Genre: Book
Grade: A-/ B+
Notable People: Marie Benedict
Title: “The Only Woman in the Room
Review: Benedicts’ third historical novel focusing on underestimated/under recognized woman behind the scenes of epic moment in history, is a barn-burner. The tale of a most beautiful and enchanting (that is emphasized on every page of the book) young Jewish woman in Vienna in the early 30s who becomes the wife of a dominating, abusive and extremely powerful arms dealer to Hitler and the emerging Nazi powerhouse is an unbelievable story on its own merit-but then add in the fact that she turns out to be one of the most famous movie stars of all time (not giving it away) only adds to the intrigue. The portrait of Australia in the throes of change and chaos is frightening and the portent of Nazi domination is powerfully portrayed. The revelations about this woman are beyond extraordinary. This a book hard to put down. Though I absolutely found the story riveting, Benedict’s writing lacks depth and fluidity to some degree, which slowed me from being drawn in early on. I eventually got focused on the incredible narrative-a most powerful book in many revelatory ways. And my thanks to our Vermont benefactress, Karen, for the wonderful recommendation. Can anyone say major film coming?