ljjohnson8's review against another edition
5.0
Once again I am reminded of why JCO is one of my favorite authors. This was a novelization of the life of Marilyn Monroe, and it was fascinating and appalling. The writing was so brilliant that I was often walking around in a daze for the last two weeks with the author's voice going 'round and 'round in my brain. It becomes unimportant what is "true" and what is the author's invention because larger questions of where does victimization end and calculation begin, and whose "reality" about the Blonde Actress is most trustworthy, take over. I was brought to some ugly, low places with this book and sometimes I would actually need to take some air to shake it off. If you haven't read Oates, you are missing something rare and special.
paemerich's review against another edition
4.0
I have struggled with writing a review of this book because, quite frankly, it was a brutal read. In fact, some would argue that this book defines the need for trigger warnings. But that fact did not alter my enjoyment in reading this book.
This is definitely a book about identity. Much of the book is about the Marilyn character struggling with what her identity is. Specifically, she does her best to actually become the characters in her movies. In addition, she finds it necessary to present herself as whatever the people she is around expect. This may work as an example of "the gaze" for those that are interested in those very literary criticism approaches.
When I first started reading this book, I wondered why it was necessary to invoke the name(s) of Marilyn Monroe as this story could have stood nearly as well without that invocation. However, the more I read the book I could see how it was necessary to use her name. If any other name had been used, it would have led to too much discussion about the similarity to Marilyn Monroe.
In the end, I felt like this book treated the story of Marilyn Monroe the same as the media and history has treated her for the last 70 years. Her identity as a person has been overshadowed so often by the events around her and by rumors and innuendo. So much speculation about the facts of her life have been bandied about as fact. The character in this book longs for the times where she can indulge in things like books. She struggles against the tide of others to use her mind and provide insight. She is often dismissed as the "dumb blond starlet" and this is a disservice to her as a person.
This is definitely a book about identity. Much of the book is about the Marilyn character struggling with what her identity is. Specifically, she does her best to actually become the characters in her movies. In addition, she finds it necessary to present herself as whatever the people she is around expect. This may work as an example of "the gaze" for those that are interested in those very literary criticism approaches.
When I first started reading this book, I wondered why it was necessary to invoke the name(s) of Marilyn Monroe as this story could have stood nearly as well without that invocation. However, the more I read the book I could see how it was necessary to use her name. If any other name had been used, it would have led to too much discussion about the similarity to Marilyn Monroe.
In the end, I felt like this book treated the story of Marilyn Monroe the same as the media and history has treated her for the last 70 years. Her identity as a person has been overshadowed so often by the events around her and by rumors and innuendo. So much speculation about the facts of her life have been bandied about as fact. The character in this book longs for the times where she can indulge in things like books. She struggles against the tide of others to use her mind and provide insight. She is often dismissed as the "dumb blond starlet" and this is a disservice to her as a person.
worlds_between_the_sheets's review against another edition
2.0
Alkuosa, Marilynin lapsuus, kiehtoi ja vei mukanaan. Järkyttävää oli myös lukea, miten Marilynia/ naisia on kohdeltu! Mutta sitten näyttelijän työstä ja eri elokuvien kuvauksista kertovat pätkät olivat yhtä kivirekeä. Ison työn teki kirjailija, mutta vähemmän olisi todellakin riittänyt.
krissy_'s review against another edition
3.0
I never knew too much on Marilyn Monroe's past so this was an interesting read. Although a very depressing one. It seems to start and a sad note and get more and more emotional and sad, without a break.
However, at times it did feel a bit draged out and repetitive. As there would be topics that were touched on in depth and then explored lightly again later in the book.
I listened to the audiobook which was narratored by Jayne Atkinson, and found her voice pleasent to listen to. And it was a calming listen even during some alarming topics. Which was good in terms of dissociating yourself from the traumatic events. But if youbare a reader who enjoys feeling such emotions to understand the character or person the biography, autobiography or memior is about then maybe trying a different audiobook of try the phsyical copy or ebook. (But this interpretation of the Atkinson reading could be because of their calming voice or because or could be me personally being desensitised by a lot of things).
However, at times it did feel a bit draged out and repetitive. As there would be topics that were touched on in depth and then explored lightly again later in the book.
I listened to the audiobook which was narratored by Jayne Atkinson, and found her voice pleasent to listen to. And it was a calming listen even during some alarming topics. Which was good in terms of dissociating yourself from the traumatic events. But if youbare a reader who enjoys feeling such emotions to understand the character or person the biography, autobiography or memior is about then maybe trying a different audiobook of try the phsyical copy or ebook. (But this interpretation of the Atkinson reading could be because of their calming voice or because or could be me personally being desensitised by a lot of things).
dyslexicbookworm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
myotinae's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jeffreybalch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rtthalia's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse, Child death, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, Body shaming, Death, Drug use, Excrement, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Abandonment, Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Antisemitism, Emotional abuse, Grief, Infertility, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pregnancy, War, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Gaslighting, and Miscarriage
ajamiol19's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
edazreads's review
4.0
3.5 stars. gloriously written - another review said it best; “a sprawling epic.” though i do think it could have been cut down a lot. 730 pages seemed a bit excessive and it dragged by the second half of the novel.