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The Only Woman in the Room

Questions About The Only Woman in the Room

by Marie Benedict (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (8)

Yes I am currently reading this book and I am disappointed too.It is hyped as being this great book but I find it being very shallow with not much plot.How are the author’s other books-The Carnegie’s Maid and The Other Einstein?
Shauna The Other Einstein was similar to The Only Woman in the Room in depicting one dimensional women subjected to abuse by powerful men. While there are ce…moreThe Other Einstein was similar to The Only Woman in the Room in depicting one dimensional women subjected to abuse by powerful men. While there are certainly elements of truth in each book, there was just no depth to the characters. The writing just felt flat. I haven't read Carnegie's Maid and I'm reluctant to do so based on these 2 books. Reading time is precious!(less)
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The story starts in 1933, with Hedy performing in a play about Empress Elizabeth. A few pages later, her father claims that she doesn't understand the delicacy of the political situation because she was born after the Great War. That would make her 13 or 14 years old. Are there more glaring errors like this or am i misinterpreting this?
Angie She was 19 years old when the story starts in 1933 and when she was starring in Sissy at the Theater an der Wien, and when she starts dating Mandl. Th…moreShe was 19 years old when the story starts in 1933 and when she was starring in Sissy at the Theater an der Wien, and when she starts dating Mandl. This was very clearly stated in the novel. She was born in 1914.(less)
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I have already seen the excellent documentary, "Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story." I have started reading this book because my book club chose it, but I'm not sure I'll finish it in time, or at all. I know the facts from the documentary. It feels like this book is trying to surround the facts with a lot of supposition and padding, and I'm resenting the time it is taking. Am I way off? I'm only on Chapter 3.
Lois I concur with the others; I found it shallow. It had great possibilities but all the wallowing in “why didn’t I do something” was off-putting. I was n…moreI concur with the others; I found it shallow. It had great possibilities but all the wallowing in “why didn’t I do something” was off-putting. I was never clear on what she actually could have done when she was married to the arms dealer.(less)
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I read The Lady Clementine and liked it very much. Then read The Other Einstein, and Carnegie's Maid and was disappointed. Not sure I want to give Marie Benedict any more of my time by reading The Only Woman in the Room, although the synopsis sounds intriguing....but don't they all? Should I ignore my reluctance?
Sandi Dickenson No. It's offers nothing but a recap of what can be found on wiki and takes longer to read. The character of Hedy is condescending and in a strange way…moreNo. It's offers nothing but a recap of what can be found on wiki and takes longer to read. The character of Hedy is condescending and in a strange way manipulative so that she gets what she wants.(less)
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I’m trying to figure out what genre this book is. It’s labeled a novel, but is in the form of an autobiography, by a historical figure. Is this true of this author’s other works as well? I think this merging of styles contributes to the soap-opera feel. I still did find the book fascinating, but I subsequently watched Bombshell which is much more authentic.
Sharon It is classified as historical fiction on Amazon. I think that is because although the book is based on a real life, the conversations and the substan…moreIt is classified as historical fiction on Amazon. I think that is because although the book is based on a real life, the conversations and the substance of many of the events as well as the reported thought processes are creations of the author.(less)
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Unanswered Questions (3)

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