Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial

Hardcover
$14.89

Paperback
$10.79

$14.89 with 45 percent savings

List Price: $26.99

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns

FREE delivery Wednesday, June 11 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35

Or Prime members get FREE delivery Sunday, June 8. Order within 5 hrs 19 mins.

Arrives 7 days before Father's Day

In Stock

$$14.89 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Returns

30-day refund/replacement

Payment

Secure transaction

Add a gift receipt for easy returns

$8.14

Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns

FREE delivery Thursday, June 12 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 5 hrs 19 mins

Arrives 3 days before Father's Day

Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

$$14.89 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.

Enhancements you chose aren't available for this seller. Details

${cardName} not available for the seller you chose

${cardName} unavailable for quantities greater than ${maxQuantity}.

Sold by A1Sporslocker and Fulfilled by Amazon.

Other sellers on Amazon

New & Used (95) from $2.28 + $3.99 shipping

Image Unavailable

Image not available for
Color:

To view this video download Flash Player

Follow the author

Marie Benedict

Follow

Her Hidden Genius: A Novel Hardcover – January 25, 2022

by Marie Benedict (Author)

3,574 ratings

See all formats and editions

{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$14.89","priceAmount":14.89,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"14","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"89","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SmzEJOEeGtmjfz4DxWRqDu91zZKtLJvIztUNYo5UBM91Ik94NqF8qTJxpBvIH81UmikaUZFA70tAeSoMbv2P1CMtPJ8VldizHWYQo7qg5yYrr9dO0HLX1oB81qV607JT1aOPqLyRC1dUx%2BiXLiHqkA%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.14","priceAmount":8.14,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"14","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"SmzEJOEeGtmjfz4DxWRqDu91zZKtLJvIt%2B2PNd3oasPkVIziE9HIbmML62evChU7BZ4AV2riLoQPQpS%2ByZ2TZPUeLgPBA279MXpyEp0HWAvMLw%2BswtdqFULgTTsirjtmMWOTOHo8yiXLOeUeWAJPaFC2avvUjtAmwZQaw9QuMW2nLRY93fc%2B866QF6dgFzRg","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

"Brings to life Franklin's grit and spirit...an important contribution to the historical record." ―The Washington Post

The new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie!

She changed the world with her discovery. Three men took the credit.

Rosalind Franklin has always been an outsider―brilliant, but different. Whether working at the laboratory she adored in Paris or toiling at a university in London, she feels closest to the science, those unchanging laws of physics and chemistry that guide her experiments. When she is assigned to work on DNA, she believes she can unearth its secrets.

Rosalind knows if she just takes one more X-ray picture―one more after thousands―she can unlock the building blocks of life. Never again will she have to listen to her colleagues complain about her, especially Maurice Wilkins who'd rather conspire about genetics with James Watson and Francis Crick than work alongside her.

Then it finally happens―the double helix structure of DNA reveals itself to her with perfect clarity. But what unfolds next, Rosalind could have never predicted.

Marie Benedict's powerful new novel shines a light on a woman who sacrificed her life to discover the nature of our very DNA, a woman whose world-changing contributions were hidden by the men around her but whose relentless drive advanced our understanding of humankind.

Also By Marie Benedict:

The Other Einstein

Carnegie's Maid

The Only Woman in the Room

Lady Clementine

The Mystery of Mrs. Christie

From the Publisher

	The Other Einstein	Carnegie’s Maid	The Only Woman in the Room	Lady Clementine	The Mystery of Mrs. Christie	The Mitford Affair

Customer Reviews	15,484	27,558	29,626	10,302	9,918	3,707
Price	$9.29	$7.44	$12.12	$9.44	$9.35	$5.48
Don’t miss these inspiring reads from Marie Benedict!	The story of not-so-famous scientist Mileva Marić, who not only loved Albert Einstein, but also shaped the theories that brought him lasting renown.	Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist to true philanthropist.	Based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist Hedy Lamarr, this book celebrates the many women in science that history has overlooked.	The ferocious story of Clementine Churchill, the ambitious woman who did not flinch through the sweeping darkness of war, and who would not surrender to expectations or to enemies.	A thrilling reconstruction of one of the most notorious events in literary history: Agatha Christie's mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926.	An explosive novel of history's most notorious sisters, one of whom will have to choose: her country or her family?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Benedict brings to life Franklin’s grit and spirit...an important contribution to the historical record." ― The Washington Post

