The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe J. Randy Taraborrelli

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

Author: J. Randy Taraborrelli

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: 28 September, 2010

ISBN: 9780446198189

Pages: 576

Subjects: Biographies, Performing arts

Available as: Trade Paper, 978-0-446-19818-9 Trade Cloth, 978-0-446-50541-3 Trade Cloth, 978-0-446-58082-3 E-Book - Open Ebook; EPUB, 978-0-446-55095-6

Description:

When Norma Jeane Baker became famous as Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s, she said her mother, Gladys Baker, was either dead or not a part of her life, depending on the publicity campaign of the moment. However, neither was true. Marilyn's mentally ill mother was very much present in her world, and the complex family drama that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told until now.

PW Publishers Weekly

Review Source: Publishers Weekly

Review Date: 2009-09-28

Robert Petkoff's diligence as a narrator matches Taraborrelli's accomplishments in generating a fresh analysis of the iconic Marilyn Monroe. With Petkoff's Midas touch, the cast of characters comes to life with crisp clarity and attention to nuance. While there are too many good vocal characterizations to allow for a complete listing, some of the standouts include the mercurial husbands Arthur Miller and Joe DiMaggio as well as such Rat Pack figures as Peter Lawford and Frank Sinatra. Petkoff's delivery of DiMaggio and Sinatra's ill-fated attempt to spy on Monroe and her romantic companions creates palpable dramatic tension. And as Monroe herself, Petkoff creates a sublime breathy persona that shifts effectively from the girl-next-door Norma Jean to the glamorous Marilyn. Bonus features include a downloadable photo slide show. A Grand Central hardcover. (Aug.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved