"Widow in Delusion" by Oliver Hilmes is a comprehensive biography of the fascinating and controversial figure Alma Mahler-Werfel. The author, who was connected with significant artists and intellectuals of the 20th century, is explored in all her facets in this work. Hilmes utilizes newly discovered sources, including diaries and letters, to create a nuanced portrait of Alma. The biography goes beyond common myths and reveals both her inspiring and contentious traits. She is depicted as a muse and simultaneously as a manipulative woman, leading to an engaging examination of her life and times. This first unvarnished biography offers a deep insight into the life of a woman who was both admired and criticized, and whose influence on the art and culture of the 20th century is undeniable.