Апартамент 614

by Tatiana de Rosnay, Татяна дьо Роне, Надя Баева (Translator)

По време на снимките на „Непригодните”, последния филм, в който Мерилин участва, тя и съпругът ѝ Артър Милър живеят в легендарния хотел „Мейпс” в Рино, Невада. Един ден младата камериерка Полин трябва да замести своя колежка и да почисти апартамент 614. И макар да са ѝ казали, че в него няма гости, тя заварва там замаяна и сънена гола жена, без да подозира, че това е самата Мерилин, която преживява един от най-трудните моменти в живота си – снимките в пустинята на Невада са изтощителни, а бракът ѝ се разпада.

Този завладяващ роман за сблъсъка между два свята и силата на женското приятелство е и интимен портрет на прочутата филмова звезда, видяна през очите на една обикновeна жена.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Book Club, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

288 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2024

About the author

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Saint Martins Press USA
October 2018

"Sentinelle de la Pluie"
Editions Héloise d'Ormesson
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TATIANA DE ROSNAY was born in the suburbs of Paris and is of English, French and Russian descent. She is the author of 8 French novels. Tatiana de Rosnay is married and has two children. She lives in Paris with her family.

She is the author of several novels, Sarah's Key, A Secret Kept (Boomerang) and The House I Loved (Rose) The Other Story (A L'Encre Russe) and "Manderley Forever', a biography of Daphne du Maurier.

Reviews

[Teres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather than focus on the blonde bombshell of the silver screen, Blonde Dust gives us an intimate peek into Marilyn-the-woman, who sadly by 1960 had already begun to drown herself in alcohol and drugs.

Tatiana de Rosnay's historical novel revisits the troubled production of "The Misfits" that coincides with the breakdown of Marilyn Monroe's marriage to Arthur Miller.

Pauline is an 18-year-old unwed mother who finds steady work as a chambermaid at the luxurious Mapes Hotel in Reno, NV.

The occupant of Suite 614, known as Mrs. Miller, will have a profound and lasting effect on the young woman's life.

Blonde Dust tells the story through shifting chronologies of Pauline's memories, from her childhood in France to her arrival in Reno as an adolescent girl to her current equine veterinary practice in Mt. Shasta, CA.

I had read de Rosnay's wonderful 2007 novel Sarah's Key, so I suspected this was going to be good and it did not disappoint.

Blonde Dust succeeds in painting a vivid portrait of the fragile, beautiful, and tragic American icon Marilyn Monroe. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction.

[Cheryl Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoy reading about Old Hollywood so when I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Blond Dust I jumped on it.

The synopsis told me that this was the story of the fabulous Marilyn Monroe and her friendship with a first generation French woman Pauline who worked as a maid in a Reno, Nevada hotel.

I ate this book up.  It took me behind the glamour and glitz of a real Hollywood mega star.  She literally stripped Marilyn of all her outer glamour… her makeup, expensive perfume and fabulous clothing.  De Rosnay also exposed Marilyn's huge heart.

Other than a terrific storyline there is nothing I appreciate more than great character development.  The character Pauline had a complicated and well developed back story.

Basically this is tale of how one individual's care and consideration of another can change a life.

If I had studied the cover prior to jumping into my reading I might have been clued into the fact that horses were somehow involved in this novel.  I was quite taken with the telling of the story of wild mustang horses of the western United States.  De Rosnay portrayed the majestic animals so beautifully.  If you love animals and horses in particular here is another reason to pick up this book.  My heart warmed to the story of the wild Mustangs with one in particular actually becoming a key character in the novel.

It looks like I will look into the author's catalog to discover what else she has written.  Perhaps I will try her historical fiction piece, Sarah's Key written in 2008.

Sending thanks out to the author Tatiana de Rosnay, her publisher Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy of Blonde Dust.

["Avonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

BLONDE DUST by Tatiana De Rosnay is a spellbinding mash-up of historical fiction and women’s fiction that features a first-generation young French woman’s life as well as how in the heat of Reno, Nevada in 1960, a mega movie star’s unlikely friendship changed the course of her life. This standalone story will pull you in and take you on an emotional and nostalgic journey.

