Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The book I've been waiting for!, 24 Aug 2007
I love this book. I received mine several days ago and couldn't wait to read it. I have finally finished and just wanted to share my thoughts. Firstly, the book is beautiful. Hardbacked with glossy pages and many, many photos - ones I had never seen before in most cases. The content of the book obviously tells Marilyn's story from birth to death, so being a Marilyn fan for many years, I obviously know her story very well, but this book brought many new stories, interviews and information - so I learnt a lot more about Marilyn's life than I knew before. I live in England and I loved the bit about her trip as it has fan stories from people who met her, even for the briefest moment, down to co-stars and her housekeeper. The first part of the book is about her childhood and the terrible struggles she had. I thought the account of the orphanage was very special because not much has been known about this before, and Michelle really describes it well - and interviews a person who was there at the same time. I was intrigued by the comments of the 'reviewer' who said they doubted the credibility of the witness here. I didn't think he was saying that Marilyn had made up her terrible childhood - I took it that he was describing what he saw when he was there and what he was doubting was the studio biographies. That's what I read anyway. I e-mailed to ask Michelle about this person and several others in the book, and she very kindly wrote back and explained how she found her witnesses. She said that the orphanage person was found through an article sent to her by the orphanage itself, plus she also interviewed the grandson of the headmistress of the orphanage too. I thought this was really cool, that she would go to those lengths to get new sources and information. But then that's what all good biographers should do! Pity not all Marilyn authors have gone that far!
I loved this book thoroughly. I cannot tell you how much I loved it! I have wanted a book like this for many years, and now that I've found it, I'll be reading it again and again. I would recommend it to any Marilyn fan - I truly belief this is the closest to the truth as we can possibly get.
Sarah-Louise xx
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new perspective on Marilyn, 2 Sep 2007
Marilyn Monroe was one of the most famous actresses of all time, her life shrouded in rumour and mystery. I did not expect to learn anything new about her now, and so this book is a pleasant surprise.
The book is a visual treat, printed on glossy paper and with rare photographs on nearly every page. With most of the major players in the Monroe saga now gone, it must have been a difficult task to find new material. But Michelle Morgan has managed just that, uncovering friends and areas of Marilyn's life that I'd never heard of before.
Marilyn was at her most relaxed away from the power games of Hollywood. This book reflects a more private side to the star, and eschews sensationalism. Morgan does not try to push her views on the reader, but uncovers hidden aspects which shed fresh light on what drove shy, unassuming Norma Jeane Baker to find fame.
The result is that Marilyn comes across as an authentic, complex yet endearing personality. Morgan does not shy from the darker side of Marilyn's nature, the secret fears which propelled her into addiction and despair. Nonetheless her childlike innocence is always apparent and her story is a moving one.
This is an important book, for old fans and new. It has the ring of truth and is a compelling read, quietly yet convincingly dispelling well-worn myths to create a vivid portrait of a woman whose reputation has endured.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Respectfully Remembering Marilyn, 20 Aug 2007
The first thing I noticed about this book - Marilyn Monroe Private and Undisclosed - was how beautiful it looked. A big hardback, the presentation is excellent and you are really getting something for your money! The cover is beautiful, featuring a photo I had never seen before, and inside there are sections of photos throughout and you even get a hot pink bookmark to mark your page!
The content is really good too. The author Michelle Morgan has obviously researched this thoroughly, as you can tell by the list of people she has interviewed and the extensive list of sources used at the back.
She has managed to interview some people who have never recorded their thoughts on Marilyn before. Most significant here is Bill Purcell, who went out with Marilyn when she was Norma Jeane, a pretty but unknown teenager. His memories are lovely and he supplies some of the best photos in the book.
Many biographies of Marilyn Monroe are full of her image, her sensuality and the controversy surrounding her death, but Michelle Morgan's deals with the facts and presents them in a touching way. You can tell she is a fan and writes with love for Marilyn, unlike many biographers who just seem interested in the money they can make from Marilyn's name.
Marilyn Monroe Private and Undisclosed is a wonderful book and a must have for every fan.
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