The Woman at the Wheel

By: Penny Haw

Narrated by: Caroline Hewitt

Inspiring historical fiction based on the real life of Bertha Benz, whose husband built the first prototype automobile, which eventually evolved into the Mercedes-Benz marque.

"Unfortunately, only a girl again."

From a young age, Cäcilie Bertha Ringer is fascinated by her father's work as a master builder in Pforzheim, Germany. But those five words, which he wrote next to her name in the family Bible, haunt Bertha.

Years later, Bertha meets Carl Benz and falls in love—with him and his extraordinary dream of building a horseless carriage. Bertha has such faith in him that she invests her dowry in his plans, a dicey move since they alone believe in the machine. When Carl's partners threaten to withdraw their support, he's ready to cut ties. Bertha knows the decision would ruin everything. Ignoring the cynics, she takes matters into her own hands, secretly planning a scheme that will either hasten the family's passage to absolute derision or prove their genius. What Bertha doesn't know is that Carl is on the cusp of making a deal with their nemesis. She's not only risking her marriage and their life's work, but is also up against the patriarchy, Carl's own self-doubt, and the clock.

Like so many other women, Bertha lived largely in her husband's shadow, but her contributions are now celebrated in this inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and love.

©2023 Penny Haw (P)2023 Recorded Books

I liked it!

Very interesting to hear how the German automobile was invented and what a big role his wife played in it

Characters were real.

I especially enjoyed Bertha, but the main characters all came alive in the telling.
The last chapter, where the author tells what her research found and what she invented, adds so much authenticity.

Fascinating

What a great bio fic story. A fascinating look at the invention and life-time pursuit of a combustible engine for a horseless carriage. Who knew that a woman was so involved. A whole family. And then the near fearless ride across the countryside at just the right time. With starts and stops all the way, Bertha Benz demonstrated a the kind of courage and fortitude that should be celebrated. I’m glad for this book and for the fact that it seems her part in all of this is finally being spotlighted.

Amazing! Top notch!

What an interesting true story about a strong woman, a believer in an outlandish dream. Bertha Ringer Benz is everything we aspire to be: intelligent, warm, dedicated, loving - and a visionary on a mission.
Thank you Penny Haw for bringing this inspiring, real woman to our attention. Thank you Caroline Hewitt for delivering the story with such clarity and pathos. We are there every step and cobblestone of the way.