"A compelling look at the scientist’s impressive and all-too-short life…there are no easy answers in Her Hidden Genius, but there is much food for thought." ― Science magazine

"Marie Benedict brings human warmth and in-depth science to a novel on the life of Rosalind Franklin…Benedict is terrific at showing how male exclusivity operates and has researched the science in magnificent depth…A humanly as well as scientifically engaging read." ― Financial Times

"Benedict again illuminates an overlooked female historical figure, accessibly highlighting Franklin’s scientific achievements and also depicting some of her personal life." ― Library Journal

"You’ve read about the men who lied and took credit for her experiments and discovery in your science books. But this is not their story; it’s hers." ― BookRiot

"Benedict adeptly brings forward another accomplished, intriguing, and unjustly overlooked or oversimplified real-life woman in a welcoming and involving historical novel." ― Booklist

"Benedict breaks down the science for the reader while bringing to life a woman whose incredible discoveries were hidden by the men around her." ― SheReads

"Marie Benedict has a remarkable talent for forcing open the cracks of history to draw extraordinary women into the sunlight. In Her Hidden Genius, Benedict weaves together molecular biology and human psychology to bring vivid life to Rosalind Franklin, whose discovery of DNA’s exquisite double-helix structure takes on the narrative intensity of a thriller. Fans of historical fiction will devour this complex portrait of a brilliant and trailblazing genius and the price she paid to advance the frontiers of science.” ― Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Our Woman in Moscow

"Marie Benedict does it again, pulling another brilliant woman out of the shadows of history into an illuminating portrait for posterity. This eye-opening novel deftly explores the life of Rosalind Franklin―the wronged heroine of world-changing discoveries―and her singular pursuit of science. Educational and astounding. Brava!" ― Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of America’s First Daughter

"What an important book this is. Through Marie Benedict's trademark insight and immersive historical research, Rosalind Franklin and her extraordinary legacy are beautifully restored to public recognition. So brilliantly sketched is this brilliant woman that you will find yourself both infuriated by the misogynistic battles she faces and inspired by the intellectual achievements she manages to secure regardless. A must-read for anyone interested in science or forgotten heroines." ― Kate Moore, New York Times bestselling author of The Radium Girls and The Woman They Could Not Silence

"Impeccably researched and beautifully written, Her Hidden Genius is a remarkable story of strength, perseverance, and achievement. Marie Benedict once again shines a light on women in science, vibrantly bringing Rosalind Franklin’s genius to life in the pages of her novel." ― Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Half Life

"Marie Benedict has given us an immense gift: a peek into the inner world of Rosalind Franklin, one of the most brilliant―and overlooked―scientists of her time. Her Hidden Genius describes the discovery of DNA in exquisite beauty, weaving the structure of the double helix effortlessly into a poignant and compelling narrative. This is Benedict’s best work yet, a book that will break your heart, rattle your expectations, and ultimately leave you stunned by the sacrifices one woman made for science." ― Nathalia Holt, New York Times bestselling author of Rise of the Rocket Girls

About the Author

Marie Benedictis a lawyer with more than ten years’ experience as a litigator at two of the country’s premier law firms and for Fortune 500 companies. She is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston College with a focus in history and art history and a cum laude graduate of the Boston University School of Law. Marie, the author of The Other Einstein, Carnegie’s Maid, The Only Woman in the Room, and Lady Clementine, views herself as an archaeologist of sorts, telling the untold stories of women. She lives in Pittsburgh with her family.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 25, 2022
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1728229391
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1728229393
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.01 x 9.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #414,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #37 in Biographical Historical Fiction
- #57 in Biographical Fiction (Books)
- #1,647 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
3,574 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Videos

Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Marie Benedict

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Marie Benedict is a lawyer with more than ten years' experience as a litigator at two of the country's premier law firms, who found her calling unearthing the hidden historical stories of women. Her mission is to excavate from the past the most important, complex and fascinating women of history and bring them into the light of present-day where we can finally perceive the breadth of their contributions as well as the insights they bring to modern day issues. She embarked on a new, thematically connected series of historical novels with THE OTHER EINSTEIN, which tells the tale of Albert Einstein's first wife, a physicist herself, and the role she might have played in his theories. The next novel in this series is the USA Today bestselling CARNEGIE'S MAID -- which released in January of 2018 -- and the book that followed is the New York Times bestseller and Barnes & Noble Book Club Pick THE ONLY WOMAN IN THE ROOM, the story of the brilliant inventor Hedy Lamarr, which published in January of 2019. In January of 2020, LADY CLEMENTINE, the story of the incredible Clementine Churchill, was released, and became an international bestseller. Her next novel, the Instant NYTimes and USAToday bestselling THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE, was published on December 29, 2020, and her first co-written book, THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN, with the talented Victoria Christopher Murray, will be released on June 29, 2021. Writing as Heather Terrell, Marie also published the historical novels The Chrysalis, The Map Thief, and Brigid of Kildare.

