Sisters in Science is a wonderfully researched and inspiring novel that beautifully weaves a tale of friendship, perseverance, and strength amidst the horrors of World War II and the pervasive misogyny faced by women across the globe. The story follows three brilliant women whose passion for science binds them together as they navigate a world that constantly underestimates them. Against all odds, some of them make groundbreaking discoveries that change the world, leaving an indelible mark on history.

As someone who wouldn’t typically call themselves a “science person,” I was pleasantly surprised by how approachable this story was. It struck the perfect balance—providing just enough scientific detail to enhance the narrative without overwhelming the reader. The focus remained on the compelling personal journeys of the characters, making their achievements feel relatable and deeply inspiring.

In addition to the incredible story of resilience, I was struck by how much I learned about the xenophobia and anti-Semitism present in America during this period. The novel doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of prejudice that existed not only abroad but also on American soil.

This novel is not only a tribute to the brilliance of women who defied societal norms but also a powerful exploration of friendship, hope, and the fight for justice. I highly recommend Sisters in Science to anyone interested in historical fiction, women’s stories, or thought-provoking narratives about perseverance in the face of bigotry and hate.

Clear, concise storyline. Great over our king connection between female scientists and what’s going on in the world. Between war, genocide, sexism and being used as secretaries, and never given the full credit even when earned these women overcame significant odds. We’re almost everything was working against them.

Olivia Campbell’s Sisters in Science: How Women Scientists Changed the World is a powerful and inspiring tribute to the often-overlooked women who have shaped the history of science. Through meticulously researched stories of trailblazers in science highlights their groundbreaking contributions while humanizing their struggles against societal barriers. The book is both a celebration of their resilience and a call to recognize the collaborative networks of women who supported and uplifted one another. Accessible and engaging, Sisters in Science not only honors these pioneers but also underscores the ongoing need for equity in STEM, making it a must-read for anyone passionate about history, science, or gender equality.

Sisters in Science is a true story about four women scientists and their escape from Germany during WWII. These women were trailblazers. At a time when women studying, teaching and working as scientists was either unheard of or uncommon, these women persisted in their academic studies and went on to make valuable contributions in the scientific community that were used as the basis for studies many years down the line.

When the Nazis came to power, women and Jews were no longer allowed to hold academic positions. Their lives in danger, these brilliant women were forced to flee Germany. With the help of friends and other members of the science community they embarked on a dangerous journey. One of the scientists, Lise Meitner made her way to Sweeden where she went on to make a groundbreaking discovery in nuclear physics. Hedwig Kohn, Hertha Sponer and Hildegard Stücklen found their way to the Unites States where they went on to be academics teaching in universities.

It was very apparent that the author did extensive research, putting in a lot of time to understand not only the historical factors but the biographies of each of the women as well as the subject of their work. For me this book was twofold. It was hard to fully understand because I am not a woman of science and never delved into the world of physics so much of that was over my head, However, I am a woman of history and appreciate the new perspective; learning about yet another way that the world was impacted by the Nazi regime,

This book shines a light on the groundbreaking fight by women to find their place in the scientific world in Germany, the harrowing escape from the Nazi regime and the strength to overcome the odds and become masters in their fields.

I would like to thank Harlequin Audio for the ARC of the audio version of this book. It was a pleasure to learn about these strong and inspirational women.

This is the story of four brilliant scientists who struggled throughout their lives to get a good education and to followed their chosen careers in Physics. They were stymied by custom, laws, and finally by the Nazis. It also laid out their struggles to remain employed and then to escape the Nazis.

I found it to be a good read and eye opening. As a scientist myself, I know that the guidance offered to young women in some fields and and the career opportunities are not as "reach for the stars" as for young men. I hadn't realized that career opportunities were limited by laws in their time. The chapters dealing specifically with the growth of the Nazi movement were frightening as I see similar restrictions and limitations happening in the US today.

There is a fair amount of science integrated into the book, as well as the biographical information of these accomplished scientists. This book might be a bit too heavy on the science for some readers, but I do think it's an excellent book for people who are interested in the fortitude, drive, and brilliant minds of some of the women who worked alongside better known men such as Einstein and Planck.

I listened to the audio version of this book. I thought the narrator was excellent, with a talent to pronounce not only foreign locations, but scientific terms.

