Obsessive Genius
The Inner World of Marie Curie
“Excellent. . . . A poignant—and scientifically lucid—portrait.” —Brenda Maddox, New York Times Book Review
Through family interviews, diaries, letters, and workbooks that had been sealed for decades, Barbara Goldsmith reveals the Marie Curie behind the myth—an all-too-human woman struggling to balance a spectacular scientific career, a demanding family, society’s prejudice, and her own passionate nature. Obsessive Genius is a dazzling portrait of Curie, her amazing scientific success, and the price she paid for fame.
“Never a dull moment. . . . Goldsmith leads the reader through a wonderland of facts with just the right blend of science and story. . . . A deeper understanding of what [Curie] went through as a woman and a scientist shines as strong as her radium.” —San Francisco Chronicle
“Riveting … Goldsmith has humanized an icon.” —Washington Times
“A sharp, sprightly, refreshing portrait.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Bestselling historian Goldsmith incisively chronicles [Curie’s] intensely dramatic life. . . . Her powerful portrait reveals a woman of great passion, genius, and pain who changed the world.”—Booklist (starred review)