This story features three timelines while telling Pauline’s life story. You have the description of how Pauline came to America, fell in love with the wild mustangs, and became a single mother and maid with no prospects at The Mapes Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nevada. You also have a timeline which shows the development of Pauline and Marilyn Monroe’s friendship as she cleans Marilyn’s Suite 614 while she is filming on location for The Misfits, her last full-length movie. And the final timeline has Pauline looking back on her life and friendship with Marilyn as she attends the January 30, 2000, demolition of The Mapes.

The descriptions of both downtown Reno in 1960 and the landscapes outside of town on the film set and the mustang rescue ranch made me feel as though I was right there. As the timelines interweave, I was never lost or confused because each part of the story always left me wanting more. The research is obvious and blended throughout the story without interrupting the story.

There are so many aspects of this story to love; the unlikely friendship, the trajectory of a life changed, both emotionally and physically, the wild mustangs of the West, and a researched look into three short months in Marilyn Monroe’s tumultuous personal life. There are also dark moments of alcoholism and drug abuse, sexual coercion, and animal cruelty interspersed throughout.

I recommend curling up in a comfy chair and letting this mash-up of historical fiction and women’s fiction take you away.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook narrated by Caroline Hewitt 7h 57 minutes

A slice of life story where the main protagonist, Pauline, a Frenchwoman, working at a Nevada Hotel in 1960, when a chance meeting with American actor, Marilyn Monroe, sparks her to stand her ground and determine the life she really wants to live.

This was good, but I do believe it might have been a little hyped by my fellow readers. I have finished with a feeling that I am missing exactly what was so magical. At one time, I was a big Tatiana de Rosnay fan, but I haven't enjoyed her last two titles. Maybe I have outgrown her?

As far as the Audiobook is concerned, the narrator was absolutely fantastic.


Goodreads review published 24/01/26

[Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars This is a beautiful story of female friendship, the realities of fame, the hardships of single motherhood and realizing your dreams. An enjoyable read and a realistic look at Marilyn Monroe.

[Bianca Stanciu · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️/5⭐️

[Joy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of historical fiction set in Reno, Nevada that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Marilyn Monroe and a young single mother working as a housekeeper at the (real) Mapes Hotel. They meet when Pauline is asked to clean Suite 614 and unexpectedly encounters Monroe (aka Mrs. Miller). The setting coincides with the breakdown of her marriage to Arthur Miller and the filming of what was to be her last film, The Misfits, in 1960. Pauline also develops a friendship with Billie Pearl, a young woman her own age who works with “Wild Horse Annie” (aka Velma Johnston, also a real person) in her attempt to rescue the (real) wild mustang population of Washoe County. The book opens in 2000, with the (real) implosion of the Mapes Hotel, and this serves as the framing device to spur Pauline’s recollections of her memorable interactions with Marilyn Monroe.

I picked this book up when I found out it was set in Reno. I don’t come across that many books set in my hometown, and I can vouch that the author did her homework. She realistically depicts the “Biggest Little City,” which abuts the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. She includes local landmarks such as Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake, the Truckee River, and the high desert landscape. The author accurately depicts the wild mustangs and the woman who played a major role in saving them from slaughter. (These wild mustangs are still there, and I see them whenever I drive the stretch of freeway from Reno to Carson City. They occasionally wander into the residential areas, and the local people accept them as a regular part of life.)

The storyline beautifully depicts female friendship. It is also a story of making one’s way in the world, as Pauline, originally from Paris, migrates with her mother (who was a war bride) to Reno to marry a former soldier. There is an equal balance of female friendship and a love for horses so do not expect it to solely focus on Marilyn. There is only one segment portraying the movie set of The Misfits, and the rest takes place mostly in the hotel and on Wild Horse Annie’s ranch. The book presents Monroe as a vulnerable, intelligent woman seeking refuge from the pressures of celebrity (and not as the glamorous movie star). The story of young Pauline is equally compelling. I truly appreciate authors who go to the trouble to find out about the region they are describing in their novels. Recommended!

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars!

