‘The Only Woman in the Room’ by Marie Benedict

The Only Woman in the Room 

by Marie Benedict

• • • • •

The current revival in World War II lore has resulted in personal stories, biographies told by the allies, the military, the enemies, the survivors, the families and spies of that time. Marie Benedict’s novel The Only Woman in the Room, however, is probably the first fictional history as told by a movie star, Hedy Lamarr, who lived it. Written in 2019, this novel is more than a war story. It addresses the world of Old Hollywood as well as conflicts and frights from foreigners who play a role in looking for an end to cruelty and anti-semitism. We see the secret lives of families in Vienna, Austria through the eyes of young Hedy Kiesler, fascists and the cruel uncertain world of those living in Jewish/Catholic neighborhoods under the cloud of anti-semitism of the 1930s.  

These were years of fear and uncertainty. The grandiose lifestyle encompassed music, art and gentility that devalued the gifts of women as well as Jews. Hedy Kiesler’s beauty, sensuality and emergence in the world of Austrian nobles and owners of castles began with her European movie stardom from the provocative show Sissy which highlighted those talents. Her bright mind kept an edge on her choices of the cultural world even as she worried about the Nazi undercurrent. She actually turned her full attention to finding a way to use her scientific gift to work against Hitler. 

As history reminds us, life was dangerous for Hitler’s enemies as well as for Hitler. The future looked chaotic. Hedy had the encouragement from her father to marry a munitions manufacturer millionaire to protect her and her family whose Jewish roots were well hidden. The marriage brought opulence but also physical abuse. With the help of friends, she was able to slip into the United States and through her beauty and her brilliant use of her skills, she transformed from Hedy Kiesler into Hedy Lamarr. Soon she was sporting several marriages, divorces, development of her scientific mind and becoming known as well as a screen star as for the inventive brain. Along with her breathtaking beauty this would fit the pattern to aid her in the quest to fight the Nazis.

Just as do the intrigues of Benedict’s The Other Einstein and Carnegie’s Maid capture the full attention of readers, her Only Woman in the Room brings us the real Hedy Lamarr who has unbelievable hidden talents and purpose.

This book is factual, interesting and a thriller for every phase of Hedy’s life. Just as today’s world reveals treachery among nations, and ‘MeToo’ problems for the rich and famous, nothing could be more intriguing than this beauty’s journey from being a risqué European show stopper to an exotic traveler who is out to win wars and acquire the love of friends and adventure.   

This is a true story of a beauty who sets out to revolutionize communications as well as use her gifts for the survival of the world. The Only Woman in the Room is a tribute to Hedy Lamarr’s surviving Hollywood as well as the world of wars. 

Thanks to Full Circle for sharing books with FRIDAY readers.