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Blonde Dust
“A lovely portrait of female friendship, loss, and the unexpected ways in which a life can change. Haunting."— Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Women
A “Hollywood tale with heart” about a reimagined friendship between Marilyn Monroe and a young maid whose life will be changed forever, from the New York Times bestselling author of Sarah’s Key. (Adriana Trigiani)
Pauline, a young chambermaid who works at the legendary Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada, is asked to step in for a colleague and clean Suite 614. Although she was told the rooms were empty, a dazed, sleepy woman appears before her. This is Mrs. Miller, aka Marilyn Monroe, whose stay in Reno coincides with the breakdown of her marriage to Arthur Miller and the filming of what was to be her last film, The Misfits.
Set in the American West in 1960 where the mustang horses run wild, an unexpected friendship unfolds between the most famous movie star in the world and a young cleaning woman whose life will be changed forever through the course of a few weeks. A testament to the enduring power of female friendship and a reimagining of a side of Marilyn Monroe that has never been seen before.
A “Hollywood tale with heart” about a reimagined friendship between Marilyn Monroe and a young maid whose life will be changed forever, from the New York Times bestselling author of Sarah’s Key. (Adriana Trigiani)
Pauline, a young chambermaid who works at the legendary Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada, is asked to step in for a colleague and clean Suite 614. Although she was told the rooms were empty, a dazed, sleepy woman appears before her. This is Mrs. Miller, aka Marilyn Monroe, whose stay in Reno coincides with the breakdown of her marriage to Arthur Miller and the filming of what was to be her last film, The Misfits.
Set in the American West in 1960 where the mustang horses run wild, an unexpected friendship unfolds between the most famous movie star in the world and a young cleaning woman whose life will be changed forever through the course of a few weeks. A testament to the enduring power of female friendship and a reimagining of a side of Marilyn Monroe that has never been seen before.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
152 people are currently reading
12636 people want to read
About the author
Tatiana de Rosnay
66 books5,328 followersNew book !
"The Rain Watcher"
Saint Martins Press USA
October 2018
"Sentinelle de la Pluie"
Editions Héloise d'Ormesson
and in Norway, Holland, Sweden and Germany.
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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.
"The Rain Watcher"
Saint Martins Press USA
October 2018
"Sentinelle de la Pluie"
Editions Héloise d'Ormesson
and in Norway, Holland, Sweden and Germany.
Follow me on Twitter at
http://twitter.com/tatianaderosnay
https://www.instagram.com/tatianadero...
My website :
http://www.tatianaderosnay.com/
Facebook page :
http://www.facebook.com/tatianaderosnay
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
September 2, 2025
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.
May 26, 2025
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.
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.
June 22, 2025
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.
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.
December 3, 2025
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!
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!
September 15, 2025
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.
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.
July 5, 2025
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.
June 2, 2025
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
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
June 11, 2025
Blonde Dust
I loved this book! I will be gushing about this book on my socials!
I loved this book! I will be gushing about this book on my socials!
April 29, 2025
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.
November 28, 2025
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”.
June 12, 2025
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!
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!
January 22, 2025
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.
September 15, 2025
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.
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.
July 21, 2025
This is historical fiction at its finest. It's a great story of female friendship and really humanizes Marilyn Monroe.
April 10, 2025
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
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book
April 19, 2025
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.
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.
April 1, 2025
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.
May 1, 2025
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...
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...
February 17, 2025
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!
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!
May 3, 2025
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.
February 15, 2025
Look for my review in an upcoming edition of Library Journal
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Overall, I enjoyed this historical fiction piece. Recommended for readers who enjoy Kristin Hannah and Kate Quinn.
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Overall, I enjoyed this historical fiction piece. Recommended for readers who enjoy Kristin Hannah and Kate Quinn.
May 28, 2025
Really 3.5 Stars. Really enjoyed parts other parts were a little slow. See my full review @robertsonsreadingcecs on Instagram.
July 29, 2025
Most people would probably not rate this five stars. I liked the fact that the historical fiction part included Marilyn Monroe but there was also info about wild horses in Nevada. Main character had become a strong and independent woman by story’s end.
August 12, 2025
This is a lovely book about a short friendship between 2 ladies. I was delighted by a background story of the wild mustangs in Nevada. The story spans a life beginning in Paris and continuing into Reno, Nevada. The Mapes Hotel was a hotel and casino located in Downtown Reno, Nevada. It was built in 1947 and closed in 1982. For a few months, Mapes was the base for the production crew of the movie “The Misfits”. This novel centers around those few months.
August 7, 2025
Perfectly solid historical fiction. As someone who appreciates Marilyn Monroe, The Misfits movie, and horses, this book instantly appealed to me. While it doesn't depict Marilyn at her best and most luminous, it feels like an honest portrayal of that chapter of her life. Blonde Dust combines vivid storytelling with real researched events.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the review copy.
August 5, 2025
I’ve learned I don’t know much about Marilyn Monroe, liked this story but the writing felt a bit rushed. It’s a quick read and inspired me to google a little more on Marilyn
June 3, 2025
Blonde Dust by Tatiana de Rosnay is the story of Marilyn Monroe and her housekeeper at the Mapes Hotel in Reno, NV during filming of The Misfits.