I read this book in one day, it's been a minute since I read a book in a day. While I did like this book, the writing was a bit flowery for my taste but overall it was a very easy read. I will say that nothing happens in this book. It's a young woman whose life has not turned out the way she thought it would, who in 1960 meets Marilyn Monroe and is inspired to make changes. It involves flashbacks and flash forwards but it mostly takes place over about 3 or 4 months.

Some may find this story boring but I liked the slice of life aspect of this book. It's a book about women helping women with a side of Hollywood glamor.

[Aline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook.
J'ai vraiment énormément aimé ce livre. Le personnage de Pauline est très attachant, l'apparition fantastique de Marilyn Monroe dans sa vie, qui lui a tant apporté est décisive dans libération. Le livre transpire l'amour pour les chevaux, le désert, la chaleur et la Maryline naturelle, écorchée par la vie. Les deux personnages se répondent très bien. Entre l'actrice qui voudrait qu'on la laisse vivre tranquillement et la femme de chambre qui cherche à s'émanciper.
J'ai aimé l'ambiance aussi et l'atmosphère surannée. Ça m'a fait penser à ces livres que je lisais adolescente chez ma grand-mère, qui débordaient des étagères ! Et ça aussi c'était bien !

(Shiny Spring challenge 2024: rubrique Printemps autour du monde, Holi: un roman avec une couleur prédominante sur la couverture)

[Alanna Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blonde Dust
I loved this book! I will be gushing about this book on my socials!

[Lina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 / 5 Stars
It was fun to read historical fiction as a change of pace. The book is divided into three time periods: the current time in 2000 when the Mapes Hotel is demolished, 1960 when Pauline meets Marilyn Monroe while Marilyn is staying at the Mapes and Pauline is working at housekeeping, and the 1940s and 1950s where we see Pauline immigrate from France to Reno, become acclimated to America, and fall in love with horses.

I was most invested in the 1960 storyline with Pauline and Marilyn. I like Old Hollywood so it was super interesting to read (though I am sure there was a heavy dose of fictionalization). The story of Pauline and her mother as immigrants in America was also interesting though very focused on horses and mustangs.

Pauline was written as a complex, multi-layered character. However, all of the plot felt kind of slow which made it hard to stay engaged. I think fans of Old Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe, the movie “The Misfits” will enjoy this story but know that there is way more that is not about that aspect as well.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: June 3, 2025

[Meghan W. (Bookswithmegh) · Rating 2 out of 5]

While BLONDE DUST had a very engaging premise, and I was very thankful to have received an ARC (ebook & physical copy), this book was just not for me. The writing style was hard for me to follow, and at times I got lost regarding who was talking and whose point of view it was from. I think this book was a great idea and a great story, but the way it was done didn't work for me.

[Leslivresdemilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

J’ai beaucoup, beaucoup aimé ce livre.

La curiosité m’attire vers Marilyn Monroe (Mrs. Miller), que je ne connais que très peu. J’entre dans l’histoire et découvre Pauline, plongé dans sa vie en ne côtoyant que très peu Mrs. Miller. Je suis vite déçue, je ne m’attendais pas à ça, jusqu’à ce que j’entre dans l’univers des chevaux sauvages qui a bercé l’enfance de Pauline. Tout à coup, mon intérêt augmente de façon exponentielle, et plus j’avance, plus le destin de Pauline est mêlé à celui de Mrs. Miller. Résultat, j’ai aimé les parties concernant Mrs. Miller autant que les parties concernant Pauline et son histoire de vie. (J’ai d’ailleurs re(re)commencé ma série préférée Heartland, qui parle de chevaux.)

Cette histoire raconte comment la vie peut prendre une toute nouvelle direction à la suite d’une rencontre, d’un événement, d’un changement. Comment arrivé-e à un moment de sa vie, on se retourne et on regarde le chemin parcouru avec gratitude. Comment on peut être fier-e d’être grandi-e après avoir traversé les épreuves de la vie. Comment on peut décider de vivre une autre vie, choisir celle qui nous plaît (dans la mesure du possible). Et bien sûr, il y a un peu de Marilyn Monroe, qu’on côtoie comme si elle était une amie.

J’ai ressenti quelques longueurs parfois, j’avais envie que ça avance, mais autrement j’ai adoré ce livre. Une superbe découverte.

