OCTOBER 2016 - AudioFile
In 1896, Mitza Maric travels from Serbia to Switzerland to attend Zurich Polytechnic. She’s determined to be one of the first women in the world to earn a degree in physics. Albert Einstein also attends the university, and a relationship ensues. Mozhan Marno deftly performs Mitza's feelings, which range from uncertainty to determination in the male-dominated world of math and science, and to joy when she falls in love with Albert. Marno's steady pacing keeps the listener engaged even when the story bogs down as Mitza allows Albert to treat her poorly year after year. Although this is a work of fiction, the story references some of Einstein’s contributions to physics, such as the effects of energy and friction when two strong forces are in close proximity. L.M.A. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"Beautifully written…a finely drawn portrait of a woman in love with the wrong man." — Jillian Cantor, author of Margot and The Hours Count
"In her compelling novel… Benedict makes a strong case that the brilliant woman behind [Albert Einstein] was integral to his success, and creates a rich historical portrait in the process." — Publishers Weekly
"Benedict's debut novel carefully traces Mileva's life—from studious schoolgirl to bereaved mother—with attention paid to the conflicts between personal goals and social conventions. An intriguing… reimagining of one of the strongest intellectual partnerships of the 19th century." — Kirkus Reviews
"...INTIMATE and IMMERSIVE historical novel....Prepare to be moved by this provocative history of a woman whose experiences will resonate with today’s readers." — Library Journal, Editors' Fall Picks
"The Other Einstein takes you into Mileva’s heart, mind, and study as she tries to forge a place for herself in a scientific world dominated by men. " — Bustle
"…an ENGAGING and THOUGHT PROVOKING fictional telling of the poignant story of an overshadowed woman scientist." — Booklist
"In The Other Einstein Marie Benedict brings us into the life and times of Mileva Mariá Einstein, Albert’s first wife. A brilliant mathematician in her own right, Mileva and Albert plan a life together of equal scholarship, but Albert’s ambitions and Mileva’s role as a wife and mother at the turn of the twentieth century make this an impossibility. Could the theory of relativity actually have been conceived by "the other Einstein"? In this fascinating and thoughtful novel, we learn that this is more than possible." — B.A. Shapiro, New York Times bestselling author of The Art Forger and The Muralist
"A crusading scientist undone by love....revealing, enlightening." — Nuala O’Connor, author of Miss Emily
"Superb…the haunting story of Einstein’s brilliant first wife who was lost in his shadow." — Sue Monk Kidd, NYT bestselling author of The Invention of Wings, The Secret Life of Bees, and The Mermaid Chair
"Many will enjoy Benedict’s feminist views and be fascinated by the life of an almost unknown woman." — RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
