Jennifer’s review of The Other Einstein > Likes and Comments
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Good review, Jennifer. Sadly, that's my opinion of PG these days, too.
Great review. I think I will pass on this one too.
Nice review, Jennifer. I did give it one more star than you but I agree with you. Maybe I was too generous!
Wonderful review, Jennifer. I agree that historical fiction needs to stick to the facts if writing about actual events and people.
Good review, Jennifer, and I'm another who agrees about fact. I'd like to be able to trust the author and know that if a character is said to be wearing something, it should be appropriate for the time.
If there are too many obvious anachronisms, I just switch off and switch books now.
Thank you Bette, Jen, Wendy, Angela, Stephanie, Kathleen, Susan, Deanna, and Patty. I'd love to read some good historical fiction about brilliant women whose work was ignored due to the sexism of the time, but this one didn't cut it.
I have not read this book, but agree with your thoughts on historical fiction. I read a great deal of historical fiction and do a lot of fact checking when I finish a particular book.
If one sticks solely to facts, it would be a biography or a history book...this is why historical "fiction" does not have to stick absolutely to known facts.
I agree. Good to see some like-minds frustration!
Good review and I see your point, I do my best to try to separate historical fiction from nonfiction. It's tough sometimes. Also, while Mileva DID become a mother, she also failed the test to graduate two or three times. Still, a woman studying physics at the time was an amazing accomplishment. :-)
Definitely agree on PG-her inaccuracies drove me to swear off any further of her novels. Am just beginning Benedict's book, so far, so good, but will keep your warning tucked away as useful to know, and look for additional biographical insight.
Jennifer...although I do agree with your thoughts about historical fiction sticking to facts, I have to defend the author a bit. She states very clearly that she has added details to write an interesting book and points out the things we really don't know to be true. It's not a history book....it's a historical novel written in away that most people would enjoy reading about a subject they know little about or even understand. I had never even heard of Mileva Maric. I don't think I would have any interest in reading a history book about her. This novel made learning something new enjoyable for me. I can accept the fact that not all details are true or that we may never know the entire truth.
Agree about the need tone more accurate with real people, even if some details are imagined. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book.
I agree. I was very disappointed to learn that most of this story is disputed.
I agree whole-heartedly. If someone wrote a book about me and used my real name I would hope it would be accurate. The "fiction" should be a tool used to create a depiction that supports who the true person was. That is historical fiction - and that is a responsibility the author must accept - especially when you are using real people and their true name.
I agree completely, but I would put equal emphasis on how boring the book was. I rarely stop reading a book, especially one as short as this one, but I just couldn’t finish.
I TOTALLY AGREE! I did not like this book - it was all based on completely fictionalized events!
The book peaked my interest in Mrs. Einstein. Do you recommend any good books about her?
In agreement, reading it was no pleasure.
Exactly. Thanks for your thoughts, very well said.
Liked the book, I think it could be less about Albert and deeper interest in her story. We all knew Albert was somewhat of a prick who stole her ideas and took them for himself.
Yes! This is EXACTLY how I felt about it! I wish she hadn’t been portrayed as such a whiny and nagging wife.
I made it about halfway through and then skipped to the end just in case it turned around. But, unfortunately, it didn’t. I really wish it had spent more time on her life. I guess the title should have told me who story would really be about.
Do you recommend any historical fiction which is reasonably accurate?
I found the book interesting at first, boring in the middle and happy when sh left him for good.
Kathleen wrote: "Wonderful review, Jennifer. I agree that historical fiction needs to stick to the facts if writing about actual events and people."
Then I guess you would have hated Philip Roth's "The Plot Against America" where Charles Lindbergh becomes President in 1940, defeating Roosevelt.
Our book club chose this for January. I am halfway through and feel like nothing has happened yet. I decided to read some reviews to see if I am the only one that doesn’t care for the book. Apparently I am not alone. And I find out that it is not factual either. Oh my.
You wrote basically what I said about her book, Carnegie’s Maid. Thank you for the heads up. I think she’s not the author for me.
I enjoyed your review after finishing the book. I found the courtship important. Almost as if he was after her knowing what she could provide him strictly from a professional view. I read the book knowing it was based on real people but fictionalized.
I so agree. The image presented of Albert Einstein and so many of the key events in the story appear to be imagined by the author.
While I enjoyed the read (Audiobook), I was fully aware that creative license was taken to create the story. I would not be surprised that Mileva had to give up her scientific and mathematical aspirations to tend children and meet societal norms of the day, given that her husband put himself before her. (As opposed to Mariel and Pierre Curie's seemingly equal relationship .) Einstein was a human and may not have been a great husband and partner. Great mind, not great husband. Whether much of the story was fictionalized, it was an interesting look into the life of a 19th Century academic women.
A disappointing read, I am skimming over the last 100 pages. My opin. Mileva Maric put her own ambitions aside before motherhood, when she continued on with A. Einstein, writing was on the wall early in their 'one sided' relationship.
