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A review by halkid2
Marlene by C.W. Gortner
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
After finishing this novel, I felt as though I had just read actress Marlene Dietrich’s own autobiography; the writing is THAT convincing. Instead, MARLENE is talented author C.W. Gortner’s biography of the famous German-American’s career, written as historical fiction.
Marlene Dietrich (1901-92) is a fascinating character, a woman way ahead of her time whose life was full of drama. There’s her father’s early death and how World War I (1914 - 18) deprivations impacted her childhood. Her dominating mother was hard to please, and unable to let go of the privilege she herself enjoyed as the child of one of Berlin’s more prominent families. Marlene finally must break away from her mother to pursue her own dreams. There’s the tense but mutually dependent working relationship with Austrian-born filmmaker, Josef von Sternberg. Plus, Marlene’s successful Hollywood years, her non-traditional marriage and her many love affairs with famous people of both genders — all against the rising Nazi threat in her home country. One aspect that came as a surprise to me (who knew only basic information about Dietrich before this book), was the long-term commitment she made traveling around during World War II (1939 - 45) to entertain soldiers, despite personal sacrifices and primitive conditions.
It’s a compelling read. Not only about one woman’s climb to stardom but also a glimpse into the old studio system where employers controlled nearly all aspects of the lives of their stars. As well there’s the lifelong pull between Dietrich’s country of origin and her adopted country, which exerts a major influence on so many of her life decisions.
Don’t expect to find Dietrich completely lovable. This is a more nuanced portrait. I found her doggedly ambitious and quite self-centered — a woman determined to live her life on her own terms, often ignoring the needs of those around her. I also personally found the ending of MARLENE a bit abrupt although there’s an Afterward where Gortner ties up some loose ends. Recommended especially for anyone interested in Old Hollywood.
Marlene Dietrich (1901-92) is a fascinating character, a woman way ahead of her time whose life was full of drama. There’s her father’s early death and how World War I (1914 - 18) deprivations impacted her childhood. Her dominating mother was hard to please, and unable to let go of the privilege she herself enjoyed as the child of one of Berlin’s more prominent families. Marlene finally must break away from her mother to pursue her own dreams. There’s the tense but mutually dependent working relationship with Austrian-born filmmaker, Josef von Sternberg. Plus, Marlene’s successful Hollywood years, her non-traditional marriage and her many love affairs with famous people of both genders — all against the rising Nazi threat in her home country. One aspect that came as a surprise to me (who knew only basic information about Dietrich before this book), was the long-term commitment she made traveling around during World War II (1939 - 45) to entertain soldiers, despite personal sacrifices and primitive conditions.
It’s a compelling read. Not only about one woman’s climb to stardom but also a glimpse into the old studio system where employers controlled nearly all aspects of the lives of their stars. As well there’s the lifelong pull between Dietrich’s country of origin and her adopted country, which exerts a major influence on so many of her life decisions.
Don’t expect to find Dietrich completely lovable. This is a more nuanced portrait. I found her doggedly ambitious and quite self-centered — a woman determined to live her life on her own terms, often ignoring the needs of those around her. I also personally found the ending of MARLENE a bit abrupt although there’s an Afterward where Gortner ties up some loose ends. Recommended especially for anyone interested in Old Hollywood.