The Other Einstein

Most people have not heard of Mileva Maric. She was a Serbian physicist and the first wife of Albert Einstein. Based on extensive research, author Marie Benedict has created a work of historical fiction that tells the story of a brilliant, beautiful, young couple in Zurich, Switzerland at the turn of the century. Mileva enters the Polytechnic as one of the only women ever to be allowed to study at this level. She is a serious student that has spent her life speeding towards this moment with the unrelenting support of her father. Having always shown a natural proficiency in math and science, Mileva finds herself holding back because it is unacceptable for a woman to outshine the other male students. Fellow classmate Albert Einstein is naturally intrigued and immediately sets out to befriend Mileva, whom he affectionately calls Mitza. In addition to the instant chemistry they share, their love of physics makes for an ideal team to discuss and examine the most challenging theories and even more astounding, create ones that do not yet exist. After an unexpected pregnancy, distraught parents on both sides and the glaring stare of Professor Weber, the couple manages to follow their bohemian dreams to live and learn together. One does not have to be Newton to understand that every object will remain at rest or in a straight line unless compelled to change its state by the action of an external force. It would be fair to say, they had a lot of external forces against them. Mileva miserably gives up her career for her husband and family, and in turn is completely shattered when that is still not enough. This incredible work has captured my imagination and my heart. Through the authors descriptive words I could easily imagine this famous couple that literally changed the world. Highly recommend this incredible and worthwhile new novel.