A lush, dramatic biographical novel of one of the most glamorous and alluring legends of Hollywood’s golden age, Marlene Dietrich—from the gender-bending cabarets of Weimar Berlin to the lush film studios of Hollywood, a sweeping story of passion, glamour, ambition, art, and war from the author of Mademoiselle Chanel.Raised in genteel poverty after the First World War, Maria Magdalena Dietrich … Magdalena Dietrich dreams of a life on the stage. When a budding career as a violinist is cut short, the willful teenager vows to become a singer, trading her family’s proper, middle-class society for the free-spirited, louche world of Weimar Berlin’s cabarets and drag balls. With her sultry beauty, smoky voice, seductive silk cocktail dresses, and androgynous tailored suits, Marlene performs to packed houses and becomes entangled in a series of stormy love affairs that push the boundaries of social convention.
For the beautiful, desirous Marlene, neither fame nor marriage and motherhood can cure her wanderlust. As Hitler and the Nazis rise to power, she sets sail for America. Rivaling the success of another European import, Greta Garbo, Marlene quickly becomes one of Hollywood’s leading ladies, starring with legends such as Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and Cary Grant. Desperate for her return, Hitler tries to lure her with dazzling promises. Marlene instead chooses to become an American citizen, and after her new nation is forced into World War II, she tours with the USO, performing for thousands of Allied troops in Europe and Africa.
But one day she returns to Germany. Escorted by General George Patton himself, Marlene is heartbroken by the war’s devastation and the evil legacy of the Third Reich that has transformed her homeland and the family she loved.
An enthralling and insightful account of this extraordinary legend, Marlene reveals the inner life of a woman of grit, glamour, and ambition who defied convention, seduced the world, and forged her own path on her own terms.
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How does C.W. channel these women.Every book has its own voice, tone, tenor and every one is riveting. He writes about famous women who have an edge to them, a hard tough reality, a powerful streak. He’s just such a damn good storyteller. I think all these women including Marlene, might be a little annoyed at a part or two, put ultimately they’d cheer him on for getting them down so well.
A brilliant fictional biography! I think the author managed to capture Marlene Dietrich’s spirit perfectly – I actually felt like it was her narrating the story. The descriptions, the characters, history itself – everything comes alive and creates an unforgettable impression. Reading this book is like watching a movie destined to become a classic. Fabulous!
Anyone who has seen “Blue Angel” will know the compelling magnetism of Marlene Dietrich. I wasn’t sure how anyone could do her justice, but C.W. Gortner rose to the proverbial challenge and gave us an intimate portrait of Marlene that was satisfying as well as charming. I was aware that she was an expatriate German living in America, but I never learned her early story. This novel gave us a Marlene that we could identify with. No, she was not an overnight superstar, but even in her apprenticeship she impressed others with her “difference”. It was strange and disconcerting to read a first person narrative about a famous living actress, although it was done so well I found myself believing it was the real woman telling her story. During her impossible audition for Blue Angel with the irascible director:
“Forget that stupid American song,” I said. “Play something German instead.”
The accompanist returned his gaze to me. “German?” he said, as if it were unheard of.
“’Wer Wird Denn Weinin,’” I told him, and when he began playing, I stepped past him, climbing onto the bench and clanging my heel on a key with a discordant twang that I hoped von Sternberg captured on his microphone. Perching on the piano, I hiked the spangled frock high above my knees to expose my legs, cocked a hand on my hip like the transvestites at Das Silhouette, and gave the song everything I had. Von Sternberg thought I sounded like a schoolgirl? I’d show him what I could do…
Von Sternberg and Marlene turned out to be an impressive collaboration—at least long enough to make her a star. But this necessitated her move to America, and there she plunged into her career at the expense of her family, especially her daughter. But she must have had a great time along the way! Having affairs with both men and women, co-stars Gary Cooper and John Barrymore, Jr, among others… the cross-dressing Marlene broke all the rules and got away with it. For the most part. How could one not get jaded? By the time WWII reared its ugly head, she may well have been ready for a change, and her sudden and complete dedication to the USO (United States Entertainment Organization) turned the fading star into America’s heroine. Traveling with the army to the most dangerous, terrifying war zones, she performed for adoring soldiers and exposed herself to so many hazards she nearly died from dehydration and malnutrition.
Marlene Dietrich led an incredible life. In sharing her inspiring story with us, Gortner has certainly done us a favor!
you may think you know about Marlene D. but, maybe not! after surviving WWI..along with her mother an sister. marlene has to make a living, so first she goes to the best music school to learn the violin…but, gradually she wants more so acting , singing, and dancing lessons follow. she is now living in the Weirmar Republic…where anything goes {think of the movie Caberet}…she gets gigs///but, Hitler is just around the corner, so, she sails to America and an acting, and singing career! she deserves all her fame…she was smart, she worked hard and gained stardom! this is quite an well-written. encouraging tale of one young woman’s perserverance and talent.
An interesting behind the scenes look at her career and life. A woman of substance.
Predictable
I love Christopher Gortner’s books in general, but I think this one was my favorite. He really knows how to write historical women, especially ones like the gender-bending, non-conforming Marlene Dietrich. If you want a great ride through prewar Germany and old Hollywood, this is a terrific read!
It is the nastiest book I have read in years–I would not recommend it to anyone!
A name one has heard about so I decided to read book-WOW she had quit a life
Discovered a lot about her and the times
I should of known since written in first person, but this was a work of fiction. Arthur stated this at end of book.
I thought I was reading a memoir. However, it is a novel based on research by the author. Most of it seems possible. Of course, the author used his imagination for personal thoughts of characters.
Interesting.
I’m a fan of Gortner’s novels, especially his 20th century biographical novels, and this one didn’t disappoint. Marlene Dietrich was like no other movie star of her time – and “her time” stretched for decades. Although this book doesn’t cover her entire life, Gortner did include the most interesting part and gives us an insight into an otherwise enigmatic persona.
interesting
Learned a great deal about Marlene and the war years I had not known and insightful of Germany and society in those years.
I have always enjoyed Marlene Dietrichs movies and consider her a good actress. I enjoyed reading her story but was somewhat surprised she wasn’t the lady in private life I thought her to be. Good story well written.
My eyes were opened by her very colorful life!
I always wanted to know more about life in Europe during WW1 and after. Good insight into politics,culture theatre and movie making.
I loved the book, but when I got to the end and looked at the cover, I realized it was a novel. Should have looked at the cover from the beginning, but I read the whole book thinking it was Marlene Dietrich’s autobiography. Very disappointed when I realized it wasn’t!
Very shallow 1st person historical fiction.