Her Hidden Genius
By Marie Benedict

Rich Writing and a Riveting Story

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
1947: Dr. Rosalind Franklin is a brilliant young scientist who holds herself to the highest standards in the scientific community. She has just moved from London to Paris to accept a position continuing her previous research on the atomic structure of coal using X-ray crystallography. Her parents are not pleased with her decision to move away from their home in London and continually pressure her to return to the family business of philanthropy. Rosalind loves Paris, her work environment, her colleagues, and her research.

1951: After a devastating broken heart, Rosalind does move back to London to work at Kings College Biophysics Research Unit, where she is surprised to be assigned the study of the structure of cell DNA. It’s a far cry from her previous expertise on nonliving structures but capitalizes on her knowledge and skills as an X-ray crystallographer. She is also told she is expected to be the first to map the structure of DNA and unlock the exact location of genetic material. The competition to be the first was ferocious, and Rosalind needed to stay on guard to ensure no one stole her research while at the same time fighting vehemently against women stereotypes.

REVIEW
Author Marie Benedict significantly and keenly writes about women of the past who have contributed much to society but received little or no recognition for their accomplishments. Dr. Rosalind Franklin is a perfect candidate for Benedict’s pen. Many books have been published about Rosalind’s research, some crediting her with the discovery while others crediting the men who used her research. The story is riveting, and the writing is rich.

HER HIDDEN GENIUS is both a dramatic and an enlightening book of a woman of courage and determination. Benedict’s detailed research and her fictional presentation helps us imagine the struggles Rosalind faced and appreciate her not only as a researcher but also as a daughter, sister, friend, and colleague. Readers will love the challenge of learning about x-ray diffraction and the study of DNA.

Other notable women that Benedict has written about include Mitza Maric (THE OTHER EINSTEIN), Clara Kelly (CARNEGIE’s MAID), Hedy Lamar (THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM) and Bella De Costa Greene (THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN)

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rosalind Franklin, a brilliant outsider, shuns the conventional path her family and society plans for her to pursue her passion for science. From the laboratories of Paris to London, her determination and trailblazing discoveries are applauded by some and ridiculed by others. Marie Benedict once again introduces us to an amazing woman whose contributions to the world have been dismissed or forgotten. Her illuminating narrative inspired me to learn more about this incredible genius whose hard work and sacrifice paved the way for generations of female scientists. I highly recommend this well-researched, fascinating glimpse of a DNA pioneer.

Marie Benedict just keeps on turning out wonderful books about women we don't know about but should! In Her Hidden Genius, she chronicles the life Rosalind Franklin, discovers the secrets of DNA, including its helix form. A brilliant researcher who doesn't suffer fools gladly, Rosalind comes from a wealthy British family who expects her to get married and have babies. But Rosalind has other ideas for her life that don't include those things, and after achieving her doctorate becomes a brilliant researcher, first in Paris and later in the UK. But women just don't do what she does, and Rosalind has to fight for the recognition she deserves.

Her Hidden Genius is a well researched, hugely interesting, brilliant take on Rosalind's life. As I turned the last page I wanted to read it over again immediately! A must read for anyone interested in brilliant women (which should be just about everyone!).

Amazing story of a woman scientist, Rosalind Franklin, whose work was excellent but who wasn't appreciated as a professional because she was a woman. We learn about her life, her struggles, and her passions. Her life changes the world, and in the process the world changes her. Marie Benedict again delivers an intriguing historical fiction read!

This made me wonder what Dr. Rosalind Franklin would have accomplished had she not died at the age of 37. She was key to the discovery of DNA but did not receive the attention or acclaim of her colleagues, in part due to her death but also due to her gender. Born into a prominent family, she defied expectations for women of the era, studying at Cambridge. Her research took her between labs in France and the UK. Her frustration with her colleagues comes through loud and clear, especially Maurice Wilkins, who undermines her when he isn't stealing her work. There's a lot of info about DNA here (perhaps a tad too much). If I have a quibble it's that there's more about her grievances than positive aspects of her life outside the lab. That said, I enjoyed this opportunity to learn about a pioneer in a critical field. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read I'd definitely urge as a crossover for the YA crowd.

As a woman who works in the molecular biology field I know about Rosalind Franklin. She is admired by every woman in STEM that I know. She is part of the building blocks for what my field has become. And I hope this book makes more people aware of her. I loved getting this personal side of her story and Benedict's writing had me so engrossed that I finished this in a day. I think the science is well explained and not overwhelming. Definitely definitely recommend!

The Hidden Genius tells the story of Dr. Rosalind Franklin--don't call her Rosy! She has spent years working on DNA using X-ray constellations to unlock its meaning. Though she has colleagues who conspire instead of collaborating, Rosalind is determined not to let anything interfere with her investigation. After painstaking years of study, she sees the double helix structure in DNA. But will she receive the right credit for her contribution?

First of all, let me start with the title and the cover. What a beautiful cover and fitting title. I know this is a work of fiction, but I praise Marie Benedict's skill in bringing a character to life. I found myself amazed, amazed at Rosalind's dedication and patience to get the science right during her study. I learned so much about this remarkable woman who sacrificed so much on her journey with the DNA.

