The Exceptions

The Exceptions by Kate Zernike is an exceptional narrative that unveils the remarkable and untold story of sixteen women scientists who, through sheer determination and unified strength, sparked radical change that continues to resonate today. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, a time when affirmative action was on the rise, these women entered academia and the scientific workforce believing that discrimination was a relic of the past and that science adhered to the principles of pure meritocracy. However, their journey revealed a starkly different reality where women were systematically marginalised and their contributions disregarded, especially as they advanced in their careers.

Offering a triumphant account of progress while effectively reminding readers that further action remains necessary, Zernike sheds light on both historical and ongoing issues of gender discrimination within the scientific community. The book is not merely a chronicle of struggles but a testament to the collective resilience and impact of these pioneering women.

The narrative revolves around Nancy Hopkins, a distinguished scientist whose reluctant entry into feminism transformed her into an emblematic figure for two generations of women in science. Through her story and the stories of her contemporaries, Zernike delves into the systemic biases entrenched within esteemed institutions, spotlighting the 1999 confession by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that it had indeed discriminated against women on its faculty—a revelation originally covered by Zernike herself, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, for The Boston Globe.

The Exceptions is a significant work that unearths and honours the contributions of these hidden scientists who dared to challenge the status quo, ultimately paving the way for future generations. This intimate and meticulously researched narrative captures the essence of their fight for equality, offering a profound and enlightening reading experience.