Customer reviews

3,574 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Review this product

Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this novel to be a well-researched page-turner that weaves personal stories effectively, making it an especially moving historical fiction. Moreover, the book receives praise for its readability and character development, with customers highlighting the main character's wonderful achievement and determination. Additionally, they appreciate the book's insight, with one customer noting how it helps understand an important time in history.

Select to learn more

Story quality Writing quality Readability Insight Character development Integrity

51 customers mention "Story quality"47 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, particularly praising how well the author weaves personal narratives and creating an especially moving historical fiction about Dr. Rosaline Franklin.

"...I learned about this amazing female scientist, Rosalind Franklin, whom I had never heard of & her research into DNA...." Read more

"...Twists and turns keep the story going and interesting. Recommend for book clubs and individuals." Read more

"Even though I know this is a novel, I know the basic story is fact...." Read more

"...I adored this depiction of Dr. Franklin being strong-willed and dedicated to her craft. That's one thing I love about all of Marie Benedict's books...." Read more

49 customers mention "Writing quality"40 positive9 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as a well-researched page-turner that is very readable.

"Interesting read, especially if you’re interested in science." Read more

"Marie Benedict always writes beautifully. I have enjoyed many of her previous novels...." Read more

"...It addresses these weighty issues, but in a very readable way. So much so I devoured the book in one sitting." Read more

"...and accomplishments unrecognized, due to being a woman, are brilliantly written. Twists and turns keep the story going and interesting...." Read more

35 customers mention "Readability"35 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as brilliant and worth the time to read.

"This was a light way to read about a tremendously gifted and dedicated scientist Rosalind Franklin...." Read more

"This book is very good. It’s about a famous woman who people only look at her outstanding looks and not at her brain. A really good read." Read more

"What a wonderful book! All of her books are very well done. This on is one of my absolute favorites!..." Read more

"...Well done! Highly recommend!" Read more

16 customers mention "Insight"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, describing it as interesting and eye-opening, with one customer noting how it helps understand an important time in history.

"...Twists and turns keep the story going and interesting. Recommend for book clubs and individuals." Read more

"...The relationship Rosalind had with Ray was endearing." Read more

"...job of telling the story of historical characters in very real and moving novels and this one is no different.." Read more

"...Roseland Franklin had a n interesting life and amazing intellect. I knew nothing about her before this book...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, highlighting the wonderful achievement of the main character and describing her as an amazing woman. One customer notes that the settings and characters are well drawn.

"...The character development and theme of science and accomplishments unrecognized, due to being a woman, are brilliantly written...." Read more

"...I adored this depiction of Dr. Franklin being strong-willed and dedicated to her craft. That's one thing I love about all of Marie Benedict's books...." Read more

"...What an amazing woman she was, her only downfall was she was born during a time when women scientists were not treated well by their male..." Read more

"As all of Marie Benedict’s strong women, Rosalind was tough and brilliant...." Read more

6 customers mention "Integrity"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the integrity of the scientist portrayed in the book.

"...This book is a well written, well researched page turner about an amazing scientist that most people did not even know existed...." Read more

"...Dr. Franklin was a dedicated, highly intelligent, ethical scientist, amazing person with extraordinary values...." Read more

"Loved the honesty, the human angles, even the distasteful misogynistic attitudes. Great read for a science lover. Highly recommended. Huzzah" Read more

"What an amazing story of Dr. Rosaline Franklin, a brilliant scientist, who discovered but was never credited in the discovery of DNA molecule." Read more

Reviews with images

See all photos

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

Dorothy Branch
Good Book
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2025
Verified Purchase

Interesting read, especially if you’re interested in science.

Read more

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Rita Bonivert
Review of Her Hidden Genius
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2025
Verified Purchase
Marie Benedict always writes beautifully. I have enjoyed many of her previous novels. I learned about this amazing female scientist, Rosalind Franklin, whom I had never heard of & her research into DNA.

Amazon delivery was not up to their normal standards.

