Marie Curie and Her Daughters

Bought this as a birthday gift for my sister, excellent quality book, one for the fancy book case! She is really happy, a must read

‘Marie Curie and Her Daughters’ by Imogen Greenberg & Isabel Greenberg is a richly illustrated biography intended for young readers on the life and work of Marie Curie, the first woman to win two Nobel Prizes for science. Aside from her groundbreaking scientific discoveries, Marie was also a mother. Her daughters, Irene and Eve, were themselves extraordinary women.Marie Curie lived at a time when it was almost impossible for women to be scientists. Yet she was determined to follow her passion and did so.I knew very little about Marie Curie’s life outside of her work with radioactive elements and the manner of her death. That she had daughters who themselves were independent and successful in their respective fields was a revelation. I was also unaware of her work with the Red Cross as Director of the Radiology Unit during the Great War.Irene became a scientist and worked at the Radium (later Curie) Institute. In 1935 Irene and her husband won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. Eve became a journalist and traveled extensively during WWII as a war correspondent. Following the end of the war she married and she and her husband, Henry, were involved with UNICEF, travelling the world on its behalf. The book ends with a short tribute to the legacy of the Curies to inspire new generations of women.It’s clear that the Greenberg sisters are a successful team with Imogen’s writing complimented by Isabel’s charming illustrations.Overall, I found this a very accessible and informative work of nonfiction. It is a beautifully presented book that is bound to be an inspiration for young readers and of interest to educators and librarians.

I have long admired Marie Curie. She was the only female scientist we were taught about in school, and as I then went on to study Physics at university, my interest has only increased. I chose this book, both because Marie herself is of interest, and because I wanted to know about her daughters.I have read about Marie Curie’s life before, and I think that this particular version of her life story does an excellent job. A large amount of information is conveyed concisely, and more importantly, in an interesting way. The vivid illustrations really bring the story to life. I found this book easy to read, informative, and very enjoyable.If you’re looking for an inspiring and interesting tale, then pick this one about three courageous and intelligent women.I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.