In this ambitious book, Joyce Carol Oates boldly reimagines the inner, poetic, and spiritual life of Norma Jeane Baker—the child, the woman, the fated celebrity and idolized blonde the world came to know as Marilyn Monroe. In a voice startling, intimate, and rich, Norma Jeane tells her own story, that of an emblematic American artist—intensely conflicted and driven—who has lost her way. A … powerful portrait of Hollywood’s myth and an extraordinary woman’s heartbreaking reality, Blonde is a sweeping epic that pays tribute to the elusive magic and devastation behind the creation of the great twentieth-century American star.
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Strange and empathetic biographical novel of Marilyn Monroe; haunting.
Worth reading! Was never disappointed until the ending…. Although, disappointed isn’t exactly correct. I feel the disjointed and tragic telling in fact reflect the real Marilyn’s end. Left me rather melancholic for days and since finishing it, am having a hard time getting into my current books.
Oates at her best. A magnificent and tragic reimagining of the life of an American icon. I’ve read this book twice and enjoyed even more the second time.
Great writing. A very feelingly rendered, fictionalized telling of Marilyn Monroe’s tragic life.
This fictionalized account of the well documented life of Norma Baker allows the author to imagine for us some of the feelings that must have been experienced by this woman as she invented the persona of Marilyn Monroe to hide behind. Her attempt to reclaim control of her career by establishing her own production company is credited with helping to end the “studio system”, which is still impacting the industry today.
Oates did an excellent job of telling a fictitious story of this legendary woman. You felt that you understood Marilyn a little more, though the book is a work of speculation. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
Fantastic. Joyce Carol Oates does it again. The Blonde is historical fiction novel of Norma Jean Baker and her tormented life of Hollywood.
A little too long in sorts, but JCO is a magician and any story she tells is worth reading.
Way too long, 900 pages. I am interested in Marilyn but not that interested. Much of it was new relationship or phase same problems.
It is so sad to think of Norma and the life that she could have lived but was denied. An engrossing, disturbing book.
I thought it would be more biographical.
Beautiful writing. Distressing view of beauty as a curse in a sex saturated society where women have few ways to succeed
I absolutely adored this book. Oates’ depiction of Marilyn Monroe paints one of our most infamous figures as one of our most tragic. Beautifully written and well researched, this book is a must read for anyone who loves historical fiction.
One of my all-time favorites.
If you’re a big Old Hollywood fan like myself it seems like a no brainer that you want to read a book about the famous Marilyn Monroe. I didn’t want to read the traditional biography, I wanted to read a story and I was very happy when I found Blonde. However, I wasn’t very happy with it less then half way through. The book bounces around and sometimes makes no sense. Joyce Carol Oates road the book in the view of a five year old, which is perhaps how Ms. Oates views Marilyn Monroe. I don’t view her that way and I found myself being annoyed by it. When I finished reading the book I was happy and decided to take a break from Old Hollywood, believe me you would too. Also, I suggest you know the major men in Marilyn’s life since the author gives none of their names, just their profession as their title. Like for Joe DiMaggio, The Ex-Athlete. It’s overall an okay book but disappointing at the same time.
Tedious
A densely written, fictional imagining of the life of Marylin Monroe. It Will make you sad
Very moving. Such a sad example of the way women were (and often still are) treated,
Impossible to put down. It’s like watching a train wreck and being unable to turn away.
This is a great read that gives you insight into Marilyn and her life. It’s amazing that she’s been gone for 50+ years but her image and story still sells.