Who doesn’t want to be the most beautiful woman in a room?  Most of us will only wonder. But to be stunningly beautiful, and an actress with a brilliant mind in the 1950’s was inconceivable to the male-dominated world. Author, Marie Benedict, had to write about Hedy Lamarr after she found out about her invention.

She captivated audiences in the 1940’s and 50’s with her beauty and acting ability. Hiding beneath that striking face was the mind of an innovator.  Hedy Lamarr is credited with inventing the basics for all modern wireless communications: signal hopping along with composer George Antheil.

Wanting to help the plight of the European Jews she undertakes to create something that would help the Allies – a superior radio-guided torpedo system. How she goes about doing this is quite interesting as is her escape from her abusive husband in Vienna right before the start of WWII. Her wily determination helps her flee Austria and the Nazis and make her way to Hollywood. She uses her beauty to her advantage, but she strives to be much more.

Our book club really enjoyed the novel.  Some of us looked up her background and talked about details in her movie career and her marriages.  We are always amazed at how women were ignored and overlooked in the 40’s and 50’s.  How little voice we had as a gender! Still more needs to be done, but we thank all those that came before us who paved the way, including Hedy Lamarr. 

Rating: 7.5