Wednesday, May 14, 2014

The Blonde by Anna Godbersen REVIEW

The Blonde


From the  New York Times  bestselling author Anna Godbersen and Alloy Entertainment, a chilling re-imagining of the life of Marilyn Monroe that is part biography, part love story, and part thriller.

Marilyn Monroe is at the height of her fame, the object of the world’s desire. Attention is her drug, the very definition of who she is. Her own wants and needs have become fleeting at best, as if she sees herself only through others’ eyes. But there is one thing Marilyn still wishes for beyond all else—to meet her real father. That’s the part you already know, the legend—but here’s the part that’s never been told.

In Anna Godbersen’s imaginative novel, set at the height of the Cold War, a young, unknown Norma Jean meets a man in Los Angeles—a Soviet agent? A Russian spy?—who transforms her into Marilyn the star. And when she reaches the pinnacle of success, he comes back for his repayment. He shows her a photo of her estranged father and promises to reunite them in exchange for information: Find out something about presidential candidate John F. Kennedy that no one else knows. At first, Marilyn is bored by the prospect of, once again, using a man’s attraction to get what she needs. But when she meets the magnetic Jack Kennedy, she realizes that this isn’t going to be a simple game. What started with the earnest desire to meet her father has grave consequences for her, for the bright young Kennedy, and for the entire nation. The Blonde is a vivid tableau of American celebrity, sex, love, violence, power, and paranoia.


This was definitely a book that creates mixed emotions. I think especially if you aren't a fan of Marylin Monroe, you may wonder why she has so many fans; if the character accurately demonstrates and exemplifies who she was. She was known as the harlot of Hollywood in the day. And she fortified that by being the first to pose for Playboy. But I do believe there was more to her than her sexuality. I have seen a few of her movies and she did have skill and talent. I got a bit tired of her same sweetheart image and whispery voice. I did like the writing and style of the book. The character that portrayed Marylin Monroe annoyed me but I did like the book. It isn't a book I would recommend to everyone but I would recommend it to fans of her and others with an eclectic and open mind.




                                                                   

                                                                             I received this book for review from FSB Associates

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