The Elements of Marie Curie

How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science

De: Dava Sobel

Narrado por: Pat Rodrigues

The acclaimed Pulitzer Prize finalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Galileo’s Daughter crafts a luminous chronicle of the life and work of the most famous woman in the history of science, and the untold story of the many young women trained in her laboratory who were launched into stellar scientific careers of their own

“Even now, nearly a century after her death, Marie Curie remains the only female scientist most people can name,” writes Dava Sobel at the opening of her shining portrait of the sole Nobel laureate decorated in two separate fields of science—Physics in 1903 with her husband Pierre and Chemistry by herself in 1911. And yet, Sobel makes clear, as brilliant and creative as she was in the laboratory, Marie Curie was equally passionate outside it. Grieving Pierre’s untimely death in 1906, she took his place as professor of physics at the Sorbonne; devotedly raised two brilliant daughters; drove a van she outfitted with x-ray equipment to the front lines of World War I; befriended Albert Einstein and other luminaries of twentieth-century physics; won support from two U.S. presidents; and inspired generations of young women the world over to pursue science as a way of life.

As Sobel did so memorably in her portrait of Galileo through the prism of his daughter, she approaches Marie Curie from a unique angle, narrating her remarkable life of discovery and fame alongside the women who became her legacy—from France’s Marguerite Perey, who discovered the element francium, and Norway’s Ellen Gleditsch, to Mme. Curie’s elder daughter, Irène, winner of the 1935 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. For decades the only woman in the room at international scientific gatherings that probed new theories about the interior of the atom, Marie Curie traveled far and wide, despite constant illness, to share the secrets of radioactivity, a term she coined. Her two triumphant tours of the United States won her admirers for her modesty even as she was mobbed at every stop; her daughters, in Ève’s later recollection, “discovered all at once what the retiring woman with whom they had always lived meant to the world.”

With the consummate skill that made bestsellers of Longitude and Galileo’s Daughter, and the appreciation for women in science at the heart of her most recent The Glass Universe, Dava Sobel has crafted a radiant biography and a masterpiece of storytelling, illuminating the life and enduring influence of one of the most consequential figures of our time.

©2024 Dava Sobel (P)2024 Recorded Books

Very interesting read about an incredible scientis

This is an engaging biography about one of the greatest scientists. I liked the side stories about the different students and researchers, especially women, whom Marie formed and went to do great things. Most of the book dedicated to the years as scientist, and a little too brief towards the end. Narration is good. Great overall

Wonderful

Interesting true story of a intelligent woman who men kept from receiving the due she should have. Everyone should read this. Sorbel is a good author. I’ve read, listened to two of her other books and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Wow

Excellent biography of Marie Curie chose the full person of Marie Curie not just for amazing scientific achievements, shows her compassion or empathy her development of the field development of women’s scientist love

Great book poor narration

I give the highest mark, A+, to The Elements of Marie Curie. But the narration by Pat Rodrigues is very bothersome for me. It sounds artificial--like a reading voice that no one would use in a real world conversation. And, her particular voice is not unique in this manner. Other female narrators do the same thing. I would describe it as over-articulation and hyper-correctness, much like Davina Porter, Katherine Kelllgren and Rosalyn Landor.

For the love of science

Well-written and easy to follow. The author cleverly intertwines Madame Curie’s personal and professional achievements in a seamless manner. She presents complex chemistry in an easy to understand and interesting way. She further introduces several women who Madame Curie helped build their own careers in science. This story clearly shows Madame Curie’s pure love of science. Truly an inspiration for young girls. The narrator was excellent. Recommended.

Remarkable Scientist

This is an excellent book that highlights the contributions to science of the great Madame Curie and many women who gave much to the human species through science.

It was an okay read…

I thought The Elements of Marie Curie was okay… not bad, but nothing new to phone home about. It covered some interesting aspects of Curie’s work and legacy, but it didn’t feel particularly groundbreaking or engaging. The writing was fine, but it didn’t draw me in as much as I’d hoped.