"Unfortunately, only a girl again."
From a young age, CÃĪcilie Bertha Ringer is fascinated by her fatherâs work as a master builder in Pforzheim, Germany. But those five words, which he wrote next to her name in the family Bible at her birth, haunt Bertha.
Years later, Bertha meets Carl Benz and falls in loveâwith him and his extraordinary dream of building a horseless carriage. Bertha has such faith in him that she invests her dowry in his plans, a dicey move since they alone believe in the machine. When Carlâs partners threaten to withdraw their support, heâs ready to cut ties. Bertha knows the decision would ruin everything. Ignoring the cynics, she takes matters into her own hands, secretly planning a scheme that will either hasten the familyâs passage to absolute derision or prove their genius. What Bertha doesnât know is that Carl is on the cusp of making a deal with their nemesis. Sheâs not only risking her marriage and their lifeâs work but is also up against the patriarchy, Carlâs own self-doubt, and the clock.
The Woman at the Wheel is based on the real life of Bertha Benz, whose husband built the first prototype automobile, which eventually evolved into the Mercedes Benz marque. Like so many other women, Bertha lived largely in her husbandâs shadow, but her contributions are now celebrated in this inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and love.