The Other Einstein
By Marie Benedict
An easy read about an interesting subject. Mileva Maric was Albert Einstein's first wife. In this novel, we learn about her brilliance as a mathematician and physicist in the early 20th century. At that time, there were many obstacles for women to overcome if they wanted a life of more than marriage. Mileva is able to study at university, where she meets Albert and they fall in love. As happens to so many women, she gets pregnant, and Albert is slow to take on his marital obligations when he finds out. Mileva finds herself a wife and mother, and thus her career is over. However, the novel explores her role in the discovery of "Einstein's" theory of relativity. Was it, in fact, Mileva's discovery?
Albert publishes his most famous paper without putting Mileva's name on as co-author, making many excuses for the omission. Though they collaborate on many other publications, Mileva's name is always omitted, thus her brilliance and contributions are negated.
Albert was also a philanderer. They eventually divorce.
Rating: 4/5
Recommendation: An easy read and an interesting subject. The novel shows that Albert Einstein was a cheater and philanderer. Does he really deserve the accolades of his fame?
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