Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1172926 in Books
• Published on: 1987-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Customer Reviews

THE MISFIT
I have been re-reading Norman Mailer's Marilyn- his take on the life of the legendary screen star Marilyn Monroe at a time when I have just viewed the American Masters documentary on the musical career of the singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell. And although there is no obvious connection between the lives or the talents of the two women there is a tale of two generations hidden here. Marilyn represented for my parent's generation, the generation that survived the Great Depression and fought World War II, the epitome of blond glamour, sex and talent. To my more `sedate' generation long straight-haired blond Joni represented the introspective, searching quiet beauty that we sought to represent our longings for understanding of a seemingly baffling world that we had not made. As the this book and the Mitchell documentary points out however they `represented' our fantasies they also shared a common vulnerability attempting to be independent women in worlds dominated by men. Such is the life of the great creative talents.

Mailer traces Monroe rise from poverty, the struggle to find herself, through to the rocky and some times sleazy road to stardom. As always with Mailer one gets his take on what the symbol of Marilyn meant to my parents' generation, and, let us face it, especially men. His portrayal does not evoke his preferred hipster, beat personality but its counterpoint in the 1950's the heyday of Marilyn's fame. Mailer also goes through Marilyn various affairs with men particularly the doomed marriage to the playwright Arthur Miller. Finally he gives some very interesting details on the behind the scenes drama in the creation of many of her well-known films. Marilyn, while she was alive, never drew my eye for the reasons that Joni Mitchell did. But much later, having seen the classic The Misfits in a film revival theater, I will say just one thing about her looks and performance in that film. Wow. The marriage to Miller may have not worked out but she did right by him and herself with that performance. Yes, indeed.

This is the BEST biography ever written about our Marilyn...
I read this book in high school, and Mailer nails it! I've always wanted to read it again and now I'll get my chance thanks to Amazon.

I was enraptured with Marilyn after reading this book 20 years ago.

Excellent!
I loved this book. Norman Mailer wrote this book like poetry. I could not put it down.

I am so glad you found it for me even though it was out of print. I would have hated to miss reading this book.

Also, the book was used but was in perfect condition. Thanks for everything.

Everyone who loves Marilyn Monroe should read this book.