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Blonde
Blonde
Author: Joyce Carol Oates
*Audio includes an in-depth interview with the author and Michael Silverblatt, host of KCRW's Bookworm.She was an all-American girl who became a legend of unparalleled stature.  She inspired the adoration of millions, and her life has beguiled generations of fans and fellow artists.  The story of Norma Jeane Baker -- better known by he...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781841153728
ISBN-10: 1841153729
Publication Date: 3/5/2001
Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 1

5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Harpercollins Pub Ltd
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

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LaurieS avatar reviewed Blonde on + 504 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I enjoyed the book even though it was pretty bleak and mostly depressing but how could it be otherwise? Monroe's life wasn't exactly the happily ever fantasy what with her rough beginning, the abuse, the sex and the drugs. I thought Oates did an enviable job of recreating Monroe's voice, her motivation and getting to the heart of the woman behind the myth. It begins with Monroe as a young child and portrays the abuse she suffers at the hands of an unstable mother and sets the ground work for Marilyn's unsuccessful search for a normal life which clashes time and time again with her overwhelming drive to become a successful and important actress.
reviewed Blonde on
Helpful Score: 2
Not just a book for fans of Marilyn, it is so much more than that. This book is truly a fascinating story beautifully told by one of America's greatest authors. I really enjoyed every page, and I wasn't a fan of Marilyn before reading the novel.
reviewed Blonde on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A bit long but VERY engaging. Although Oates makes a point of saying this is a fictional biography, and that she took liberties with the facts, you get the sense that she did a tremendous amount of research on her subject and in this book she really brings her to life. What most of us don't realize is the Marylin Monroe was simply one of many characters that Norma Jean Baker played. Her stardom she achieved as Marilyn obscures the fact that she was an extremely gifted actress, an avid reader, lifelong student, perfectionist, and very insecure and vulnerable. It's a wonderful book.
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murder101 avatar reviewed Blonde on
Not my cup of tea,But someone else might love it!


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