Marie Benedict Books

In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture on the New York society scene and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world as she helps build a world-class collection. But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle's complexion isn't dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white - her complexion is dark because she is African American

In 1909, Clementine steps off a train with her new husband, Winston. An angry woman emerges from the crowd to attack, shoving him in the direction of an oncoming train. Just before he stumbles, Clementine grabs him by his suit jacket. This will not be the last time Clementine Churchill will save her husband. Lady Clementine is the ferocious story of the ambitious woman beside Winston Churchill, the story of a partner who did not flinch through the sweeping darkness of war, and who would not surrender either to expectations or to enemies.

The USA Today Bestseller From the author of The Only Woman in the Room comes the mesmerizing tale of what kind of woman could have inspired an American dynasty. Clara Kelley is not who they think she is. She's not the experienced Irish maid who was hired to work in one of Pittsburgh's grandest households. She's a poor farmer's daughter with nowhere to go and nothing in her pockets. But the other woman with the same name has vanished, and pretending to be her just might get Clara some money to send back home. If she can keep up the ruse, that is. Serving as a lady's maid in the household of Andrew Carnegie requires skills she doesn't have, answering to an icy mistress who rules her sons and her domain with an iron fist. What Clara does have is a resolve as strong as the steel Pittsburgh is becoming famous for, coupled with an uncanny understanding of business, and Andrew begins to rely on her. But Clara can't let her guard down, not even when Andrew becomes something more than an employer. Revealing her past might ruin her future -- and her family's. With captivating insight and heart, Carnegie's Maid tells the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist.

This novel centers on Mileva Maric, Albert Einstein's first wife, highlighting her crucial role in the discovery of the theory of relativity. It explores her journey as a talented mathematician overcoming societal barriers, her partnership with Einstein, and the gradual overshadowing of her contributions. A poignant tale of love and empowerment.

Includes reading group guide with discussion questions.

"December 1926: England unleashes the largest manhunt in its history. The object of the search is not an escaped convict or a war criminal, but the missing wife of a WWI hero, up-and-coming mystery author Agatha Christie. When her car is found wrecked, empty, and abandoned near a natural spring, the country is in a frenzy. Eleven days later, Agatha reappears, claiming amnesia. She provides no answers for her disappearance. That is...until she writes a very strange book about a missing woman, a murderous husband, and a plan to expose the truth. What role did her unfaithful husband play? And what was he not telling investigators? THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE explores one strong woman's successful endeavor to take her history into her own hands"-- Provided by publisher

The story follows young Lainey, who is taken from a London orphanage to attend Lovelace Academy, a mysterious boarding school shrouded in secrets. As she navigates her new environment, Lainey uncovers hidden truths and adventures that challenge her understanding of herself and the world around her. The novel weaves a historical narrative filled with intrigue and discovery, highlighting themes of identity and resilience.

A novel explores the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that transformed the world. The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune stands firm against white supremacists, emerging as a prominent activist and educator. Her growing reputation earns her admiration from business leaders and recognition from U.S. Presidents, including Eleanor Roosevelt, who is eager to meet her. United by their commitment to women’s rights and education, Mary and Eleanor quickly become confidantes, sharing their secrets, hopes, and dreams while supporting each other through challenges and victories. As Franklin Delano Roosevelt becomes president, the two women collaborate more closely, especially as Eleanor begins to pursue her own initiatives following the painful discovery of her husband's affair. Eleanor's outspoken nature on civil rights makes her a controversial First Lady, and threats against her due to her association with Mary only strengthen their resolve to fight for justice and equality. This narrative highlights the profound impact of their friendship, showcasing how two passionate and committed women laid the groundwork for the modern civil rights movement.

Der neue Roman der Bestsellerautorin erzählt von den Mitford-Schwestern und Nancy Mitfords Kampf, die Nazis von Großbritannien fernzuhalten. Zwischen den Weltkriegen stehen die Schwestern im Fokus politischer Skandale, während Nancy sich zwischen ihrer Familie und dem Weltgeschehen entscheiden muss.

Marie Benedict widmet sich einer weiteren klugen Frau, die die Weltgeschichte entscheidend geprägt hat und deren Namen wir dennoch nicht kennen. Rosalind Franklin fand nach jahrelanger Forschung die Doppelhelixstruktur unserer DNA, doch für diesen Coup geehrt wurden fälschlicherweise drei Männer. Rosalind Franklin war schon immer eine Außenseiterin – brillant, aber anders. Sie fühlt sich der Wissenschaft am nächsten, den unveränderlichen Gesetzen der Physik und Chemie, die ihre Experimente leiten. Sie wird beauftragt, das Geheimnis unserer DNA zu entschlüsseln. Rosalind weiß, dass, wenn sie nur eine weitere Röntgenaufnahme macht – eine weitere nach Tausenden –, sie die Bausteine des Lebens enträtseln kann. Nie wieder wird sie sich die Beschwerden ihrer Kollegen anhören müssen, insbesondere die von Maurice Wilkins, der lieber mit James Watson und Francis Crick über Genetik konspiriert, als mit ihr zusammenzuarbeiten. Dann ist es endlich so weit – die Doppelhelixstruktur der DNA offenbart sich ihr in vollkommener Klarheit. Doch was dann folgt, hätte Rosalind niemals vorhersehen können.