Eva Curie entered world history as a talented writer and journalist. Nevertheless, the girl’s talent was not limited to just a pen. Eve, among other things, was an excellent pianist, an amazing music critic and an active public figure. Do you want to learn more about the life path and work of this writer? You are welcome to read this article!
Eva Curie. Biography: The Beginning
The future writer was born on December 6, 1904 in France, in Paris. Father Pierre Curie and mother Marie Curie were world famous scientists. Eve also had an older sister named Irene. The future writer did not know her father. The fact is that he died in an accident: Pierre Curie fell under the horse-drawn carriage. Then Eve was only two years old. After the incident, Maria and her daughters were helped by a father-in-law named Eugene Curie. Nevertheless, he soon died (in 1910). Thus, Marie Curie herself raised her daughters.
The daughters of Marie Curie, although they were full-fledged citizens of France, had Polish roots and knew the Polish language. In 1911, the family visited Poland. The purpose of the visit was to visit the sister of Maria Bronislava, who was in the sanatorium. In Poland, the Curie family made regular horseback riding and hiking in the mountains. This strengthened the relationship between Mary and Eve, who believed that her mother did not pay enough attention to her. In 1921, when Eve was only 16 years old, she made her first trip across the ocean. Together with her mother, Eva went to New York. Maria, who was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize, was met there with open arms.
Training
When the Curie family returned from travel, Eve, like her sister, went to Sevigne College, which is located in Paris. The girl received a bachelor's degree in philosophy and science in 1925. In parallel with her studies, Eve tried to master the piano. And the girl made musically great strides. Already in 1925 she gave her first concert. Later, Eve conducted a tour of Paris and the suburbs. When Irene got married, Eve stayed with her mother. Together they traveled to various countries of Europe. The Curie family visited Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, etc.
"Madame Curie"
Eve, unlike her mother, was little interested in the natural sciences. She was more attracted to humanitarian subjects and social life. After the death of her mother, in 1934, Eve decides to write her biography. To do this, she moves to the tiny Parisian town of Auteuil, where she begins to write her book. As additional sources of information, Eva uses documents and letters that were left by her mother. And in 1935, the girl went to Poland in order to learn more about the childhood of Marie Curie. And in 1937 there was a biography called "Madame Curie." In it, Eve portrayed her mother as a strong, unbroken personality. The girl considered Maria not only as a scientist, but also as an ordinary person, who had a lot of difficulties.
The book made a real sensation and impressed the world literary community. Already in 1937, Eva Curie received the National Book Arvard Award. Moreover, the work was so popular that already in 1943 the book was filmed.
However, the work was not spared by critics. Many literary scholars reproached Eve for the hagiographic approach. The writer chose not to mention some points from her mother’s biography. For example, the book does not describe the moment when, after Pierre's death, Maria had an affair with her husband’s former student Paul Langevel, who later became a famous physicist. In addition to the biography of her own mother, Eva Curie actively published her musical reviews, articles about cinema, theater, etc.
Start of war
After the outbreak of World War II, Eve was appointed head of the women's information gathering squad. After Germany attacked France, the girl had to leave Paris. She left the city and, together with other refugees, fled to England. There she joined the Free France movement, which was led by General Charles de Gaulle. For this, Eve was deprived of French citizenship, and her property was confiscated.
Most of the war, Eve traveled to the UK. There she conducted quite an active social activity. For example, she met with Winston Churchill, visited troops in Scotland and the USA, where she lectured. In addition, Eve wrote articles for American magazines and newspapers. In 1940, the girl attended a reception at the White House. Impressed by the visit, Eve held a series of public appearances on the topic “French Women and the War”.
During 1941-1942 she was a war correspondent in the USSR, Asia and Africa. During this time, she witnessed fierce and bloody battles. In addition, the girl met with famous military figures, generals. Eva’s travel reports were published by an American publisher, and in 1943 they were compiled into a book called Traveling Among the Military. Thanks to this work, Eva Curie was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
Post-war time
After the war, Eve returned to Paris. There she worked in a local publishing house and actively participated in the political life of the country. For example, in the government of Charles de Gaulle, she dealt with the affairs of women. And in 1948, Eve, along with other like-minded people, supported the creation of the state of Israel.
During the years 1952-1954, the girl worked as a special adviser to the NATO Secretary General. In 1954, Eva Curie married an American politician and diplomat named Henry Labouass, who would later become the US ambassador to Greece. In 1958, she received the citizenship of the United States of America.
last years of life
In 1987, after the death of her husband, Eve lived in New York. She and her husband did not have children, but Curie regularly visited the daughter of Labuassa from her first marriage.
In 2004, Eve celebrated its centenary. Congratulatory letters were sent by the presidents of France and the United States. In 2005, Eve was awarded the Legion of Honor. The writer died in 2007, at the age of 102, while in her residence.