Reviews

A la sombra de Einstein by Marie Benedict

ohthatkelli's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

bsmith27's review against another edition

3.0

I think I would have liked this book more if it had been true to facts. It however, was an interesting story based upon historical figures. It is the love story of Albert Einstein in his first wife mitva. They meet at college where they are both pursuing degrees. She ends up pregnant and has the baby. Albert graduates and then she goes to meet up with him. In the story she leaves the child with her parents and the baby contracts scarlet fever and dies. Albert, at this point is seen as a person who's not very likable. He didn't seem to care about the child that died and really doesn't want to marry her. They do end up married and she has two boys with Tammy. In the book steals her ideas constantly and does not give her credit for. They end up divorced with him supporting her from the Noel Peace prize money. The book contends that she actually should have won the Nebo Greece prize. The truth of the story is that there's no reason to believe he was a terrible person. He definitely had an affair and end up marrying that woman. Pat, but in the book he is quite cruel and abusive. It also doesn't seem like she had as much contributions to his work as the author would like you to think. Nevertheless, it would be a great story

theadorek9's review against another edition

emotional informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

sbalash's review against another edition

emotional slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It is a difficult task to read a fictional account of real historical people and events and keep in mind that things might not have happened the way depicted in the book. Reading this, you might find yourself feeling angry at Mileva Maric Einstein for being such a doormat or at Einstein for being the most deplorable *sshole. Either way, it is a challenge to continue reading in those circumstances but not to let it color what you can say is historically true.

coffeebuff22's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.5

This author wove a story based on the facts she had. It was a story of a mother’s live and sacrifice, combined with that same mother regaining her sense of self.

jesssica__berg's review against another edition

3.0

This is an intriguing dive into the untold story of Mileva Marić, the first wife of Albert Einstein and a brilliant physicist in her own right. Benedict shines a light on a woman whose contributions have been long overshadowed by her famous husband's legacy. This novel attempts to give voice to Mileva's struggles, ambitions, and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated world of science.

Benedict's research into Mileva's life is evident throughout the book. She paints a clear picture of the societal and personal obstacles Mileva faced, from battling sexism in academia to juggling the demands of motherhood and marriage with her scientific pursuits. The portrayal of Mileva's early academic life and her relationship with Einstein starts off compellingly, offering a glimpse into what could have been a groundbreaking partnership.

However, the novel's execution doesn't always live up to its promising premise. While it's clear that Benedict aims to celebrate Mileva's spirit and intellect, the narrative sometimes veers into speculative territory, which might leave readers questioning what's factual and what's fictionalized. The dialogue and character development can feel a bit modern or out of place for the time period, which detracts from the historical atmosphere of the novel.

Another aspect where the book stumbles is in its pacing. There are parts of Mileva's story that seem rushed or underdeveloped, particularly as the novel progresses. Key events unfold quickly without allowing the reader enough time to fully grasp their impact on Mileva's life and psyche. This uneven pacing can make the story feel more like a summary of events rather than an immersive experience.

kdap94's review against another edition

3.0

About 3/4 of the way through the book it gotten taken back from the library and I considered not finishing it. But overall I’m glad I picked it back up and finished it. I think it’s too harsh of a view on an historical figure when it’s all based on speculation. I definitely loved learning about this woman and imagining her life though.

shelf_love's review against another edition

4.0

A free physical book in exchange for an honest review.

khgraves's review against another edition

funny informative medium-paced

4.25

 Like it! So interesting, humor, dog, romance, strength 

nypeapod's review against another edition

5.0

I know this is historical fiction but it seems like from the notes in the back that the author did research. If what she writes in the book is true, Einstein would certainly win a Nobel prize for biggest jerk of a husband. The author did a very good job of setting the stage for why the main character had such a difficult time obtaining an education.

I would have liked to learn more about what happened to the her from the time she divorced Albert Einstein until 1948.