Alias's 100 Book Challenge ~ 2023

[Michele]

This is my third Marie Benedict book. I haven’t read it yet—its for book club next year. But I have a problem with Benedict, who plays fast and loose with the real facts. Eg, in The Other Mrs Einstein, she fails to mention some pretty important information about the first child of Einstein and Maleeva. Nobody knows what happened to this child, but she tells a story that fits her purpose, which is to demonstrate that women were discriminated against.

In The Personal Librarian she changes proven facts willynilly to suit the story she’s made up, owns up to changing those facts, but doesn’t say why the facts required changing. IMHO it was to make her story of abortion and desertion by a lover fit the time line. Bad history, bad romance novel all in one. Cant wait to see what she does with Hedy L.

[Alias Reader]

Yes. I've read those criticisms and they certainly are valid. It's good to know that going in.

I look at her books as a jumping off point on a subject. Then I can decide if I wish to read more non fiction on the person or topic.

[Michele]

In my experience, most people who like her books respond just like you did--- that they will make up their own minds. I respect that for sure, and I do the same. If I read a book that seems facile or unfair, or untrue, I read another couple on the same topic. I only become obsessed when I can hear that my book club friends have believed things that Benedict created out of whole cloth or from the flimsiest of rumors. And you know I could never let that pass!

In books with major misstatements, there are often minor exaggerations as well. Did JP Morgan had the hots for Belle as Benedict claimed; was JP's daughter really a lesbian who threatened to expose her, and how ridiculous to assume his daughter knew of Belle's secret past but JP Morgan remained in the dark about her racial heritage. He had detectives on the payroll, and Belle's very successful extended family in Washington, DC was in plain sight. Also, her father was nationally-known fighter for civil rights. So, we work on not believing everything we read, and how to bring our bullshit detectors to the book discussions.

My personal opinion right now is that JP Morgan knew who she was, and his power over NY society protected Belle, who also played her part perfectly.

[Alias Reader]

Michele wrote: In books with major misstatements, there are often minor exaggerations as well. Did JP Morgan had the hots for Belle as Benedict claimed; was JP's daughter really a lesbian who threatened to expose her, and how ridiculous to assume his daughter knew of Belle's secret past but JP Morgan remained in the dark about her racial heritage. He had detectives on the payroll, and Belle's very successful extended family in Washington, DC was in plain sight. Also, her father was nationally-known fighter for civil rights. So, we work on not believing everything we read, and how to bring our bullshit detectors to the book discussions.

My personal opinion right now is that JP Morgan knew who she was, and his power over NY society protected Belle, who also played her part perfectly..."

The eBook I read of The Personal Librarian had a note in the back of the book stating that she made some things up. I don't recall the exact wording.

So this time I checked the back of The Only Woman in the Room and I don't see such a notation. That doesn't mean there aren't fabrications. This is historical fiction.

On top of al that there is the old saying that the victor creates the history. ;)

I'm not going into the book thinking it's a biography. Though I would be disappointed if there were major distortions of the truth. If that is the case, I think the author should put some type of disclaimer note.

By the way, going back to J.P. Morgan. I doubted the veracity of him having a thing for Belle. I also would be surprised if he didn't know her background. On the plus side, the book did make me want to visit the Morgan library when I get a chance.

[madrano]

Michele wrote: "My personal opinion right now is that JP Morgan knew who she was, and his power over NY society protected Belle, who also played her part perfectly ..."

I addressed the Belle book in the new thread about the latest Benedict book, so i won't repeat myself. However, i must say i agree with your conclusion, Michele. If they were as close as claimed, how could he not check her out thoroughly? I think it's the not knowing for a fact which allows people to bend/interpret as they wish.

As you noted, her father was well-known for his civil rights activity. However, due to a bit of notoriety, the mother changed the family name (according to biographer Heidi Ardizzone and race to avoid association with her husband.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "On the plus side, the book did make me want to visit the Morgan library when I get a chance.."

It is my favorite "gem" museum in NYC. To be fair, i knew about that physical room, the Library, decades before i knew it had been opened to the public. Let alone was now a very good museum.

[Alias Reader]

I squeezed in another prompt for the 2023 challenge !

Today I finished reading The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

It's the story of the Austrian actress Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler also know as Hedy Lamarr. Lamarr was know for her beauty.


Her first husband was unber wealthy Fritz Mandl. Hedy was married six times but the book covers only two husbands. Fritz headed an munitions firm and treated Hedy horribly. Hedy, who was Jewish realizes he is supplying arms to Hitler and decides to flee. Unfortunately, the first half the the book is mostly about their romance and her looks and the sadistic way he treats her.

