extremely well written and grabbed my attention thoroughly. Part 1 was definitely the stand out about her life in Austria and marriage to Fritz Mandl. I found my heard breaking for her during this time as a Jewish woman living with the changes that her country were enduring with the change of power. Part 2 is of her time as an actress in Hollywood after she escapes. her country and husband. Well the story was still good it felt rushed. I kept looking on info on her on the internet and I feel like the author skimmed over some of the most important parts of her life. Overall enjoyable, just wanted more.

Thank you net galley for the advance reader copy of this novel. I enjoyed this historical fiction regarding Hedy Lamar in WWII. I didn't know of hedys back ground and was fascinated at the endurance and intelligence of Hedy! Using her connections as wife of a powerful mutuins man, she decides to flee Europe and start life anew in the USA. This was a great piece of history to read about and repeatedly kept wanting to thank hedy for not giving up on herself or creating change in the good ole boys clubs. I can't wait for more by this author

The Only Woman in the Room is a good historical novel, focusing a lot on the Nazi period.
I discovered Marie Benedict at BEA when it was set in Chicago a few years ago, and really enjoyed The Other Einstein, as well as Carnegie’s Maid. So I just decided to read The Only Woman in the Room, without knowing anything about her subject. Surprise!

And I realized it was a historical novel based on the life of Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler, aka Hedy Lamarr! Whom I actually didn’t know much about.

I have to say, I’m actually a bit disappointed by the book.
It definitely has great dimensions, especially when it describes the pre- and first years of the rising of the Nazis in Germany, Austria, and Italy. And how Hedy’s first marriage was almost like an old days alliance, to assure her Jewish family would be on the safe side. But the personality of her rich husband is going to introduce dramatical changes in Hedy’s life and theatrical career.

And those changes were well presented, showing the totally claustrophobic side of her new situation. And what she had to resort to in order to survive and reinvent herself and become the famous actress we now know.

One element we don’t know for sure about Hedy is the adoption of a boy. Based on the context, I thought Benedict’s idea made sense.

Now, totally by chance, I happened to see at my public library a graphic “novel” presenting the biography of the same person: Hedy Lamarr, An Incredible Life, by William Roy and Sylvain Dorange.
And when I told my husband what I was reading, he suggested we watch the movie on her life: Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story.
These two other works made me realize Benedict’s book was not really balanced: about 60% of the book pertain to her life in Austria before her escape! Knowing all that comes after, I think too many pages were dedicated to just these few years.

Plus, in all these pages, the author does not mention Hedy’s curious and scientific mind. So it comes out of nowhere when she finally gets to come up with inventions based on her discovery of frequency hopping in Hollywood.
Both the graphic novel I read and the movie I watched show how this aspect of her mind was developed very early on. She was already trying inventing things when she was 5, inspired by her father who would explain to her how things around her worked, such as tramways, for instance.

I think Marie Benedict should have replaced this major aspect of her character in her early development. For me, that would have even more highlighted the dichotomy the author tries to show, between the popular image we have of Hedy’s beautiful face and body, while totally disregarding her intelligence.

“... unless we begin to view historical women through a broader, more inclusive lens—and rewrite them back into the narrative—we will continue to view the past more restrictively than it likely was, and we risk carrying those perspectives over into the present.”
(Author’s Note)

I am so thrilled that Marie Benedict continues to write these fabulous testimonials. I read and reviewed her, Carnegie’s Maid (HERE) and couldn’t wait to read her latest on film star, Hedy (Kiesler) Lamarr. I was not disappointed as once again she delivered great insight into yet another female from history. Obviously a combination of both fact and fiction, Benedict interweaves the two seamlessly providing a fascinating spotlight on this woman. A golden years of Hollywood actress she may have been, but Hedy was also an incredibly intelligent and pioneering woman and I truly appreciated learning more about her research and discoveries with regards to her communication invention.

‘All the rage storming within me evaporated, leaving a hollow, if beautiful, shell. Perhaps the shell was all this world wanted from me. And perhaps the world would never allow me my penance.’

I remember as a child watching the old black and white movies with my Mum but I never knew Hedy was also accredited (only recently) with contributions to a radio guidance system (something that helped today's development of wifi and bluetooth technology). Benedict presents Hedy’s life from a young age in Austria to her stardom in Hollywood. Whilst I appreciated the glamour of her rise to fame, it was more the personal story that really had me engaged and following up with Google searches to learn more still. Her self doubts and resilience to persevere were inspiring.

‘I had always been alone under my mask, the only woman in the room.’

The pacing is spot on from beginning to end being told through the eyes of Hedy herself. I am glad that Benedict devoted suitable research and time in the story to the legacy that Hedy is now attributed with. Just the right about of detail with regards to patents and the incredible process - both in creation and recognition - that Hedy and George Antheil went through.

‘Time buckled and then folded back onto itself, back to the night that changed everything. That night sent me on the path I stood upon today, one fraught with overwhelming guilt, the pursuit of redemption, and, occasionally, unexpected joy.’

