The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

Such a well written, expertly researched biography. I love that the focus wasn't on her work but on her as an individual. A moving account of her tragic life behind the beautiful facade. Well worth a read.

J Randy never disappoints. His biographies are always incredibly well researched, and offer a different lens with which to view the subject by. As a ‘casual’ admirer of the wonderful Marilyn Monroe I found this fascinating and learned a lot more than my peripheral knowledge. Ultimately J Randy offers us an insight into an incredible fragile, yet strong willed woman, one who faced every adversity life can throw at a person, and still managed to achieve her dream. I love Randys style of writing, it’s personable, balanced and you get the sense that whomever he is writing about he had a great deal of respect, admiration and empathy for.

This is a sympathetic overview of the life of Marilyn, the emphasis being on her development as a person, and less on her film career as such. The book is therefore in tune with current public interest in Marilyn, as a personality. Her glamorous film work is a background to the real drama, which is her life ! Marilyn's film-roles often include the most delightful comedy, but it is her private difficulties as a human being that rivet our attention. The author perceives Marilyn's broken relationship with her Mother as central to her troubled nature. Throughout Marilyn's whole existence, it appears that her mother was present somewhere in Marilyn's mind, even though she was almost always absent in reality.The author convincingly suggests that Marilyn gave considerably more attention to her mother than has previously been acknowledged. (It seems that Marilyn meant almost nothing to her mother; had Marilyn been able decisively to detach herself from her mother, it might have greatly helped her own stability and state of mind.) Marilyn's mother was diagnosed as "paranoid schizophrenic", and Taraborrelli suggests that Marilyn was not only afraid that she herself might succumb to this condition, but that she in fact DID become ill towards the end of her life, (and Marilyn was diagnosed as such by her Los Angeles psychiatrist).However, what is more than clear in the book is Marilyn's serious abuse of barbiturates and alcohol, which was, towards the end, so severe that any number of 'psychiatric' problems might have been the result. The author points out that Marilyn "heard voices", but there is insufficient evidence here that this might have been "voices" in the sense of schizophrenia. It is impossible to read any account of Marilyn's life without noticing the real dangers and risks of fame, -and no one was more famous than Marilyn! This book is, in part, a less thorough biography of the star than that by Donald Spoto, and from a literary point of view, it isn't brilliantly written, but it helps us to understand this vivid, troubled, and fascinating woman a bit more.

Great book. With great research thoroughly enjoyed it.

Good book disgraceful delivery left on door step in full view of whole street!

Another example of Taraborrellis amazing writing skills! I'd searched for ages to find a good read on Marilyn, one that covered her full life not just the films, the scandals or her death and this immediately caught my attention. I'm so glad I got this as not only do we get a full picture of Marilyn Monroe, both the star and the woman, Taraborrelli does it in a fashion that is unbiased. The most interesting part of the book for me was definitely his perception of the infamous Kennedy affair, again done with no bias and no wild theories, he studies the evidence of what is FACT. I will definitely keep buying his books and reccommed any of them to anyone who hasn't picked up one as yet.

I really enjoyed this book simply because I have grown up watching programs on TV all of which only give you snap shot moments in Marilyn's life. OK so the book has some mistakes here and there but so what... It tells her story from beginning to end that's it and that's all I wanted out of it. The book made me feel like I was watching from the wings, experiencing all her life had to offer, good or bad. She was without doubt a great actress, stunning too however she just could not cope in the end and you can see it all unfold as you get deeper into the book. Love this book or hate it, you will be richer for knowing the real Marilyn and we will never have anyone who will ever come close to her.

Having read books written by the author before, I felt this would be a good read. I've also read several books about Marilyn Monroe and know the general story of her life and untimely death. I was interested to see if Mr Taraborrelli would have the same ordered and well researched approach to a subject much discussed, as I had found in his various biographies.He does not disappoint. However, this is very much a factual account, (as well as it can be), there aren't many new revelations to be found for the ardent Monroe fans but it does clear up a lot of the speculation surrounding her death.My only criticism is I would to have liked to have learnt more about the glamorous side of the actress. Meaning how she managed to 'transform' from down to earth Marilyn to Hollywood Sex Symbol Marilyn as so much is written about her ability to 'turn it on and off'.Considering the problems in her life I do wonder how she managed this feat. This is a personal peeve and in no means takes away from a very complete bio of the "late , great, Marilyn Monroe."I really enjoyed it and found it to be a pacy read. Ignoring the author's over use of the word, 'tardiness', I thought it was well worth the money and would recommend.

I enjoy books about real people their lives and how they came to be who they are or rather who they were.I have read three of Randy Taraborrelli’s books I really like this author. Lots of facts and tidbits of information in this book. I have not read any other books about M Monroe so I have no way to compare what other books are out thereBut I have thoroughly enjoyed this one.

la livraison de ce livre a été respectée au niveau du délai et je suis satisfaite de cet achat.

Well written!

Nice

Marilyn Monroe is one of those past celebrities who has and will live on for eternity. She had an aura of the rare combination of innocence and sensuality that enthralled all. There has also been much mystery, myth and rumour over her last years and death. The connection of the Kennedys adds that definite touch to make the whole story even more alluring. But many often forget that Marilyn Monroe was a real person who was born, had a difficult childhood, invented Mariln Monroe, an entity which became worshipped and idolized, the feelings that the true woman, Norma Jeane Baker never felt or achieved in her life.There are those who are enthralled by her shining star, the presence she possessed and the mysterious vulnerability she possessed. She had IT and men and women alike have always been drawn to it. Then there are those who know more of the story from her childhood in foster homes and the mental illness that ran rampant in her family and want to go deeper. They identify more with the true person, the Norma Jeane. I am one of those. I understand how different Hollywood was then and how stars were manufactured and the true person lost. It makes perfect sense that the personality of Marilyn Monroe took over more and more as her personal self esteem never grew.One may also ask why another book on Marilyn? Isn't this all the old stuff rehashed? An author just out for a buck? Gratefully the answer is that this book far surpasses all other biographies on Ms. Monroe. J. Randy Taraborrelli not only pays homage to Marilyn but does the most research of any previous author to try to get to all the true facts of the miraculous woman's life. He spends much time on the influential people and those who were a part of her childhood going so far as to provide true insight into their lives before Marilyn came along so we can understand more their perspective with their actions in her life. Much more emphasis is given to her mother and her life plus their relationship. Many in the past have chosen to ignore the true impact Gladys Baker had on Marilyn. There are also other reasons why Mr. Taraborrelli was able to delve deeper for due to the 2006 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT there was FBI documentation on Ms. Monroe released that has never been seen including an anonymous agents report on Marilyn's relationship with Bobby Kenneddy. It is very interesting to read how as Marilyn the FBI did keep much attention on her. It is not just gossip.The author here pays true respect to all previous biographers and takes much previous information and then goes further. Her marriages, films, Kennedy relationships particularly with Pat Lawford Kennedy come to new life and depth with well research data. And the author adds an additional 30 page section at the end of the book where he details everyone he interviewed, all the books and files he read. His research here is so precise the reader must give him the highest kudos. He also never takes info to back his personal opinions. Often he writes of rumours that have been held true for years and will provide info to show how they could not have been true. But when not able he will leave an issue open-ended and leave the reader to form their own opinions.Bottom line, this book shows an intimate, honest look at all aspects of Marilyn and her life. No matter what additional information the story is still sad. We still have Norma Jeane Baker, a young woman raised with little love or esteem who becomes a model and then actress who had a rare gift that she used to become Marilyn Monroe. Norma Jeane never went away and with all her acclaim she remained troubled and looking for love throughout her life. The truth about her death will always be a mystery but she was constantly abusing pills as life became more and more difficult for her. There is a very important lesson to learn as one reads how the Hollywood system used doctors to provide her with numerous pills and medication so she could perform not in any way caring of the after effect she would deal with. Norma Jeane/Marilyn Monroe was dealt a raw deal from day one and it is fully drawn here for us to experience with true facts and immense research.I highly recommend this book. It is a truly must read. I only hope that Marilyn did find some happiness in life and that she is now living the hereafter she deserves. Also, may fans continue to praise the special angel she was. I know I always will. Thanks J. Randy Taraborrelli for a biography that is not based on gossip and rumour that provides much needed insight into the life of a very special person. A very intelligent, well researched worthy read.