Marie Benedict’s Books Reveal Women Hidden From History
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I love learning a little history, while curling up and getting lost in a deeply personal story. In honor of Women’s History Month, I decided to shine a light on one author who has become a master at uncovering history’s forgotten women. My introduction to Marie Benedict was her book, The Only Woman in the Room, a page turner based on the real-life story of Hollywood legend Hedy Lamarr. Like most beautiful women, her intelligence was underestimated and her historical contributions overlooked. Since then, I’ve been hooked on Benedict’s books and have built up my own little collection. I’m sharing a few recommendations in my latest book list for your reading pleasure. There’s no need read them in any order, because they aren’t a series, but I will share them in the order in which they have been released. I guarantee you’ll become a fan as well, and learn about some remarkable women in history. I’m going to make this post short, because I’m currently reading “The Personal Librarian,” and dying to find out what happens next. Here you go!
Marie Benedict Books in Order:
The Other Einstein (2016)
A fascinating tale of a brilliant woman in love with the wrong man. Marie Benedict says the idea for telling the story of the other Einstein occurred to her, while helping her son with his homework. A brief reference to Mileva Marie’s genius, was found in a biography on Albert Einstein, as one of the first women to attend a physics university program, alongside her future husband. Benedict’s research had her wondering, could the theory of relativity actually have been conceived by the other Einstein? You decide.
Carnegie’s Maid (2018)
Although the heroine of this story is fictional, Clara’s tale could have very well inspired an American dynasty. Marie Benedict creates a character who immigrates to America in the 1860’s and becomes the maid to Andrew Carnegie’s mother. As a confident to Carnegie himself, she persuades him to transform from a ruthless industrialist to the world’s first philanthropist. Once again, Benedict shows that behind every successful man, is a clever woman with a mind of her own. Lovers of a Civil War period romance will be charmed by this book.
The Only Woman in the Room (2019)
A compelling story that paints a portrait of a woman whose beauty and brilliance saved her life. Marie Benedict shines a light on Hollywood legend Hedy Lamarr’s historical achievements, which have been overlooked by many scholars. This is the page turner that had me hooked from the start. A remarkable story of survival through the dangers of World War II reads like something right out of Hollywood, which is where Lamarr finally escapes to, or does she? The secrets about the enemy follow and haunt her. Benedict masterfully weaves the two worlds together, in a suspenseful tale, that will keep you guessing and rooting for the only woman in the room.
Lady Clementine (2020)
A remarkable story of the woman who was a pillar of strength as the wife of Winston Churchill. Marie Benedict reveals Lady Clementine’s invaluable impact and influence on world events. A fictionalized account, yet full of facts, that provide an eye-opening look at the heroism of a woman whose impact still resonates today. As a reader, you cannot help but wonder, how Churchill would have been remembered, without Clementine by his side.
The Mystery of Mrs. Christie (2021)
Fans of Agatha Christie will delight in this historical fiction masterpiece based on the facts of Christie’s mysterious disappearance in 1926. Marie Benedict brings her trademark formula into the famous mystery writer’s world. Even Christie herself would enjoy the twist and turns of this tale, which keeps you in suspense until the very end. A whodunit of epic proportions, and so descriptive, you might think Benedict knew Christie personally. A must-read for fans of one of the world’s most beloved authors!
The Personal Librarian (2021)
As I dove into this book, I was immediately captivated by Bella Da Costa Greene, the personal librarian to J.P. Morgan, who was forced to hide her true identity. Marie Benedict and co-author Victoria Christopher Murray tell the remarkable story of Green, a Black American woman who had to pass as white and left a lasting legacy that enriched our nation. My heart aches for her as she tries to keep her painful secret and achieve her dreams at the same time. Another page turner by Benedict provides a powerful tale of racism that begs to be retold.
Her Hidden Genius (2022)
Marie Benedict does it again with her trademark method of rewriting women back into history that have been forgotten, with “Her Hidden Genius.” This captivating story gives us a peek into the life of Rosalind Franklin, one of the most intelligent and overlooked scientists of her time. Franklin’s legacy in the discovery of DNA are brilliantly told in a way only Benedict can.
The Mitford Affair (2023)
Dive into the Mitford family drama of fatal attraction to racism and Hitler and you’ll be captivated by this story. Marie Benedict weaves a web of glamour and intrigue with this family saga that forces sisters to choose between their country and family. Benedict expertly captures the era of upper-class England in the time leading up to World War II, with historical figures that balance out the romantic twists beautifully.
A voracious reader and history buff, Marie Benedict says she found many famous women’s stories hidden from history books and “became fascinated with unearthing the unknown stories of women from the past.” She left a successful law practice to answer her calling to write these remarkable women back into history. Benedict is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston College with a focus in history and art history and a cum laude graduate of the Boston University School of Law. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
Coming Soon
The First Ladies (2023)
A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune-an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the co-authors of The Personal Librarian, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Pre-order the much anticipated latest, available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, and more; set to be released in June.