In this fictionalized account of events in the life of scientist Dr. Rosalind Franklin, Marie Benedict shines a light on a woman who sacrificed her life to discover the nature of our very DNA, a woman whose world-changing contributions were hidden by the men around her but whose relentless drive advanced our understanding of humankind.
There is so much to gain from Her Hidden Genius: a critical understanding of the history of biological science, a respect for the forgotten women who contributed major findings to the scientific community, and best of all, a new feminist icon to celebrate. With her trademark compassion and admiration, Benedict displays a deep understanding of Rosalind as a woman (not just as a scientist), making a strong case for a revision to the male-dominated history we are so often told. Like many of Benedict’s readers, I say this every time I finish one of her books: this is my favorite yet.
In her typical fashion, Benedict brings to life Franklin’s personality as well as her skill ... [some] events may be fictionalized, but they make for a well-rounded character, and a very good read ... One can also hope that Marie Benedict will continue to honor hidden women with her beautifully crafted and carefully researched historical novels that bring them to light.
... a beautiful book that reminds us of the presence of extraordinary people that history has forgotten ... I found Her Hidden Genius to be very interesting in balancing these [political] outside expectations to internal drive to know and learn and share. It is not possible to do that without a good support system and I loved the people that Rosalind surrounded herself with ... I am so happy to have read about these wonderful women who had a role to play in shaping the world we live in.