[Maureen Grigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this nicely paced novel about a young girl who cleans the hotel suite that Marilyn Monroe stayed in during the filming of the movie “The Misfits”.

[Dejan Vojnovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knjiga je baš platinasta prašina – lepo napisano, a još bolje pročitana.
Autor ima taj dar da te uvlači u priču bez forsiranja, likovi su živi, a atmosfera se oseća na koži. Nije savršena (ima par mesta gde sam pomislio da je moglo kraće ili jače), ali generalno mi je veoma prijala – čita se lagano, ostavlja dobar ukus i tera na razmišljanje.
Zadovoljan sam, preporučujem, četiri zvezdice su sasvim zaslužene.

[BookstagramSam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Marilyn Monroe, old Hollywood, and some historical fiction.

This book was great. Beautiful character development with Pauline. I love the historical tie in with the Mapes Hotel and seeing the behind the scenes of glitz and glam.

This is a story about how one person can completely change your life and the story of female friends. Add Monroe on top and it was a great story!

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy!

[Kristen Amen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would rate this 3 1/2 stars. It's a well-written historical fiction novel about Marilyn Monroe when she was filming The Misfits in Reno, NV. It highlights a fictional friendship with a maid at the hotel where she was staying. I enjoy all of this author's books, & this one is no exception. Thank you to Edelweiss+ for the digital ARC.

[Jamele (BookswithJams) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing #partner for the gifted copies to review.

I did not expect to love this one as much as I did, but it was such a delightful read. The story centers around Pauline, a young maid in the Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada, who is asked to step in and clean Suite 614. She has no idea who is occupying said suite, and thinks the room is empty. However when Mrs. Miller (aka Marilyn Monroe) sleepily appears before her, an unexpected friendship forms between them, and Pauline continues to exclusively clean the suite while Marilyn films her last picture, The Misfits.

Like I said, this was a lovely read, and Caroline Hewitt did a wonderful job with the audio. I was fascinated by the potential of this occurring, as well as listening to the downward spiral of Marilyn in her last days along with how the author really humanized her during this period as well. This is why I love historical fiction, the speculation can be just as interesting as reality and I enjoyed this one so much. If you are a Monroe fan then I think you will love this one as well.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is historical fiction at its finest. It's a great story of female friendship and really humanizes Marilyn Monroe.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This was an easy to read, beautifully written story about a young girl and her love for horses and a lesson in treating famous people as real people. The first few chapters started out slow but once the story jumped into the past, I could not put the book down. The story is about Pauline and is told from 3 time periods in her life, present when she’s in her 60s, in 1960 when she’s a maid in a hotel who is befriended by Marilyn Monroe. The final time line starts out in 1946 post WWII Paris and continues into 1958 Reno, NV. This is my favorite timeline. Pauline is a young girl in Paris whose widow mom falls in love with an American GI and they move to the US. We see them leave Paris and travel to Reno. Pauline’s stepfather is a kind man who introduces her to horse rescuers and the plight of the wild Nevada mustangs. My heart broke reading about what was being done to these beautiful creatures. The 1960s timeline focus on Pauline in her 20s as a single mom working as a maid in a hotel where the cast and crew of the movie The Misfits was staying while the movie was being filmed. I know that Marilyn Monroe was a troubled woman but also a kind woman. This book shows that through a point of view of a young maid. Even though Marilyn is in Pauline’s life for only a few months, she leaves a dip impact on her life. The ending of the book when we come back to the present day did drag on. It did tie up the story nicely. I do wish there was a note from the author about how much of the story is true and how much is pure fiction, about both the wild Mustang horses and Marilyn Monroe and the filming of the movie.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It's a story of an unlikely friendship. It's also about a young woman becoming independent and following her true passion.

The characters are written brilliantly! Mrs. Miller, aka Marilyn Monroe - her different personalities were like a pendulum swinging from high to low and back again. Pauline impressed me. She was in the inside circle of Monroe's "Happy People." She held all of her experiences with these people secret and close to her heart. Billie-Pearl is the best friend that everyone wishes they had! Doug is the supportive stepfather. Special shoutout to Commander, whose strength and courage helped Pauline many times!

