Benedict illuminates both sides of this complex woman’s life in a way that only a gifted writer can, resulting in a glittering, spell-binding tale of glamour, intrigue and fierceness ... Despite her later fame, Hedy truly feels like 'one of us' in Benedict’s deft hands ... Benedict develops a perfect portrait of this memorable woman, and reveals a forgotten, covered-up and necessary portion of history ... As always, Benedict’s research is thorough yet not overwhelming. She is a true master of the historical fiction genre, and her portrayals of strong women never fail to amaze ... the perfect work of historical fiction for our time. Benedict has done Lamarr true justice, and I feel certain that she would love this book.
Succeeds as a novel about a woman’s search for peace with herself but also as an imagined glimpse of a decade in the life of a movie star whose contributions to the world are still felt today ... powerfully written ... Although fictionalizing the world of an actual historical figure is a daring prospect, Ms. Benedict’s research brings the worlds of 1930s Austria and 1940s Hollywood to life — even if the detailed descriptions of the material possessions of the wealthy become long-winded at times — which allows the reader to fully engage with the world of her protagonist ... serves as a spotlight on how often women are omitted from historical records, despite the influence and innovations they may have been responsible for ... brings new life to an old story, and fans should be tantalized by the possibilities of the as-yet-unexplored heroines she may bring to life in the future.
Benedict’s compelling fictionalized biography pays tribute to the overlooked scientific contributions and the hidden depths of a stunning beauty and beloved movie star of superior intelligence and verve through an irresistible combination of Hollywood glamour and international intrigue.