Read more

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Elizabeth Rose
Brilliant
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
Marie Benedict brings Rosalind Franklin to life again in a way I've never imagined her as a person. I became aware of her contributions when I was a biology major at a woman's college in the late 70s and early 80s. Thankfully, I had professors in my classes who did not treat Watson, Crick, and Wilkins with the same hagiography I had experienced in HS, and did acknowledge how Franklin's work was foundational to their model-building. What I didn't realize, however, was just how awful the White-male dominated postwar scientific community around her behaved at the time of the discovery. Because she was a woman, and even, possibly, because she was Jewish.

I wish I could say that this part of the story was overdone, but having worked in that community, I suspect it wasn't. For every supportive, intelligent man I learned from and worked with (and there were many, as well as superlative women) there were two or three mediocre Wilkins types just waiting to use the work of the women or other already marginalized individuals in the field around them to lever themselves into better positions for themselves, and stepping on anyone (man or woman) whom they felt threatened their ambitions. (I also saw this in a couple of women.) Sadly, these people will use any cultural cudgel they can conjure: Racism/bigotry, LGBTQ, religion, gender, etc., to undermine their colleagues for their own benefit.

What this story does, however, is shows the benefits of real collaboration, in this case in science, and how one of Franklin's many legacies is the scientists with whom she collaborated who recognized the benefits of synergy that Franklin championed, all of whom ended up making important contributions in their own right. That is not fiction.

I recommend this book wholeheartedly. It addresses these weighty issues, but in a very readable way. So much so I devoured the book in one sitting.

Read more

27 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Racy Tracy
Felt Like Being There In Person.
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
Beautifully written, as though you knew Rosalind in person and traveled the world of science and mountain climbing with her. The character development and theme of science and accomplishments unrecognized, due to being a woman, are brilliantly written. Twists and turns keep the story going and interesting. Recommend for book clubs and individuals.

Read more

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
N. Farrior
Smart heroine, and light reimagining of her life
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was a light way to read about a tremendously gifted and dedicated scientist Rosalind Franklin. I think perhaps I’m just not a super fan this type of historical fiction, but I do see benefit for people who would read this but not the book graphical research the author mentions. Lots of styles of books in the sea, and I’m better off for having the mental discussion of what kind of reading in the biographical category I’d prefer.

Read more

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Kristi M
loads of science
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025
Verified Purchase
I love Marie Benedict books. I enjoyed this but I cannot say it was a favorite. The relationship Rosalind had with Ray was endearing.

Read more

Helpful

Report
Kittlecat
Just Genius
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
I knew nothing about Rosalind Franklin before I read this book, but I understood her. I too had to deal with male colleagues who put roadblocks during my career as a sportswriter during the 70s, 80s and 90s. I was fortunate to work with many men and women who helped further my career. However, unlike Dr. Franklin’s experience, nobody ever stole my work. Too bad those scientists felt they had to belittle her for being unfeminine, missing her hidden genius. Her light flamed high but unfortu

Read more

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report
Suesue
wonderful book
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024
Verified Purchase
Even though I know this is a novel, I know the basic story is fact. Marie Benedict does a marvelous job of telling the story of historical characters in very real and moving novels and this one is no different..

Read more

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Report

Top reviews from other countries

Maligne Kroeker
Truth
Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2024
Verified Purchase

I really liked the fact that this was a true story about a woman. The thing I really disliked was the horrible treatment Rosalind received from the men in England and that they stole her research. It was wonderful that she had camaraderie with some friends in France. It was very inspirational. There were sad/angry times throughout the book.

Read more
Report
Erin Michelle Ross
Fantastic historical fiction
Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2023
Verified Purchase
Marie Benedict manages to write such a richly woven tale that balances the research with the story of a fascinating female scientist that has often been overlooked in favor of her male contemporaries.

Read more
Report
Kindle Customer
Worthwhile Historical Scientific Read.
Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book was for my Retired Science Teachers Book Club....everyone loved it!

Read more
Report

See more reviews

Follow the author

Her Hidden Genius: A Novel Hardcover – January 25, 2022

Purchase options and add-ons

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

About the Author

Product details

Videos

About the author

Marie Benedict

Customer reviews

Review this product

Customers say

Select to learn more

Images in this review

Reviews with images

True balance of historical information and fiction

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Truth

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic historical fiction

5.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile Historical Scientific Read.

Truth

Fantastic historical fiction

Worthwhile Historical Scientific Read.