Sisters in Science: A Journey Through Resilience and Brilliance
I was drawn to Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell not just out of curiosity, but from a personal desire to better understand the untold stories of women in academia during one of history’s darkest times. The dedication of this book caught my breath: “This book is dedicated to all the women academics murdered by the Nazis. Their absence haunts this book…” This poignant introduction filled me with a sense of urgency to explore the narratives of Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen, four extraordinary women who not only navigated the oppressive landscape of Nazi Germany but also made significant contributions to the world of science.
From the outset, Campbell’s meticulous research shines through. The book immerses you in the lives of these women during the 1930s and 1940s, a period when their very existence was threatened by rampant misogyny and the encroaching horrors of fascism. As someone who thought I had a grasp on the historical context of WWII and the Holocaust, I was astonished by the new insights and details that Campbell presents. Each woman’s story unfolds with a heartbreaking grace, demonstrating their resilience and determination to thrive in academia against all odds.
However, as much as I appreciated the depth of research and detail, I found that the structure did present challenges. At times, the narrative felt disjointed as it shifted between the four women’s experiences. The multiple H-named protagonists made it a bit tricky to keep track of who was who—a distracting point that pulled me out of the otherwise gripping stories. While Campbell attempts to provide context by oscillating between tales, I sometimes felt lost in a jumble of timelines and names.
I also approached this book with a specific expectation, drawn in by its subtitle, “How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scientific History.” There was a certain excitement I anticipated, especially around their escape stories, but I found that these harrowing moments didn’t surface until much later than I’d hoped. The pacing was established by laying the groundwork of their professional lives and struggles before ever diving deep into the heart-pounding aspects of their flight from danger.
And then, there’s the science. Admittedly, while I have a keen interest in scientific progress—having even been a pre-med student for a time—I found myself skimming some of the denser scientific explanations. While I understand their necessity to illustrate these women’s groundbreaking achievements, the technical language occasionally added layers of dryness that pulled me away from their personal narratives.
Despite these critiques, Sisters in Science is a significant work that brings to light the often-overlooked contributions of women in scientific history. It’s an engaging read, especially for those who enjoy a deeper dive into the intersections of feminism, history, and science. The book left me armed with trivia that fuels both feminine and antifascist rage—a critical reminder of the struggles faced by women throughout history, from which we must never shy away in our contemporary fight against oppression.
If you are intrigued by the entwined stories of scientific innovation and historical struggle, if you cherish stories of resilience in the face of bias, and if you appreciate well-researched nonfiction that champions the voices of women, I strongly recommend picking up Campbell’s work. Though it wasn’t a perfect fit for me, it opened my eyes in profound ways and sparked a desire to learn even more about these remarkable women and their legacies.