This was SUCH an engaging book. I have read so many books about this time period, but following 4 women scientists as they escape the Nazis was new for me.

Campbell does such a great job of brining you into the stories of these women. You really feel the fear and intensity of the time, and what might have happened if these women had not been able to escape.

I also loved the narration, it was so well done.

I definitely think this is a book to check out!

What an amazing history about four women who managed to defy the odds twice - once to become established physicists at a time when very few women were permitted to achieve advanced degrees, let alone land in professor or research positions; twice to be able to escape from Nazi Germany and also be able to continue working in their field.

Its a harrowing story about the sexism these four women faced just to achieve some level of success in their field, but then their seemingly impossible attempts to get out of Germany before the Nazi's took everything from them.

One of the most moving chapters was towards the end on the women who didn't get out and the horrific ends they met at the hands of the Nazis.

A wonderful history that gave me even more respect for what women had to endure to not only be taken seriously in their field but also to fight for their lives to secure opportunities that would allow them to leave Germany.

This book tells the story of four brilliant female physicists—Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen—forced to flee Nazi Germany. Their harrowing escapes and subsequent contributions to physics, despite facing discrimination, highlight the power of perseverance and scientific curiosity.

This book is less about science and more about Nazis than I expected. Compelling and compassionate, the book is thoroughly researched and brilliantly written. The audiobook narration adds to the enjoyment of the book.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This nonfiction book documents the stories of four female scientists and their efforts to flee Germany during World War II. Honestly, the blurb makes it sound like an exciting adventure, but it doesn’t really read that way. The book follows Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen. Lise ends up in Sweden, but the others eventually end up in the United States. They are all physicists with revolutionary research.

I started reading the ebook but eventually switched to the audiobook to finish. The audio is narrated by Cassandra Campbell. This is my second listen to this narrator, and I thought she did a fine job with what I found to be rather dry material.

I’ve seen a few complaints that it was too science heavy, but I didn’t find it so. At times over my head a bit, but my brother is the physicist and I’m more familiar with geology. I found the accounts confusing at times since the book jumped around between stories. While the women were all different, there were common threads of political and academic bureaucracy as well as misogyny, sexism, and racism, specifically the oppression of women as well as Jews in all of their stories, and as each individual’s experiences were related, at times, gave a strong sense of repetitiveness, also adding to my confusion.

I think these stories are important, but this may not be the one for you depending on your interests. I would recommend it to those that are interested in the history of how professional individuals and specifically women in academia went through the process of immigration or seeking refugee status during this time period.

Thank you to Netgalley, The Hive, Park Row Books, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Harlequin Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.

While Sisters in Science features physicists and their stories very prominently, and some discussions of their scientific discoveries and work are obviously well-highlighted and briefly explained, it should be noted that this is certainly more a history than it is a physics lecture. After having recently read Reeder's The Cure for Women about the difficulties women experienced being allowed to practice medicine, I found my appetite for this work quite whetted and it did not disappoint.

While perhaps not as sweepingly cinematic as the aforementioned Cure for Women, Campbell's work makes up for that prestige HBO series feel with a more grounded and matter-of-fact story about the four women at the heart of the narrative. In this way, the book naturally alternates not just between its four central characters, but between their personal lives, their research, and the rise of the Nazi party and the reforms that saw them fleeing from their homes. While some might find this disorienting, the approach works well in my opinion to illustrate the way in which their lives - while not frequently closely intertwined - and their experiences are all so similar and yet different. It gives a certain breadth to the experiences of dealing with the flight from Nazi Germany that cannot usually be adequately communicated via a single narrative.

Some commentary and speculation in the closing chapters regarding what more might have been achieved by these women had they been allowed to continue their work uninterrupted, how much more social progress might have been achieved without the repressive regime of the Nazis, and whether we might have had a greater focus on the benevolent application of atomic power had not certain discoveries been made against the backdrop of war are also welcome as food for thought. Another sobering reminder in these chapters is that while these women escaped, their stories are ones of limited triumph; there were many, many more who did not escape before the worst including their own relatives who were put to death. Other grim reminders are that there were of course those in Germany after the fall of the Nazis who did not feel contrite in their participation with the regime and continued to espouse such terrible views until their deaths.

While the human cost should of course be first and foremost on the list of atrocities brought on by the Nazis, it is also worth considering how such bigotry and misogyny limits mankind as a whole. Doctors, physicists, chemists, prevented from continuing to further our understanding of the universe, prevented from making the next big discovery to advance our species, because they were Jewish or a woman. Genius knows no race or gender, but there are always those who would rather think themselves great by destroying others than by edifying themselves.

What a harrowing and hopeful story of four incredible women who pursued their passion and research while their lives were at risk. I appreciated the narrative flow to the story and thought the narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life. After reading the book I went on an even deeper dive to learn about these women and their achievements. I appreciated how Campbell highlighted the context these women were working in, while also exploring the research they were doing. I did struggle with jumping from scientist to scientist, but that may because I was listening reading than reading the names throughout.
4.5 stars rounded up

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars (Outstanding)
Setting: Nazi Germany; United States of America
Genre: Historical Biography

In Sisters in Science, readers are immersed in the gripping, historically rich, and deeply inspiring true story of four pioneering women physicists—Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen—who defied Nazi oppression and changed the course of scientific history. This meticulously researched book sheds light on the harrowing realities of Nazi Germany while celebrating the indomitable spirit of these brilliant minds, who were forced to flee their homeland due to their Jewish ancestry or opposition to the regime.

The book masterfully balances scientific achievement with human resilience, presenting the women’s groundbreaking contributions to physics while chronicling their dangerous escapes and struggles to rebuild their careers in foreign lands. Lise Meitner’s pivotal role in the discovery of nuclear fission in Sweden, Hertha Sponer’s influential work in molecular physics in the United States, and the extraordinary perseverance of Kohn and Stücklen illustrate how talent and determination can flourish despite persecution and exile. Their stories underscore not only the systemic barriers women faced in science but also the remarkable ways in which they shattered them.

The author’s cinematic prose makes Sisters in Science read like a historical thriller while remaining firmly grounded in rigorous scholarship. Vivid storytelling breathes life into each woman’s personal and professional journey, making this book as emotionally compelling as it is intellectually stimulating. The narrative seamlessly weaves scientific breakthroughs with political history, demonstrating how these women not only survived but thrived—forever changing the landscape of physics.

More than just a historical account, Sisters in Science is a testament to the power of intellectual courage and solidarity among women in STEM. A must-read for history enthusiasts, science lovers, and anyone seeking inspiration from extraordinary individuals who overcame the darkest of times to leave a lasting impact on the world. Readers of The Radium Girls and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks will find this book particularly captivating.

A truly outstanding and essential contribution to both scientific and historical literature. #NetGalley #sistersinscience

Sisters in Science: How Four Women Physicists Escaped Nazi Germany and Made Scienctifc History by Olivia Campbell was an interesting read! It was obvious that Olivia Campbell had extensively researched the women.

It is about Hedwig Kohn, Hertha Sponer, Lise Meitner, and Hildegard Stucklen. They were four women physists who were stripped of their teaching and research duties because they were women and Jewish in Nazi Germany. All of the women struggled to leave Germany for a variety of reasons. They fled to different locations and were received with varying welcomes.

These women went on to further their scientific careers and helped show the importance of women in science. We still have a long way to go. But it was these and other women that have helped us come this far!

Thank you, Netgalley and Harlequin Audio, for this copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

In turns heartbreaking and inspiring, this story of four brilliant scientists escaping Nazi Germany while reshaping the field of physics is a must read.

Above and beyond their struggle to be recognized as leaders in their field because of their gender, those who wore the moniker of “jewess” even without practicing the religion were at even greater peril as the crack down on travel and safety threatened their lives and livelihoods. Only the hope of winning teaching positions in other countries could secure their possible freedom, and even then, that was often contingent upon the good will of the men in their networks.

I found the tender and personal accounts of their stories to be immensely compelling and it’s obvious that the research here focused not only on their academic and historical background, but lingered on their correspondence in a way that teased out their personalities and relationships in a very intentional manner. It also serves to help set the record straight on their contributions to the field of physics in so many instances, with Campbell making sure their legacies are intact. So well done.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for my copy. These opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Sisters in Science was such a wonderful selection to enjoy as an audiobook. Due to the in-depth information provided, listening to the book allowed for the experience of a lecture series, which I really enjoyed.

Sisters in Science tells the story of four female scientists who are forced to leave Germany due to their Jewish ancestry. Lise Meitner, Hedwig Kohn, Hildegard Stucken, and Hertha Sponer dedicated their lives to scientific discovery and faced many difficult challenges in order to be part of a field dominated by men. They were often not accepted in labs and were restricted in teaching positions and professional compensation. In addition, their research findings were often not respected by colleagues. While these challenges seem extremely difficult, they come nowhere close to the atrocities these women would face under the reign of Hitler if they were not able to escape. Therefore, once Hitler gains control, their focus becomes escaping Germany. The women must rely on their colleagues, friends, and the kindness of strangers all over the world in order to safely escape and continue their professional pursuits.

Campbell provided a thorough discussion of Lise, Hildegard, Hedwig, and Hertha’s stories and their many professional achievements. It is clear that she dedicated much time to researching the women’s lives and telling their story. This is a powerful work that portrays feminine strength, courage, and resilience in the hardest of times and when facing incredibly bleak circumstances.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and HTP The Hive for the opportunity to review Sisters in Science.

This is such a well researched and unique story. This follows female, Jewish scientists as they try to get out of Germany during WWII. These ladies have to depend on the science community to help get them to safety. And believe me…it is not easy. As with most books set in this time period, it is emotional. But I have to give kudos to the author for the research and the subject. As I said before, very unique

The book tells the story of women educators durning WWII - the primary figures are Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer and Hildegard Stucklen. Four women who lost their academic positions and were forced to find refuge at international locations or face the labor camps as staying in Germany was not safe.

The book is fascinating and the reader catches glimpse of other influential scientists and their escape from the Nazis - we see colleagues petitioning and finding the funding necessary to help other academics and learn of pioneers of science murders in the death camps. The story is important however I found the book to drag on and read more like a textbook than a novel.

Truly a wonderful look into the history of women in science and the struggle women have always face and certainly more desperate during a time of life or death. Not a light read but a story that needed to be told.

The subject of this book, women scientists who escaped Nazi Germany, intrigued me. However, this was simply not the book for me. I was hoping for more emphasis on their escape and unfortunately, I instead got a ton of physics information (none of which I understood, somehow having managed to avoid ever taking a physics class). Given that I was listening to the audiobook version, skimming those sections was not really an option. This is no knock on the narrator, but more of an issue for this listener.

Sadly, I decided to DNF Sisters in Science. It just wasn’t the right audiobook for me. I’m sure it will find an appreciative audience, however.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

(I'm only leaving a star rating because it is required.)

ALC Review: Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell
Pub date: Dec 31, 2024
Narration by: Cassandra Campbell

This was an excellent nonfiction book following 4 women scientists in Germany before and during WW2. I found it engaging and not over my head at all, even when Campbell was explaining the science that the women were working on. To no surprise, the stories are harrowing and deal with misogyny, racism, antisemitism, etc. It's remarkable that these women were able to survive and this book really explained things well and had a time line that was easily understandable.

I really liked the narration by Olivia Campbell! I'm a stickler for pronunciation and she pronounced all the German correctly. She kept my interest and made me want to keep listening.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily

Thank you Harlequin Audio, Park Row Books, HTP Hive, HTP Books for my #gifted listening copy and ARC of Sisters in Science! #SistersInScience #HTPHive #htpbooks #ParkRowBooks

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐄𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐳𝐢 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

Sisters in Science tells the true story of four women during WWII and their escape out of Nazi Germany. In the 1930s when Nazis took power, Jewish and female citizens were forced out of their academic positions. That meant Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen had no choice but to flee because of their Jewish ancestry or anti-Nazi sentiments. This book was so well-researched and I loved learning more about these women and their story. I would have never known about these women and all they did for the field of physics without this book. While I read a lot of historical fiction based on true events, it was nice to read some non-fiction about four women who persisted despite the odds that were stacked against them.

🎧I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Cassandra Campbell. Campbell. Did such an amazing job telling the story of these four women. I loved my time listening to her and thought she was a phenomenal storyteller. I am used to her narrating fiction, and I can say, she was just as dynamic narrating a non-fiction audiobook. I highly recommend this one on audio!