The second half takes place in the U.S. where Hedy resumes her successful acting career. During this time, Hedy, with no formal training, along with a composer and pianist George Antheil invent a frequency hopping technology that would aid submarines. I think this section needed more explanation.

Unfortunately, the military tells her that her idea, though worthy, could not be accepted because she was a women. This sounds odd to me and could use more explanation. Hedy patents the idea anyway. I don't believe they ever made any money from the invention. Though the technology the author tells us in the end notes is used in cell phones.

Hedy, using her sex appeal, sells war bonds to aid the war effort very successfully. And that is where the book abruptly ends.

The book is billed as historical fiction. I don't know how much is actually true. The author says she adopted a Jewish baby boy from Europe during the war. There is some confusion regarding this. The author says the boy was adopted. Other online news stories say he was her actual son. This is not discussed in the book. She apparently became estranged from the boy at age 12 and had disinherited him. None of this is addressed in the novel, nor is her later life. Though this isn't a biography I would have preferred the book covered her whole life. I think that would have made the book a more interesting read.

For me, the novels focus placed too much emphasis on romance and the many men she dated. Romance isn't a genre I usually read. I also found it a bit too repetitious. I was debating rating it a 2 (did not meet my expectations) and a 3 which is ok/good. I gave it a 3 which is what I gave the authors other book The Personal Librarian Which also played a bit loose with the truth and focused a bit too much romance for my taste. So I gave this one the same rating.

I also read Marie Benedict other book,
The Mitford Affair I enjoyed that book and gave it a 4/5 rating.

[John]

This sounds like a three to me, despite the romance focus.

[Lindsey]

Yay for another prompt!

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "I squeezed in another prompt for the 2023 challenge !

Today I finished reading The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict

It's the story of the Austrian actres..."

I'm sorry this was disappointing, Alias. When writers of historical fiction aren't very clear about some events (like the woman issue with the military), it ends up being frustrating.

At least you accomplished another prompt. Hurrah!

[Michele]

IMO Marie Benedict is stealing money from people who expect to get some real history from her books, as well as from those who want to read a good romance novel.

[Alias Reader]

Michele wrote: "IMO Marie Benedict is stealing money from people who expect to get some real history from her books, as well as from those who want to read a good romance novel."

I think since I generally prefer non fiction, that is why I'm not has happy with her books as others are. Her books are certainly popular. She has tons of positive reviews on Amazon.

I did enjoy her latest book, The Mitford Affair

[madrano]

Michele wrote: "IMO Marie Benedict is stealing money from people who expect to get some real history from her books, as well as from those who want to read a good romance novel."

That's quite the warning, Michele. I appreciate it. A friend of mine only reads historical fiction (about both real people & not) but she gains an appreciation for various eras as a result. I continue to suggest NF but she prefers her history with a flowing story and characters. Still, she usually seems to understand the eras which the works feature. And, as i have few Real Life (in-person?) book-reading friends, we have decent conversations. It's all reading!

[Alias Reader]

For our 2023 book challenge we had 100 prompts. We had 5 "extra" prompts that participants could use if some of the Main Prompts weren't well suited for them. So we had total of 105 to choose from to hopefully fill 100 to complete the challenge.

If I counted correctly, I finished 90 prompts. I came close but no cigar as they say. I'm quite happy with that.

I really enjoyed the challenge and it certainly brought books to my attention that I would not have read otherwise.

I particularly enjoyed seeing how others filled in the prompts.

Thank you to all who participated ! :) I hope you decide to join in our 2024 challenge.

[James]

Alias Reader wrote: ". . . If I counted correctly, I finished 90 prompts. I came close but no cigar as they say. I'm quite happy with that. . . . "

Good work on your challenge and thanks again for shepherding this group -- I have enjoyed participating and I appreciate your work in keeping it together. Happy New Year and all best for 2024!

[Alias Reader]

Thank you, James. I'm glad you enjoyed the challenge.

[madrano]

Alias Reader wrote: "I really enjoyed the challenge and it certainly brought books to my attention that I would not have read otherwise.

I particularly enjoyed seeing how others filled in the prompts. ..."

I agree on both points, Alias. Today is my day to work on my lists, etc., while Dan watches football (& parades) with my brother. I'll share my details later.

Congratulations on a terrific reading year!

[Alias Reader]

Thanks, deb. Right back at ya.

[madrano]

:-)