Greendale Public Library’s
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(group member since Mar 24, 2020)
Greendale Public Library’s
comments
from the Greendale Public Library Book Club group.
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The marriage between Hedy and the much-older munitions manufacturer Fritz Mandl is oftentimes disturbing. Did you find yourself becoming frustrated and angry by Fritz’s treatment of Hedy and her decision to stay in the marriage for so long? Would you have felt as bound to the promise to her father—that she will use Fritz as a shield and stay with him unless she has no choice—as she did? How did this sense of duty motivate her decisions and actions at this stage? What did you think about her mother’s views on the marital vow?
As we start the novel, The Only Woman in the Room, it opens in Austria at a pivotal time in the years leading up to World War II. How familiar were you with the events of this era, particularly the European political developments and the relationship of Austria with Italy, Germany, and its neighbors? Did you learn anything new about this period in history? Imagine you were Hedy at this time. What would you do in the face of the oncoming war?
Miranda wrote: "I'm so excited for this! I was devastated when I realized that the library was closed for the time being :)"We hate being closed too. But what we want is everyone to be safe and healthy. So let's try and make some lemonade out of lemons!
Sue wrote: "May I join from Ohio?"Absolutely! The group is open to all!
Let's make the new book about Hedy Lamarr our first online book club title. Why? It has great reviews and there are unlimited copies available via the library's HOOPLA account. Go to www.hoopladigital.com and either sign in if you repreviously registered or register a new account. You'll need your library card number and pin. If you don't know you pin, you can reset it here: https://countycat.mcfls.org/pinreset~S1If you encounter problems, email afantetti@greendale.org
I'll post again later with questions to lead the discussion.
Sincerely, Allison
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She possessed a stunning beauty. She also possessed a stunning mind. Could the world handle both?
Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans while at her husband's side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star.
But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she knew a few secrets about the enemy. She had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis...if anyone would listen to her.
A powerful novel based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist whose groundbreaking invention revolutionized modern communication, The Only Woman in the Room is a masterpiece.