Thank you Marie Benedict for continuing to bring to light amazing stories of women who may have been relegated to the shadows for their achievements. You truly bought the character that was Hedy Lamarr both on and off the screen - from her escape from Nazism to her relentless pursuit to try and make a difference to the outcome of WWII - to life. I cannot wait to see who you will lift the curtain on next.

‘Would it really be possible that in creating an invention to fight against the Third Reich, I could atone for my sins? That in saving the lives of those impacted by naval warfare, I could balance out the scales of justice for those I’d left behind in Austria? And was it possible that in the process, I might become known as more than Hedy, the “pretty face”?


This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

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.

Hedy Lamarr – Hollywood Star of the glorious 1940s with an unknown past. She grew up in Vienna where she had her first successful performances which attracted the attention of Fritz Mandl, an influential military arms manufacturer. Being Jewish wasn’t that big a problem at the time, but her father already felt that refusing a man like Mandl added to their religion wasn’t a good idea and thus, she first accepted the invitation to dinner and finally married him. But soon after their honeymoon, things changed drastically and the only role she was allowed to play was that of the silent wife who was nice to look at. What her husband did underestimate was her quick wit and her capacity of listening. And listen she did when he met the big players who prepared for a new world order with the help of her husband’s weapons. After her successful escape to the US, she used her intelligence and her knowledge for revenge: she developed a radio guidance system for torpedoes.

Admittedly, I had never heard of Hedy Lamarr before starting to read the novel. And even at the beginning I supposed the protagonist was simply a fictional character. When I became aware of the actual background, the woman’s life felt even more impressive than just the narration which I already liked a lot.

The actress is the narrator and centre of the novel and it does not take too long for the reader to figure out that she isn’t just the nice face and talented actress but a smart woman interested in everyday politics with a sharp and alert mind. She follows her father’s line of thoughts about Mandl’s advances and understands that she isn’t in a position to freely decide. The way she planned her escape shows not only how clever she can plot but also her courage. In America she is first reduced to the beautiful actress and it surely hit her hard when her invention was refused by the navy. If it rally was because she was a woman as the novel suggests or if there were other motives doesn’t really matter – she wasn’t recognised for what she was, but only for what people saw in her. Hopefully narratives of these kind of women help to change the mind of those who still believe that the looks go hand in hand with a simple mind.

Thanks to Netgalley the author and publishers for a copy of this book. A great read that couldn't be more relevant in a year where we've celebrated 100 years of the vote for women. The struggles Hedy Kiesler undergoes to highlight her intellect in a world where a woman's beauty is paramount. Her men friends underestimate her capabilities which develop through the novel, beginning as an Austrian Jewish actress who flees an abusive marriage to an influential arms manufacturer for the lights of America and Hollywood.

The Only Woman in the Room tells the story of the Austrian American actress Hedy Lamarr. Starting with her life in Vienna as a 19 year old girl, and ending with her contributions towards the war in America, Hedy’s story is nothing short of spectacular. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Hedy and her life experiences.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

An inspiring book about a remarkable woman. This is a fictionalised account of screen siren Hedy Lamarr, known for her beauty, but not recognised until recently for her outstanding contribution to science. The first part of the book is set in pre-WW2 Austria, where as an aspiring actress she is forced into marriage with a notorious arms dealer. As the trophy wife she is privy to many dinner parties and clandestine meetings between powerful heads of state, and with her amazing intelligence she takes in a lot more than those that dismissed her as an airhead realise. Fast forward to the second part of the book, she has escaped Austria and her abusive marriage. She lands in Hollywood where she soon becomes a famous screen star, but behind the façade hides a guilt about the plight of her people in Austria during WW2, that she feels she didn't do enough to try to save before she fled. So using the knowledge of those pre-war meetings she starts to devise a weapon to try to bring an end to the war more swiftly.
Honestly, before I read this book I didn't know much about Hedy Lamarr, except for being a Hollywood starlet. Marie Benedict tells a well researched tale about a woman that the world owes a lot to. Not a lot is known about her days in Austria, but Benedict's version could well be very close to the truth. I. for one, have a newfound respect for Lamarr, and will have to look out for some of her movies. A recommended read for those who love inspirational women.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “The Only Woman in the Room” by Marie Benedict Sourcebooks Landmark, January 8, 2019

Lindas Book Obsession Reviews “The Only Woman in the Room” by Marie Benedict, Sourcebooks Landmark, January 8, 2019

Marie Benedict, Author of “The Only Woman in the Room” has written an intriguing, captivating, dramatic, entertaining, suspenseful and intense novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction and Fiction. The timeline for the story is around World War Two. The story goes into the past when it pertains to the characters or events in the story. The story takes place in Austria, and in Hollywood California. The Author describes her colorful cast of characters as complex and complicated.

Hedy Kiesler is a Jewish actress in Austria. Hedy is described as gorgeous and talented. The time is just before World War Two, and the political feel in Austria is tense. For her safety, her parents are convinced to let her marry a wealthy and political munitions dealer. Her husband is supposed to be a guarantee to protect her from Nazi Germany. He is friends with Benito Mussolini. Hedy and her husband get married in church. Hedy realizes that he is abusive, and as the political climate changes, she tries to escape. There are many things that Hedy hears in the house.

