The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
- Erin
- Aug 8, 2024
- 1 min read
5/5 Stars
As a woman in STEM, I often find myself drawn to books and stories about strong women. When these stories involve science, that’s a huge bonus for me. The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore checks off both boxes.
This historical non-fiction story delves into the lives of the young women employed in radium dial factories early in the 20th century. The luminous green paint the women used to paint watch dials contained radium which, unbeknownst to the women at the time, would have deadly consequences.
The Radium Girls is meticulously researched and explores in detail the beginnings of the radium industry, how the girls came to work for the industry, the practice of shaping their brushes with their lips, and the long-term and oftentimes fatal effects of such a practice. Kate Moore explores the legal aspects of the women’s journey with empathy and care. The reader is captivated and feels connected to the women as Kate Moore does an exceptional job of character development.
I can’t say that this book has a happy ending. These women faced insurmountable pain and suffering. Their families face immeasurable loss. But there is ultimately some justice at the end. For anyone who enjoys historical non-fiction, this is a must read. It is absolutely shocking at times. It will absolutely anger you at times. But it is well researched and honors these women in a profound way. These women were brave and courageous in their journey.
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