I kept hoping that mrs e would have resat for her exams after her daughter died and before she had other children whilst she had the time to do so. As the author stated we do not know how much she actually collaborated on his papers. Wish she had nt gone to lake como so she would have been a happier person affer passed her exams. I enjoyed the book.
agree...the premise of the book is fine but I was cringing about much of the bad rap Albert received without factual info
Most of this author’s books have been like this. It is frustrating!
I found this book to be superficial and boring. I picked it up with the belief that since it was about two geniuses, that I would learn something. What I learned was that this book is inaccurate. More of a romance novel. I always attempt to finish a book even if I am dissatisfied, however I do not wish to waste my time on loose facts at best.
This is the third book of Benedict's I've read. It stopped me from reading any more of her books. Half the book emphasises Mileva's romantic obsession with Albert. Tedious.
I couldn’t agree more. When dealing with historical figures, I don’t mind if authors imagine thoughts or even feelings, but altering history without any evidence is a step too far. Alfred had his faults, for sure, but don’t deny the man his accomplishments!
I agree. I wouldn’t want to speak for the author but I personally feel she could have elevated the woman behind the man without pushing the man down.
Jennifer, thank you for this review. You expressed what I felt but was unable to put into words.
I agree. And am beginning to forego historical fiction for these reasons.
Don’t give up on historical fiction… just this author.
Funny - I had the exact opposite reaction. I kept in mind that this was fiction, so that when I found myself loathing Albert I reminded myself - this is the Albert in this fictionalized story. However, I believe there is enough collaboration and research to support a number of important ideas she is presenting which provide context: women were not welcome in academia in any way - so Mitza was a trailblazer. There is good evidence that Mitza very much collaborated equally with Albert (who is believed to have been dyslexic) in those early 1900papers, much like Marie Curie did with her husband. And yet, she is given no credit. Why did he give her the Nobel Peace prize money? Simply to support his sons? While we may not know the answers to some of these questions, the possibilities historic fiction provides are not trivial- at least in my view. I have read two of this authors books now and what I like is that she brings to life woman I would never have known about otherwise. There are so many women who have had such interesting places in history that because of how history is recorded we know little about. I appreciate authors like this who learn what they can, research as she seems to do and then writes an engaging book that is accurate for time, place, people and event - and then admittedly - fictionalizes conversations and other events to make the book interesting. It is up to the reader to remember it is historic fiction and if they wonder what is true and what isn’t, they can google it. I guess I am saying all of this to encourage folks to not give up on historic fiction. Especially regarding women, especially by other women. We can be too tough on each other.
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Oct 11, 2016 01:21PM
Good review, Jennifer. Sadly, that's my opinion of PG these days, too.
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Great review. I think I will pass on this one too.
Nice review, Jennifer. I did give it one more star than you but I agree with you. Maybe I was too generous!
Wonderful review, Jennifer. I agree that historical fiction needs to stick to the facts if writing about actual events and people.
Good review, Jennifer, and I'm another who agrees about fact. I'd like to be able to trust the author and know that if a character is said to be wearing something, it should be appropriate for the time.If there are too many obvious anachronisms, I just switch off and switch books now.
Thank you Bette, Jen, Wendy, Angela, Stephanie, Kathleen, Susan, Deanna, and Patty. I'd love to read some good historical fiction about brilliant women whose work was ignored due to the sexism of the time, but this one didn't cut it.
I have not read this book, but agree with your thoughts on historical fiction. I read a great deal of historical fiction and do a lot of fact checking when I finish a particular book.
If one sticks solely to facts, it would be a biography or a history book...this is why historical "fiction" does not have to stick absolutely to known facts.
I agree. Good to see some like-minds frustration!
Good review and I see your point, I do my best to try to separate historical fiction from nonfiction. It's tough sometimes. Also, while Mileva DID become a mother, she also failed the test to graduate two or three times. Still, a woman studying physics at the time was an amazing accomplishment. :-)
Definitely agree on PG-her inaccuracies drove me to swear off any further of her novels. Am just beginning Benedict's book, so far, so good, but will keep your warning tucked away as useful to know, and look for additional biographical insight.
Jennifer...although I do agree with your thoughts about historical fiction sticking to facts, I have to defend the author a bit. She states very clearly that she has added details to write an interesting book and points out the things we really don't know to be true. It's not a history book....it's a historical novel written in away that most people would enjoy reading about a subject they know little about or even understand. I had never even heard of Mileva Maric. I don't think I would have any interest in reading a history book about her. This novel made learning something new enjoyable for me. I can accept the fact that not all details are true or that we may never know the entire truth.
Agree about the need tone more accurate with real people, even if some details are imagined. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book.
I agree. I was very disappointed to learn that most of this story is disputed.
I agree whole-heartedly. If someone wrote a book about me and used my real name I would hope it would be accurate. The "fiction" should be a tool used to create a depiction that supports who the true person was. That is historical fiction - and that is a responsibility the author must accept - especially when you are using real people and their true name.