Eventually Hedy arranges to escape, and gets to Hollywood. She becomes Hedy Lamarr.

Hedy Lamarr is one of the most famous and beautiful actresses, but liked to experiment with scientific projects. Some of her ideas were brought to the attention of the United States Navy. They were initially dismissed because Hedy was a woman. It is only years later, that we realize how intelligent and powerful she was.

I loved the way Marie Benedict vividly described the landscape and scenery in Austria, and the Hollywood scene. I would highly recommend this amazing novel for readers who enjoy Historical Fiction. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

Hedy Lamarr was a lady with many faces. She was raised in Austria. She became a well-known actress with a risqué movie to her credit. Then she was wooed by an arms dealer. To help protect her family, she marries him. She literally became a prisoner in her own home. She overhears many discussions and secrets. At this time in her life, she has no idea what to do with these secrets. Then, she finally escapes! It took a few failed attempts with severe consequences.

Marie Benedict did a fantastic job with Hedy Lamarr. I knew a little about her but, apparently, not enough. What a strong, amazing woman. She escapes an abusive husband, takes on Hollywood, and creates a communications marvel to help take on the Nazis. How did I not know this! I love strong women. Hedy Lamarr just topped the list.

I love Marie Benedict! She always teaches me something. I have read all her books and this is her best. And I have given her other books 5 stars! But this one….oh boy!

I received this novel from Sourcebooks via Netgalley for a honest review

May 17, 1933, Vienna, Austria, Hedwig Kiesler had just given an extraordinary performance which was appreciated by all but especially by Austria’s richest man, the Industrialist, Friedrich Mandl. Austria is in a very precarious position and the fear of invasion by Hitler is very real. Hedy and her family reside in Dobling, a Jewish neighborhood, which would undoubtedly be targeted if and when an invasion takes place. Hedy’s father encouraged her to entertain Mandy’s affection in the hope that it will keep Hedy and her parents safe. Mandl dictated everything including which dress she will wear to her wedding, the venue and all the wedding plans, their dinner party menus, their life. Unfortunately marriage to an insanely jealous, powerful, politically connected man does not make for a happy fairy tale.

Marie Benedict does an admirable job of describing the circumstances which forced Hedy Kiesler Mandl to plot, flee and recreate herself to survive. The trip to the United States from London aboard the SS Normandie and her subsequent meeting with Louis B Mayer and his wife, Margaret rechristened her Hedy Lamarr. Her shrewd negotiating led to an MGM contract higher in value than thought possible.

I had read a bit about Hedy Lamarr and so was informed about her scientific knowledge and her inventions. The marginalization of her ideas and inventions by the military and the men who who were in control was less than surprising. The problem area for me was the survivor’s guilt issue which was repeated more than I thought necessary. I also found it interesting that no time or attention was given to her later life and her decline. The ending was a bit of a left turn for me.

This was just a short hair from 4 stars but I am rounding up for the abundant research and the excellent writing. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy.

For all my historical fiction lovers and lovers of one of my favorites from last year, Carnegie’s Maid, comes Marie Benedict’s new book, The Only Woman in the Room. This fictional story follows the life of the ever so fascinating Hedy Lamar through the early days of the rise of Nazis to her days in Hollywood. Hedy Lamar was truly a woman way ahead of her time and doesn’t get enough credit for her brilliance, until now. Benedict did yet another fabulous job creating a story that fit into some of Hedy’s greatest accomplishments and most disappointing failures. Hedy was brought to life with all her spunk and intellect, but was humanized in the most relatable way with naivety and ignorance. The Austrian dinner parties of the late 30’s and all of the familiar names in attendance are brought to life beautifully and were some of the highlights of this story. I was engrossed in this book in it’s entirety and can’t recommend it enough to any lover of historical fiction or books with intelligent female protagonists.

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

There are many books out now about WWII, but don’t stop reading them before 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, accomplished much, and opened the door for acceptance of women’s contributions to mankind, proving that there is often more to beauty than meets the eye.

Hedy Lamarr was more than a beautiful actress- she was in intelligent and innovative scientist. If you aren't familiar with her story, this is a great place to start. Married too young to a creep who helped the Nazis, she leaves her home (and her family) and flees to London, where she gets a movie contract that eventually brings her to the US. Determined to help the Allies beat the Nazis, she begins work on a radio system. Her struggles- how she was treated- are outlined but here's the thing- her work is still used today, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This isn't a full biography of Lamar but it should bring her contributions into wider focus. For fans of historical fiction and those who want to learn more about an American heroine.

Never underestimate the power of an intelligent woman. This is an informative, entertaining historical novel about Hedy Lamarr. She was a strong multi-talented woman who persevered to get what she wanted and what she was worth. Her life was fascinating, making for a riveting read. In addition to a screen star, she was a scientist who developed a weapons system for the navy which they refused to use because it was created by a woman. Fortunately, years later she did get her due and her invention was used in the development of Bluetooth and Wi-fi.

I really enjoyed this book. It makes you think about how everyone felt during the world war 2. It felt as if I was in the story. I would definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone.