The Half-Life of Marie Curie by Lauren Gunderson

Marie Curie. The most famous woman in the history of science: double Nobel prize winner and who saved countless lives on the front line in WW1. But this was almost written out of history. Four years after the death of her husband Pierre, Marie has embarked on - and been discovered in - an affair with a married scientist. The fall out threatens to tear her, and her daughters' lives apart. Into the eye of the media-storm surrounding her bustles peer and friend, Hertha Ayrton to take her away from the chaos and scrutiny. The Half-Life of Marie Curie revels in the power of female friendship as it explores the relationship between these two brilliant women, both of whom are mothers, widows and fearless champions of scientific inquiry.