Rosalind - one woman did the work three men took the glory

Jessica Mills

Summary

ONE WOMAN DID THE WORKTHREE MEN TOOK THE GLORY 
‘Excellent’ The Times‘One of the best novels I have read this year’ Iris Costello‘A luminous, pin-sharp portrait of a true trailblazer’ Zoe Howe 
Societies are oiled with the unpaid, unaccounted for, work of women. It is the very glue that binds us together, and yet we are blind to it; a woman’s work remains invisible. 
Rosalind Franklin knows that to be a woman in a man’s world is to be invisible. In the 1950s science is a gentleman’s profession, and it appears after WWII that there are plenty of colleagues who want to keep it that way. 
After being segregated at Cambridge, then ignored and put down in the workplace, she has no intention of being seen as a second-class citizen and throws everything into proving her worth. But despite her success in unlocking the very secret of life, the ultimate glory is claimed by the men she left in her wake. 
Inspired by the true story of a woman so many tried to silence, Rosalind is a tale of hope and perseverance, love and betrayal … of real-life lessons in chemistry. 
‘A poignant, compelling novel that takes us into the heart and mind of Rosalind Franklin as she struggles for recognition in a man’s world’ Louisa Treger 
‘Loved this immersive journey into the life of a woman who changed the world’s understanding of what makes us who we are’ Emily Chung 
‘An engaging novel that intertwines the personal and the universal like braided strands of DNA’ Luna McNamara 
‘Rosalind paints a shocking and necessary portrait of institutional misogyny in mid-century science’ Nikki Marmery

Available since: 02/01/2024.

1 Comments

Book of the Week 03/08/2024

ROSALIND by Jessica Mills is an absolute rollercoaster of feminist empowerment and scientific brilliance. Mills breathes life into the (almost) forgotten pages of history, giving Rosalind Franklin the recognition she deserved during her lifetime. In this gripping historical fiction, we witness Rosalind’s journey as a fierce and determined woman who defied the sexism and misogyny of her time to achieve scientific greatness.

The narrative skillfully delves into Rosalind’s struggles, not just as a scientist but as a woman fighting against an oppressive system. Mills vividly portrays the challenges Rosalind faced, from her own father discouraging her scientific ambitions to male colleagues stealing credit for her groundbreaking work. The book ignites a flame of feminist rage while celebrating Rosalind’s unyielding spirit. The first-rate scientist serves as a true inspiration for women today, reminding us of the importance of believing in oneself and persisting in the face of adversity. In a world that often silenced women’s voices, this book is a powerful tribute to a remarkable woman who changed the course of science but was denied the recognition she deserved.

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About the author

Jessica Mills

Jessica Mills is a journalist (Jessica Davies) and author. She has written for publications such as The Independent, The Wall Street Journal and Business Insider, where she investigated the use of...

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