Member Reviews

I enjoy reading historical fiction books. And when they focus on strong female characters, I am a fan. However, between the scientific jargon and abundance of French words, I did not enjoy the book as much as I had hoped. Though the story itself did not appeal to me, I have the utmost admiration for Rosalind Franklin. Her intelligence and dedication to her field of science were amazing and should be applauded.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Wonderful fictionalized account of the real scientist who discovered the double helix structure of DNA. However, because of her gender, Rosalind Franklin is not recognized for her achievement and continuously meets with hostility and belittlement from male peers.

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Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Was a touch slow for me, but the main character was someone I really rooted for, and the history the author incorporated really brought it to life.

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my copy of Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict in exchange for an honest review. It published January 25, 2022.
I am so glad Marie Benedict took the time to research Rosalind Franklin and highlight her incredible life. The way that this story was put together was so well-done, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I think it’s worth the read to get to know such an important woman in history.

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Most of Marie Benedict's book are enjoyable to read, but Her Hidden Genius was so filled with science jargon, it made my liberal arts brain spin. After being treated unprofessionally at her English lab, researcher Rosalind Franklin accepts a position in a Paris lab.and she is gloriously happy. But not for long,. Several ambitious colleagues conspire to steal her results on the DNA helix and publish it as their own. If you can weed through the science jargon, this book is redemption for Rosalind Franklin.

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In “Her Hidden Genius”, Marie Benedict vividly brings to life little-known scientist Rosalind Franklin, whose years of research were appropriated by the universally acknowledged “discoverers” of the structure of DNA, Watson and Crick. Despite a scientific/medical background, I had never heard of Rosalind Franklin - so I was fascinated by this book; and also deeply saddened that she was not credited with her discoveries, and that the times she lived in prevented her from feeling that she had a way to claim them! A great read for anyone with an interest in history, science, and women’s issues! Many thanks to #NetGalley for the digital ARC of this wonderful historical fiction! #HerHiddenGenius #historicalfiction #biographicalfiction

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Marie Benedict has created a fiction based on the true-life tale of Rosalind Franklin, the female scientist whose groundbreaking discoveries, which we owe so much to in the field of genetics, were not credited to her whilst she was living then sadly due to passing before it was awarded was not given the Nobel prize which went to the men who took her limelight.

I'd not read any of Benedict's work before, nor did I know the story of Franklin, but I loved the read and will definitely look out for more of her books going forward.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy of the ARC in return for my honest review.

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Very well researched and presented. The author covers the complex life of Ms. Franklin well and she is finally given credit for the research she lived and died for. The author covers the subject of DNA enough that the reader understands the competition to complete the research and the politics involved. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to give my honest and voluntary opinion of #HerHiddenGenius.

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This book blew me away! I was unable to but it down. Perfect, dazzlingly, very well written. The details the author described throughout the book was so amazing. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

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Thank you Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Marie Benedict for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

Her Hidden Genius is about brilliant Rosalind Franklin. She has always been an outsider, she wants other things from life than her family demands from her. She wants to be a scientist and dedicate her life to science. Her only disadvantage was her gender - she was rarely taken seriously in scientific world of men. When she is assigned to work on DNA, Rosalind believes she can unearthed its secrets. She would if she was beaten in this scientific race by some deceitful man.

Overall, good solid story. Protagonist, Rosalind Franklin, is well developed and really came to life, as the real Rosalind, she was shy, always in love with science and dedicated to it only. As the novel is based on her life story, it is very close to reality. The only downside for me was a constant use of scientific language in describing her work. It seemed like it belonged to a scientific journal more rather than to literary novel. I am not proficient in chemistry at all, and in parts I find it difficult to concentrate.

I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and I think this is a great choice for a bookclub - tons to discuss.

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I didn’t like this one at all. I found the vignette style to be very disjointed and it was hard to get to know and connect with the main character. It was also hard to follow her storyline and life unless you know what actually happened in her life.

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Fascinating story about the woman who uncovered the structure of DNA. At first I was worried that the book would be to "science -y" for me, but it wasn't. Benedict explains the science so that a lay person can understand, but it is really more about the relationships and dynamics of the time. I also found the author notes at the end about how she came to this story and what has been written on the topic before. I have recommended this to many friends!

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The queen of historical fiction has delivered another brilliant novel. Well written and researched, evenly paced. The story caught me from the first chapter. Engaging, immersive read

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Rosalind Franklin died when only 37, but despite her young age, her work was instrumental to the understanding of DNA.
Mostly overlooked by history, Marie Benedict reimagines what her life may have been as she lived in a 'man's world', where her passion for chemistry may have ultimately led to her death.
Recommended to historical fiction fans who are interested in uncovering a hidden story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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This one ended up being a DNF for me. I couldn't get into the story because I couldn't stand the heroine.

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Marie Benedict has done it again, I LOVE her story's, and how she can make Historical Fiction so addicting to read! I am definitely a forever fan!

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Marie Benedict is a master at creating historical characters that are relatable and believable. If you have read some of her other books such as <i>The Other Einstein</i>, <i>The Only Woman in the Room</i>, or <i>The Mystery of Mrs. Christie</i>, then you know what I mean. She takes the facts about these famous women and then adds her own best reconstruction of scenes with their friends, family, and coworkers to allow readers entrance into the lives of these remarkable individuals. This time she takes us into the Paris lab, the London university, and shows Franklin's love of science no matter where she worked.

Just like her stories of Hedy Lamarr and Mitza Maric Einstein, this book shows the way women were treated as less capable and less important than husbands or coworkers. All the microaggressions, petty jealousies, and other attempts to push women into the shadows come through clearly in the tale of Rosalind Franklin and her work to capture the image of DNA for further study. Anyone who is unfamiliar with Franklin's research and her treatment by coworkers will find themselves pulled in without the need for prior knowledge. Those who already knew the public side of Rosalind's life will find themselves finishing the book and saying, "That's just how I thought it happened!"

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I am a big fan of Benedict's work and her latest book about Rosalind Franklin is, once again, superb. Franklin, a chemist, was instrumental in understanding the structure of DNA. I had always heard of the male duo, Watson and Crick, and their association with uncovering the mystery of DNA. Yet, not knowing of Franklin's hard work and dominant contribution, until now, was so necessary. The author has done a brilliant job of helping to introduce readers to her.
The story was fascinating. I learned so much about Franklin's strength of character and brilliance in a man's world. The writing is so informative. Great read!

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Historical profile novels that teach us about the world of women in science? Yes, please. An interesting and informative read that hits all the feels.

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Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict is the story of one woman’s complete dedication to the study of science and her struggles, both personally and professionally, to achieve her goals. When Rosalind dedicates her life to becoming a scientist, she makes a commitment which she will keep her entire life no matter the difficulties. She achieves many successes but also experiences failures. She fights for her research amid all the competition and devious plans of her fellow scientist, mostly all men. Along the way she does make some lasting friendships with men and women, all of whom admire her dedication and encourage and help her to reach the outcome she desires. She gives her all to her the scientific quests. I have read all of Benedict’s historical fiction novels. I have enjoyed all the stories but am always amazed by the amount of information included in the books. While the fiction is enjoyable, the background facts are equally enjoyable and enlightening. While the science explained in Her Hidden Genius is complicated, it did educate me as to the amount of success and failure that goes into any scientific discovery.

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