"Pauline is a young chambermaid at the Mapes Hotel in Reno, NV. She is asked to take over for a colleague and clean Suite 614. A dazed, sleepy woman is in the suite - an unrecognizable Marilyn Monroe. Over the weeks of filming, Marilyn and Pauline form a friendship - one that changes Pauline's life."
There has always been a fascination with Marilyn Monroe and this story is an interesting reimagining of a friendship during filming of The Misfits, that turned out to be her last movie. I love to see characters grow and change - Pauline goes from being a naive young woman unwilling to stand up to anyone to a confident woman chasing a dream. I love the parts of the story with the wild mustangs.
There's an ebb and flow to the story based on Marilyn's abilty to function and meet her filming responsibilities. Her tough moments are often those where she is honest with Pauline.
Some nice historical fiction from de Rosnay.
"Pauline is a young chambermaid at the Mapes Hotel in Reno, NV. She is asked to take over for a colleague and clean Suite 614. A dazed, sleepy woman is in the suite - an unrecognizable Marilyn Monroe. Over the weeks of filming, Marilyn and Pauline form a friendship - one that changes Pauline's life."
There has always been a fascination with Marilyn Monroe and this story is an interesting reimagining of a friendship during filming of The Misfits, that turned out to be her last movie. I love to see characters grow and change - Pauline goes from being a naive young woman unwilling to stand up to anyone to a confident woman chasing a dream. I love the parts of the story with the wild mustangs.
There's an ebb and flow to the story based on Marilyn's abilty to function and meet her filming responsibilities. Her tough moments are often those where she is honest with Pauline.
Some nice historical fiction from de Rosnay.
June 2, 2025
Great work by Tatiana de Rosnay!
It's been a while since I've read one by this author that I liked this much.
Post WWII transplant, Pauline, has found herself on the American soil of Reno, Nevada. By 1960, she gave up her dream to become a veterinarian to raise her daughter and clean hotel rooms. I loved this character, and I loved her stepfather more. There's depth and strength and circumstance.
Mrs Miller is the check-in name for Marilyn Monroe, and she requested Pauline as her suite maid after a chance encounter. Pauline and Mrs Miller share the big and little items of hard life through the last months of filming 'The Misfits'.
This ticked the boxes of celebrity life in Reno in 1960. The music, the clothes, the drugs, the cars- it's all here.
It's been a while since I've read one by this author that I liked this much.
Post WWII transplant, Pauline, has found herself on the American soil of Reno, Nevada. By 1960, she gave up her dream to become a veterinarian to raise her daughter and clean hotel rooms. I loved this character, and I loved her stepfather more. There's depth and strength and circumstance.
Mrs Miller is the check-in name for Marilyn Monroe, and she requested Pauline as her suite maid after a chance encounter. Pauline and Mrs Miller share the big and little items of hard life through the last months of filming 'The Misfits'.
This ticked the boxes of celebrity life in Reno in 1960. The music, the clothes, the drugs, the cars- it's all here.
June 2, 2025
I read this in a day. These are the type of historical fiction books I love.
June 4, 2025
****Many thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****
I always love learning about all the different facets of Marilyn Monroe and in that regard I learned quite a bit! I have never heard of the Misfits before but the way her acting was written towards the ending sent a shiver down a back.
I truly feel like the MVP of this entire book was Doug.. Doug was such a great man and I really did love the relationship he had with Pauline.
The writing for me was odd? It's hard to explain, Pauline's POV would describe how or what other characters were reacting too or saying about situations. I really did not like Billie-Pearl, her nickname for Pauline made me cringe every time it was brought up.. "Mademoiselle" really? There wasn't any other French word you could have used that would fit better as a nickname?
I grew up reading horse books and the way the Mustangs were described in this book was clinical? Almost seemed like she threw the Mustang subplot in because she needed filler. It wasn't really written with any love or admiration of the Mustang's themselves and brought up maybe 3 times throughout the book.
Pauline's character was hit or miss with me. I think her personal growth being around Marilyn Monroe was inspiring but there are certain sections from 2000 that bored me to tears.
Overall a solid book, if you are looking to read about Marilyn Monroe and learn yet another side of the well loved actress.
I always love learning about all the different facets of Marilyn Monroe and in that regard I learned quite a bit! I have never heard of the Misfits before but the way her acting was written towards the ending sent a shiver down a back.
I truly feel like the MVP of this entire book was Doug.. Doug was such a great man and I really did love the relationship he had with Pauline.
The writing for me was odd? It's hard to explain, Pauline's POV would describe how or what other characters were reacting too or saying about situations. I really did not like Billie-Pearl, her nickname for Pauline made me cringe every time it was brought up.. "Mademoiselle" really? There wasn't any other French word you could have used that would fit better as a nickname?
I grew up reading horse books and the way the Mustangs were described in this book was clinical? Almost seemed like she threw the Mustang subplot in because she needed filler. It wasn't really written with any love or admiration of the Mustang's themselves and brought up maybe 3 times throughout the book.
Pauline's character was hit or miss with me. I think her personal growth being around Marilyn Monroe was inspiring but there are certain sections from 2000 that bored me to tears.
Overall a solid book, if you are looking to read about Marilyn Monroe and learn yet another side of the well loved actress.
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