Good history, good human nature stories. ( )

7/8/22

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A pioneer of radioactivity and radiation therapy, Marie Curie has an assured place in scientific history. Untold numbers have benefitted from her discovery – especially cancer patients. Further accolades upon accolades follow her name: two-time winner of a Nobel Prize (jointly in physics and alone in chemistry), first female Nobel laureate, wife and daughter of two other Nobel laureates, tireless supporter of her country in World War I, first female professor at Paris’ elite Sorbonne, and far too many honorary degrees to list.

Some reviewers consider this book too much hagiography and not critical enough. That point is ceded because this work, written by Marie’s daughter Eve, is largely absent of criticism. However, what it lacks in criticism, it makes up for in intimacy. It does not shortchange the magnanimity of Dr. Curie’s scientific accomplishments while giving the reader a sense of her family life and personal dignity.

Students of science and of life can benefit from Dr. Curie’s detached outlook on life. Women can be inspired at all they can do despite unfriendly social structures. Eve’s presentation of Marie Curie paints a picture of a woman who tirelessly and beautifully served scientific knowledge and her family despite unfriendly life events. She lost her husband due to an unforeseen and tragic accident in the prime of their common life together. Nevertheless, she picked up herself, her sorrow, her children, her husband’s professorship, and her research to bring them to new heights.

She can also serve as an inspiration to the introverts among us. Marie’s determined strength was as hard as steel, but her manners were humble and gentle. She never forgot her native Poland and took pride in its political victories. She was never ostentatious. She gave in both financial and sweat equity to the French cause in World War I by serving at the front with much-needed X-ray technology. Eve’s portrayal certainly presents Marie as a saint… and I find it hard to believe that there exists much to criticize in Marie’s hard-working character.

This book can inspire many audiences. It has stood the test of time, still in print almost 85 years after its initial publication. Eve’s quality of writing and depth of insight is impressive. She does not bog herself down in pedantic scientific detail (despite obvious opportunity to do so) but instead captures Marie’s essential culture contributions. Young aspiring scientists, both male and female, should learn of this giant. So should cancer patients whose lives might be saved by her ingenious labors. As with much in life, scientific knowledge is neither guaranteed nor a right. Rather, as Curie’s life shows us, a combination of determination, action, intelligence, and skill alone can capture it and the future. ( )

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