Richmond Book Club April 2025 Meeting

The Richmond Book Club's April meeting will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Capital Ale House, Midlothian, 13831 Village Place Drive. April's book is The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. Based on the life story of Hedy Lamarr, a famed actress of the 1930s and 1940s, this fictional biography rewrites Lamarr’s legacy by focusing on her path towards inventing groundbreaking frequency-hopping radio technology that revolutionized modern communication and anticipated wi-fi.

From the publisher:
"She possessed a stunning beauty. She also possessed a stunning mind. Could the world handle both? Her beauty almost certainly saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans while at her husband's side, understanding more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee in disguise from their castle, and the whirlwind escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star.

"But she kept a secret more shocking than her heritage or her marriage: she was a scientist. And she knew a few secrets about the enemy. She had an idea that might help the country fight the Nazis… if anyone would listen to her. Benedict uses the political machinations of WWII and Hedy’s experiences to explore performativity, guilt, and sexism."

I hope you'll get together with us to talk about the book, have something to eat and drink, and enjoy one another's company. If you have questions/comments, let me know at pawoodson@msn.com or call/text at 760-650-6953. You can also use the Notifications or Messages functions on the club's group page. Thanks.

Pat Woodson