An Unlikely Hero? The Case of Biochemist Rosalind Franklin
Sometimes the unlikeliest people rise to the moment and surprise the world with their heroism, whether it’s
- a Hebrew shepherd boy named David whose only weapons are a sling and stones
- a mild-mannered newspaper reporter named Clark Kent
- or a comedian-turned-president of a threatened nation
This month, we focus on one such unlikely scientific hero: Rosalind Franklin, an early-20th century British biochemist.
Her passion for science led her down a challenging and improbable path for a woman in that time.
Her research in France and England led to groundbreaking discoveries in science and medicine:
- DNA (brought revolutionary advances in understanding disease pathways and genetic disorders, as well as the formulation of new drugs)
- RNA (brought great advances in understanding viruses blighting agricultural crops, as well as the virus that causes polio)
What inspired me, a non-scientist, to read Her Hidden Genius, Marie Benedict’s fictionalized account of Rosalind Franklin’s life and scientific career?
- Rosalind Franklin was an underdog—a woman forging a scientific career in an era when society and her family pressured her to choose a more traditional, family-oriented life
- Her perseverance, work ethic, and scientific rigor, in spite of the skepticism she faced as a woman scientist in her era
- Author Marie Benedict maintains an even-handed perspective on Rosalind and the controversy relating to other scientists’ use of her findings without giving her credit. Other writers have portrayed Rosalind either in a negative light or as a saint.
- Her conflicts with others revealed her core principles
- Well-painted settings, in Paris and London
- A well-written story that humanized Rosalind and held my interest
- Strong characters:
- Heroes of the story were Rosalind and the men and women who supported her in her life and the race to map the structure of DNA.
- The scientists and family members who treated her badly came across as villains. Their attitudes and behavior weren’t uncommon in that era, but still shocked me.
Fyi for this novel:
- You’ll encounter basic scientific explanations of Rosalind Franklin’s projects, since science played such a big role in her life
- Content Rating—mild + for brief kissing
My recommendation:
If you enjoy a story that immerses you in an earlier time period, takes you inside the main character’s psyche so you experience the highs and lows of her emotions and life, and if you have at least a passing interest in how science progressed, Her Hidden Genius is a book for you.