I agree completely, but I would put equal emphasis on how boring the book was. I rarely stop reading a book, especially one as short as this one, but I just couldn’t finish.
I TOTALLY AGREE! I did not like this book - it was all based on completely fictionalized events!
The book peaked my interest in Mrs. Einstein. Do you recommend any good books about her?
In agreement, reading it was no pleasure.
Exactly. Thanks for your thoughts, very well said.
Liked the book, I think it could be less about Albert and deeper interest in her story. We all knew Albert was somewhat of a prick who stole her ideas and took them for himself.
Yes! This is EXACTLY how I felt about it! I wish she hadn’t been portrayed as such a whiny and nagging wife.
I made it about halfway through and then skipped to the end just in case it turned around. But, unfortunately, it didn’t. I really wish it had spent more time on her life. I guess the title should have told me who story would really be about.
Do you recommend any historical fiction which is reasonably accurate?
I found the book interesting at first, boring in the middle and happy when sh left him for good.
Kathleen wrote: "Wonderful review, Jennifer. I agree that historical fiction needs to stick to the facts if writing about actual events and people."Then I guess you would have hated Philip Roth's "The Plot Against America" where Charles Lindbergh becomes President in 1940, defeating Roosevelt.
Our book club chose this for January. I am halfway through and feel like nothing has happened yet. I decided to read some reviews to see if I am the only one that doesn’t care for the book. Apparently I am not alone. And I find out that it is not factual either. Oh my.
You wrote basically what I said about her book, Carnegie’s Maid. Thank you for the heads up. I think she’s not the author for me.
I enjoyed your review after finishing the book. I found the courtship important. Almost as if he was after her knowing what she could provide him strictly from a professional view. I read the book knowing it was based on real people but fictionalized.
I so agree. The image presented of Albert Einstein and so many of the key events in the story appear to be imagined by the author.
While I enjoyed the read (Audiobook), I was fully aware that creative license was taken to create the story. I would not be surprised that Mileva had to give up her scientific and mathematical aspirations to tend children and meet societal norms of the day, given that her husband put himself before her. (As opposed to Mariel and Pierre Curie's seemingly equal relationship .) Einstein was a human and may not have been a great husband and partner. Great mind, not great husband. Whether much of the story was fictionalized, it was an interesting look into the life of a 19th Century academic women.
A disappointing read, I am skimming over the last 100 pages. My opin. Mileva Maric put her own ambitions aside before motherhood, when she continued on with A. Einstein, writing was on the wall early in their 'one sided' relationship.
I kept hoping that mrs e would have resat for her exams after her daughter died and before she had other children whilst she had the time to do so. As the author stated we do not know how much she actually collaborated on his papers. Wish she had nt gone to lake como so she would have been a happier person affer passed her exams. I enjoyed the book.
agree...the premise of the book is fine but I was cringing about much of the bad rap Albert received without factual info
Most of this author’s books have been like this. It is frustrating!
I found this book to be superficial and boring. I picked it up with the belief that since it was about two geniuses, that I would learn something. What I learned was that this book is inaccurate. More of a romance novel. I always attempt to finish a book even if I am dissatisfied, however I do not wish to waste my time on loose facts at best.
This is the third book of Benedict's I've read. It stopped me from reading any more of her books. Half the book emphasises Mileva's romantic obsession with Albert. Tedious.
I couldn’t agree more. When dealing with historical figures, I don’t mind if authors imagine thoughts or even feelings, but altering history without any evidence is a step too far. Alfred had his faults, for sure, but don’t deny the man his accomplishments!
I agree. I wouldn’t want to speak for the author but I personally feel she could have elevated the woman behind the man without pushing the man down.
Jennifer, thank you for this review. You expressed what I felt but was unable to put into words.
I agree. And am beginning to forego historical fiction for these reasons.
Don’t give up on historical fiction… just this author.
Funny - I had the exact opposite reaction. I kept in mind that this was fiction, so that when I found myself loathing Albert I reminded myself - this is the Albert in this fictionalized story. However, I believe there is enough collaboration and research to support a number of important ideas she is presenting which provide context: women were not welcome in academia in any way - so Mitza was a trailblazer. There is good evidence that Mitza very much collaborated equally with Albert (who is believed to have been dyslexic) in those early 1900papers, much like Marie Curie did with her husband. And yet, she is given no credit. Why did he give her the Nobel Peace prize money? Simply to support his sons? While we may not know the answers to some of these questions, the possibilities historic fiction provides are not trivial- at least in my view. I have read two of this authors books now and what I like is that she brings to life woman I would never have known about otherwise. There are so many women who have had such interesting places in history that because of how history is recorded we know little about. I appreciate authors like this who learn what they can, research as she seems to do and then writes an engaging book that is accurate for time, place, people and event - and then admittedly - fictionalizes conversations and other events to make the book interesting. It is up to the reader to remember it is historic fiction and if they wonder what is true and what isn’t, they can google it. I guess I am saying all of this to encourage folks to not give up on historic fiction. Especially regarding women, especially by other women. We can be too tough on each other.
