A review by faintgirl
Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates

4.0

So, I should start by saying I know virtually nothing about Marilyn Monroe. I've never watched one of her films and I have no concept of how accurate this biography is. But my word, it's a splendid read. The story of persistence, corruption, manipulation and the success surrounding this most American of icons is gripping from start to finish. I never knew how I felt about Marilyn - no doubt the victim of neglect and poor parenting early on in life, being essentially married off out of Foster care, then showing enormous independence to begin her a career during the war when many women stayed home. She forged her own path, and was sometime respected, and sometimes used to the point of exhaustion. Her mental health issues and the way those around her felt are so intricate, and the way the whole book is told is wonderful. 700 odd pages whipped by in a whirlwind. Really enjoyed this, whilst feeling incensed and angry most of the time.