The Secret Life Of Marilyn Monroe. J. Randy Taraborrelli (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
I went into this with only a vague knowledge of Marilyn and came out with the story of her life. And what a life it was! As I was reading it I kept thinking: "Did she really live like this?!" but she did. And while some fine points may be argued as to their truthfulness, for the most part everything rings true. The author does a fine job of presenting you with the facts and leaving you to decide what you think is true. Taraborrelli does say things like: "this is true" and "this is not true", but you aren't only given his opinion. The author's writing is clear and concise and not difficult to read at all. It isn't a literary masterpiece, just a story of an amazing woman. Much has been written about Monroe, especially since her untimely death in 1962. There are few biographies that can be thought of as the definitive guide to Marilyn's rise and fall from grace, this being one of the best. The author, himself a biographer of many celebrities, does not disappoint with his account of Monroe, choosing to focus much of his efforts into discovering the woman behind the legend and glamour of old Hollywood.For hardcore Monroe fans, such as myself, this is a pure delight. There is no sugarcoating here, just well researched work and credible theories about her mysterious (and in this reviewers opinion, suspicious) death. Opposing traditional sensationalist writing styles, Taraborrelli feels sympathy with Monroe and the reasons for the decisions she made on and off screen. The crippling insecurity she felt at performing for the cameras is paramount in the authors accounts of filming at 20th Century Fox during its golden era. Her relationships with friends, lovers and colleagues is also discussed well. Of course, the authors ambition was to document her 'secret life' although it is questionable that someone that famous could have had any privacy at all, sadly. The tragic death of Ms. Monroe at a time when she was beginning to recover from her three failed marriages also resonates strongly here. Perhaps the only secrecy Marilyn ever had was at a critical point in her life - the end.
What do You think about The Secret Life Of Marilyn Monroe. J. Randy Taraborrelli (2010)?
Couldn't finish this one (stopped at 38%)... the author is long winded and uses too much detail.
—Duffy
This book really opened my eyes to Miss Monroe's life. LOVE HER!!
—LaceyGrace
and it keeps getting better...I am smitten with her.
—Linda