Books like these are my favorite! I love the blend of history and fiction. Not only do I get swept up in the characters and their stories, but I also become curious about the historical facts.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Grand Central Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Titi Coolda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nici măcar povestea, reală, a filmărilor la The Misfits nu mi-a schimbat părerea despre scriitura doamnei de Rosnay. Nu-i pentru mine. În rest, poveste corectă, scriitură limpede, autentic decorul anilor '60 din America lui Marilyn Monroe. Ce au în comun filmul lui Houston cu story-ul lui Pauline sunt mustangii, acele impozante sălbăticiuni care-mpânzesc deșerturile Nevadei.

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me all the historical fiction centered around a real life figure (Marilyn Monroe) and a real landmark (The Mapes) rich with history! That is what made Blonde Dust shine for me! This book is quiet in some ways. A bit slower paced. By the end I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It’s the year 2000 and the popular Mapes Hotel is set to demolish. Pauline finds herself at the forefront to watch the destruction. Before it collapses she reminisces over the time she spent working as a maid at the iconic building and the friendship she made with the one and only Marilyn Monroe.

I could have taken another 100 pages with this story. The setting was fascinating. The rich Reno history had me googling and chatting to my Mom about. There is something so intriguing about Marilyn Monroe’s life story. Giving her this imagined back history caught my attention. I’m having a bit of a western moment after experiencing the Yellowstone universe so the addition of the equestrian theme I was here for! I loved these characters. Lots of heartache but you are left feeling hopeful.

*I have to note the timeline felt a bit jostled in the beginning and then I found my footing. The dialogue at times was confusing with who was talking. This from an ARC copy so it may not reflect in the final version.

Thank you Grand Central Pub
Releases 6/3

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Tam📖 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central publishing for providing me with an ARC of this delightful novel.

This was definitely a “right person, right time” novel. I loved delving into the behind the scenes of the movie Misfits with such larger than life figure as Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller.

I even enjoyed Pauline and her storyline. Her friendship with Marilyn was believable and would love to read how the author came to write about this story. Is this based on a true story?

Definitley add to your TBR if you love classic movies or even the slightest fancy of Marilyn Monroe. 🎥🎬📽️🎞️

Now to rewatch the movie The Misfits!

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this novel, Blonde Dust, by Tatiana de Rosnay. The story’s protagonist showed growth from a people pleaser to a strong independent woman who succeeds in life despite adversity. This was a great basis for the story. The story’s interplay revolved around Marilyn Monroe and the protagonist’s love of horses, and her dream of becoming an Equine Veterinarian. I enjoyed the way de Rosnay wove these two seemingly unrelated elements together and came up with the storyline. I learned a lot about Marilyn Monroe and the Hollywood of the Golden Age. This was a very good read for me. 4 out of 5 star. I would definitely recommend this novel.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

C'était pas ouf... Je ne comprends pas le succès de cette autrice, c'est très fade, mal écrit, rempli de lieux communs... Bref, c'est totalement dispensable !

[BibliofiendLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look for my review in an upcoming edition of Library Journal
---
Overall, I enjoyed this historical fiction piece. Recommended for readers who enjoy Kristin Hannah and Kate Quinn.

[roxana ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pentru fanii " Cei sapte soti a lui Evelyn Hugo", merita citita.

[Kirstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3 1/2 stars rounded up. Blonde Dust combines several different storylines. It starts with a French war bride following her G.I. husband to Reno, Nevada at the end of World War II. We then meet her daughter Pauline, who unfortunately becomes pregnant at the age of 17 by a rich and powerful man who promptly disowns her. While working as a maid at the famous Mapes hotel, Pauline meets Marilyn Monroe, who is a guest there while filming the Misfits. This encounter with Marilyn Monroe ultimately alters the course of Pauline’s life for the better. Oh yeah, and we learn a lot about the wild Mustangs of Nevada along the way. Overall, Blonde Dust is a sweet story of hardship, friendship and perseverance, but maybe not the most literary of novels.

[Cindy Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really 3.5 Stars. Really enjoyed parts other parts were a little slow. See my full review @robertsonsreadingcecs on Instagram.