annemariewellswriter's review against another edition
4.0
This was really interesting, especially the author's note about which parts were fictitious and which parts truly happened. Albert Einstein was quite the asshole, eh?
Though the story was good, I felt the book read more like a diary. It was very "tell" versus "show." It wasn't bad, necessarily, but I felt like the author could have done more to bring this story to life.
Though the story was good, I felt the book read more like a diary. It was very "tell" versus "show." It wasn't bad, necessarily, but I felt like the author could have done more to bring this story to life.
smadams's review against another edition
2.0
I read (listened to audiobook) this for a book club and, maybe it was poor timing, but disliked just about every minute of it. It was well-written but I hated the romance from the start.
The story of Mileva is tragic. I mean... the malice of Einstein to lure her (dare I say coerce her?) into a relationship, only to empty her out bit by bit is almost unfathomable. This may have been "reality"--i don't think we know. But if we're already going with a fictional premise, that she was essentially responsible for some of his major theories, can we at least fictionalize the outcome? Can we give Mileva the life she never had? Is her triumph really just... leaving this awful awful man?
I know I'm looking at this through a modern lens, but the whole thing just irked me. My star rating is representative of that rather than the writing.
The story of Mileva is tragic. I mean... the malice of Einstein to lure her (dare I say coerce her?) into a relationship, only to empty her out bit by bit is almost unfathomable. This may have been "reality"--i don't think we know. But if we're already going with a fictional premise, that she was essentially responsible for some of his major theories, can we at least fictionalize the outcome? Can we give Mileva the life she never had? Is her triumph really just... leaving this awful awful man?
I know I'm looking at this through a modern lens, but the whole thing just irked me. My star rating is representative of that rather than the writing.
memphisholli's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
megansgc's review against another edition
4.0
I love Marie Benedict’s books. Telling stories from a not well known perspective. I had no idea this controversy surround Einstein and his work.
klbreyfogle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Domestic abuse
hayleyh84's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mgoodbbc's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
dannycakez8808's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved this story! It was heart breaking and a big reminder that people are not always what they seem. We tend to think of successful / smart men as being Above the Rest and this was a reminder that behind the success there can still be a monster. Einstein was a liar and a cheater who frankly treated his wife and kids with no respect. Even his claim to fame was due to her Progressive thoughts on physics. He stole from her and did not even give her credit. I am incredibly happy I picked this one up!
natcommon's review against another edition
2.0
I was very interested in this book, but disappointed. I wasn't prepared for a book mostly about a bad romance and marriage, but a book about science discoveries with some relationship aspects. It just ended up not being my kind of book, but I only kept reading to see if Mitza would leave her husband in the end or not.
Edit: I changed my rating from a 3 star to a 2 star. The more I thought about this book, the more I disliked it. It just wasn't a worth while read for me.
Edit: I changed my rating from a 3 star to a 2 star. The more I thought about this book, the more I disliked it. It just wasn't a worth while read for me.