I love Marie Benedict's work and all I can say is, I hope she keeps them coming. Rosalind was a hidden genius who wasn't given the credit she deserved for the work that she put in. Marie Benedict gave her depth and built Rosalind's world so I felt as if I were experiencing everything as it happened. I really enjoyed this read.

Thank you #Netgalley for the ARC.

Another fabulous story about a woman whose intellect and incredible drive allowed her to discover the true structure of DNA despite the discovery being credited to two male colleagues. Rosalind Franklin truly was a genius who didn't get the credit she deserved in her lifetime. I really enjoyed reading about her rigorous research and ethics, and how she kept on working her hardest while she was belittled by male scientist. Marie Benedict's does a great job researching her books, and how she strives to bring light to women who were slighted.

Marie Benedict is quickly becoming the preeminent author of biographical fiction. Her Hidden Genius is a compelling look at Rosalind Franklin, a scientist who was important to discoveries in DNA and viruses that shaped our understanding of the world. Not only did Benedict need to research the Franklin and the history of the time period, but the science of DNA as well. Her work pays off, shining a much needed light on an important historical figure in an accessible way. This is sure to be a book club favorite.

Marie Benedict is one of my favorite authors. I love how she brings unknown women to our attention. The first part of Her Hidden Genius was slow for me. However, I stuck with it and was rewarded with the remarkable accomplishments of Rosalind Franklin and her DNA research. There is a lot of science in this book, but it is not necessary to understand all of it. The science shows us the breadth of Franklin's knowledge and her obsession for collecting data. Watson and Crick received the Nobel Prize for their work in DNA. Rosalind Franklin did not receive her recognition until after her death. Thank you, Marie Benedict, for making this woman's life and work known to us.

Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark and Net Galley for making this book available to me for review.

I have read and enjoyed all of Marie Benedict’s other works. I was excited to read this novel about someone I knew very little about. In her other books. I found myself googling to find out if these events truly happened. Not so much with this one. Something about the language left my interest waning. It took me much longer to read this than I expected because it just wasn’t captivating. That being said, I will still be on the lookout for anything else she writes in the hope that I find it more engaging. In the meantime, I’ll be taking a break from historical fiction.

I love Marie Benedict's take on famous, and not so famous women, through history. This book is about Rosalind Franklin who has only recently been put into the spotlight for her work on understanding the structure of DNA.
One of the things I found really interesting about this book, is all of the different places she had worked over her years. I think the war had had a big impact on her and it was interesting to see how that played into her decision making process.

3.5 ⭐️s rounded up

“This will be your task, Miss Franklin—not just to map the molecular structure of DNA with an eye toward discovering the location of genes with your brilliant skills as an X-ray crystallographer but to beat anyone else who enters the race.”

Ms. Benedict once again shines a light on an under-appreciated, historically significant female figure. Rosalind Franklin’s mid century meticulous research regarding DNA and RNA structure is embellished with stories of ego, personal passion, money and intellectual sabotage. The revelations about scientific research and the rush to publish at the expense of data integrity, is perhaps more timely than ever.

I enjoyed the story, but I am not a science lover, and found the novel’s set up to move at pace too slow for me. Unsurprisingly, I felt much more engaged to the (imagined) human side of the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark Publishing for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Marie Benedict has a wonderful way of bringing little-known female historical figures to life. Her Hidden Genius tells the story of Rosalind Franklin, who was part of the "race" to discover the structure of DNA.

Rosalind believes strongly that women can choose science or marriage, but not both. She comes from a well-to-do Jewish family that believes strongly in giving back to the world, but thinks the way to do that is to volunteer, serve on committees, and attend fundraisers. They do not understand why she wants to be a scientist and work long hours, wearing herself out. And they certainly don't understand why she won't settle down with a good Jewish boy, get married and have children! But Rosalind knows that her not her path.

Rosalind is a brillant X-ray crystallographist, using brand-new techniques to use X-rays to "see" the atomic structure of different materials. The book chronicles her life from when she began at a lab in France, learning the techniques to use the X-ray crystallography to capture images that can be converted into 3-D images using mathematical calculations and spatial abilities, to her time in England at King's College and Birkbeck College, where she mapped out the structure of DNA.

As you might remember from science class, Crick and Watson got credit for discovering the structure of DNA, but I learned from this book why they get the credit and not Rosalind. It is a fascinating story, and Benedict does a wonderful job of sharing Rosalind's personal and professional triumphs and tragedies.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves history and learning about relatively unknown trailblazers in science. Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book!

Highly recommend! The story was beautifully written and the characters stay with you long after you put the book down. The first book by this author for me to read but I cannot wait to read more!

Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict is the story of Rosalind Franklin, a scientist whose work in X Ray crystallography was fundamental to the discovery of the structure of DNA. Though her contribution has since been recognised, at the time she was pushed aside, and her role downplayed in the male dominated scientific community. In this book Benedict seeks to bring the woman and the scientist to life on the page, telling her story from her days working in Paris after the War to her time in London where she began work on DNA.
The book is not just about the science, there is also a real focus on Rosalind's family and upbringing, and how that not only instilled values and ethics, but also at times was a real source of conflict because of her rejection of the traditional roles of wife and mother in favour of the pursuit of her scientific career. In that field she was truly ahead of her time, and while this was not as big of a problem in France where she felt accepted, on her return to England she found herself feeling quite excluded from what amounted to a Boys Club at the university , and finds that her work is under threat.
Once again Marie Benedict has taken the time to shine a spotlight on a fascinating woman who deserved more.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I have to admit, I didn’t know what this book was about at all. I just knew Marie Benedict had a new book coming out, so I requested it from NetGalley based upon her reputation and my liking of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict and Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict. I was given an Advanced Reader’s Copy of Her Hidden Genius (Amazon) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

In 1962, Watson, Crick and Wilkins were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on the theoretical model of the structure of DNA as a double helix. However, as Watson would sort of admit in 1968, it was based on the back of Rosalind Franklin’s X-Ray photos. Those photos led her to be the first to suspect that DNA was a double helix and it was she who made the calculations that Watson and Crick ultimately used in their model.

Rosalind was a trail blazer in a time when most affluent women were expected to marry well and pursue philanthropic efforts. That is what her parents kept harping on her about, but Rosalind wanted to study science. So she went off to France and studied for several years under the guise of a notable French man. Her infrequent trips home lead her parents to pester her to return to England. Soon enough, she receives an offer to study in England, and it’s an offer she can’t refuse.

In France, there was a collaborative air around the laboratory; in England, it is competitive and condescending to have a woman studying alongside them. While Rosalind is put in charge of one area of study, Watson keeps trying to ingratiate himself into the work, and treats science like a race. Rosalind is having none of it.

I have to admit, the detailed descriptions of the science made my eyes glaze over a little at times, yet I understood the importance to the story. Rosalind is a feminist hero, studying in a field hostile to women, and refusing to settle down and get married to a nice Jewish man and have a family because that was what society and her family expected of her. Putting up with misogynistic men was the least of her troubles.

The fact that her very work likely gave her the ovarian cancer that would take her life at the age of 37 makes it all the more important that the world knows Rosalind’s story. I know it’s early in the year, but this might make the top of my favorites of the year. Marie Benedict once again knows how to weave a tale about an historical figure that keeps one captivated and wanting to know more. I know I’ll be picking up a biography of Rosalind the first chance I get.

I am so grateful for Marie Benedict’s commitment to unearthing little known females who have made such monumental impacts on the world as we know it. Rosalind Franklin‘s work formed the basis of the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA 🧬. And I have to assume that her work with viruses 🦠 deciphering the structure and function of RNA contributed to the eventual production of the mRNA vaccinations that we so thankfully have during this pandemic.

Her Hidden Genius is a quick read given Ms. Benedict’s easy writing style. The book lets you in on the struggles Dr. Franklin endured as a female scientist in the late 1940s. Something as simple as her title as Dr. was often dismissed for Miss even when it was well known she had advanced degrees. Ultimately, her dedication to her work was the cause of her demise at such an early age. It’s a wonder what other contributions she would have made had she’d been able to live out a longer lifetime.

4.5 stars
I received an ARC from the publisher and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I first learned about Rosalind Franklin and her contribution to what the study of DNA in one of my science classes, and it’s one of the few things that stuck with me from that subject, because of the sexism she faced while she was alive and the way her male colleagues took credit for her work and diminished her importance posthumously. Her Hidden Genius continues in the tradition of books written by those who knew her and tried to rehabilitate and celebrate her over the past few decades, and it’s a lovely tribute.
While it does involve a lot of scientific language, and that’s very much not my thing, I felt Marie Benedict conveyed it well through Rosalind Franklin’s voice. Benedict also draws a clear picture of Rosalind, not just professionally, but personally. She was incredibly devoted to her work, and her passion for it radiates through the story. Even a serious health scare that would lead to her death wouldn’t keep her down for long. I also felt for her as her colleagues didn’t take her seriously and belittled her, especially since I knew what was to come. Her family is traditionally-minded (not surprising, given the time period), and wants her to settle down, marry and start a family, and Rosalind wants none of it.
I also appreciated the subtle nuances within the time period, exploring how scientific communities in different countries differed. Rosalind’s bad experiences all occurred working with fellow British scientists, yet she had much more positive and supportive experiences working with French scientists, due to their starkly different ideas and attitudes.
I enjoyed this book, and I’m glad to see more written about Rosalind Franklin to shine a light on both her as a person and her contributions to science. I would absolutely recommend this if you’re looking for more historical fiction centered on women and the issues they’ve faced throughout history.

Her Hidden Genius historical fiction at its best.

I knew the name Rosalind Franklin but I did not know the story behind her genius.

Genius is the correct term for Rosalind who was a dedicated scientist that fought hard to be a woman in a man's world. To say she was not always accepted is an understatement.

Rosalind gave everything she had into research, into mentoring her team . She did not credit that she deserved until many years after her death.

I cheered her on, I cried with her, was frustrated with her and greatly admired her tenacity.