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When We Were Brilliant
They were an unlikely pair—a blond bombshell and a photographer determined to be taken seriously—but Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold would make a deal that would change their lives in this dazzling new novel from the national bestselling author of Mrs. Poe and The Woman with the Cure.
In 1952, Norma Jeane Baker follows documentary photographer Eve Arnold into a powder room on the night they first meet. She has a proposition for her. Norma Jeane created Marilyn Monroe to be photographed, and she wants Eve to do it. Eve is better than anyone she’s seen at capturing a person’s inner truth. Together they can help each other. Together, she says, they can make something brilliant.
Skeptical of this cipher of a young woman, Eve demurs. She’s looking for more serious subjects than this ambitious starlet. But she keeps getting drawn back into Marilyn’s orbit, and the women come to recognize something in each other—something fundamental. Nothing will get in the way of what they want, and when Marilyn’s star takes off to teetering heights, neither will ever be the same.
A lavish and transporting novel, When We Were Brilliant captures the halcyon days of an icon and the grit of women determining their own futures as it explores the exceptional and complicated friendship between Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold.
In 1952, Norma Jeane Baker follows documentary photographer Eve Arnold into a powder room on the night they first meet. She has a proposition for her. Norma Jeane created Marilyn Monroe to be photographed, and she wants Eve to do it. Eve is better than anyone she’s seen at capturing a person’s inner truth. Together they can help each other. Together, she says, they can make something brilliant.
Skeptical of this cipher of a young woman, Eve demurs. She’s looking for more serious subjects than this ambitious starlet. But she keeps getting drawn back into Marilyn’s orbit, and the women come to recognize something in each other—something fundamental. Nothing will get in the way of what they want, and when Marilyn’s star takes off to teetering heights, neither will ever be the same.
A lavish and transporting novel, When We Were Brilliant captures the halcyon days of an icon and the grit of women determining their own futures as it explores the exceptional and complicated friendship between Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When We Were Brilliant written by Lynn Cullen was inspiring, beautiful, powerful, emotional, raw, real, pure, heart breaking, stunning, poignant, and empowering. I'm so happy to kick off 2026 with a banger, I couldn't have been more blessed to have this book in my life to remind me that girls rule the world. I have never read a book by Lynn Cullen before, but her writing style flowed so beautifully I often forgot that my heart was being split into a million little pieces because this story was just so heart breaking. At times, I had to remind myself that this was a work of fiction, but inspired by real events. This book was so bitter sweet that it made me smile while I had tears streaming down my face. Ladies, here's a little life advice, we are more than just our looks, we are more than worthy, not because we are beautiful, but because we have a pure heart and good intentions. I mainly wanted to read this book because of the beautiful pink cover, but once I started reading I was completely captivated by the lives of Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold that I remembered this book wasn't cute, but it touched my soul in ways I will always remember because it was so truthful. When We Were Brilliant is a beautiful poignant story about female friendships and women taking the lead in a male dominated profession and often times a male dominated world. I can't recommend this book enough, so if you are a woman struggling with your self worth, please mark your calendars for January 20th, 2026 because this book will speak to you and let you know that YOU ARE A BADASS WOMAN!!!!!! I'm getting emotional again writing this review.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNING'S
Suicide
Overdosing
Consumption of Sleeping Pills
Miscarriage's
Molestation
"Everyone has beauty inside of them".
"Here's a little advice for the future: treat all women like they are your sister".
"Being with such a kindred spirit was both the rose and the thorn. It hurt to like someone so much".
"Would you ever believe the plain truth that you were extraordinary just the way you were?"
"No one can imagine such hatred coming from strangers until it comes for you".
Marilyn Monroe was a beautiful glorious butterfly. Marilyn Monroe was formerly known as Norma Jeane Baker before she became a big popular sensation. Marilyn was often called a blonde bimbo, but she was more than just a beautiful woman, Marilyn was a powerhouse icon. Marilyn's story absolutely broke my heart, she was a fierce strong woman, but behind the scenes she was a fragile human being because social media picked apart her life piece by piece and often overlooked by many because she was a rising star in a male dominated world. Marilyn had been an orphan since she was a baby, she lived in an orphanage and taken in and returned by twelve different foster families. At just sixteen years old, Marilyn married her neighbor so she didn't have to go back to the orphanage. Marilyn infused charm- she was so sympathetic and her vulnerability was so genuine, beautiful, and heart breaking. As Marilyn rose to stardom, there were rumors that she was sleeping with her photographers, but that's what social media does when they get jealous of others who are making a name for themselves, they are just keyboard warriors trying to bring down others who are succeeding in life. Despite the rumors, it was mentioned the Marilyn did have an affair. During her rise to the fame, along the way to stardom Marilyn was molested a few times by many different men because they thought they were above everyone else and they thought they were better than Marilyn Monroe. One year in her lifetime, Marilyn had to play a role for a movie as an actress for Anna Christie where she became the brittle and broken Anna, many people thought it was a performance, but it wasn't- it was more than just acting, it was Marilyn ripping open her deepest wounds- wounds she had spent a lifetime stitching up. Despite being an absolute icon, Marilyn wanted nothing more than to become a mom, but she had two miscarriages in her lifetime and she later suffered from endometriosis. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and hug this woman.
Eve Arnold was one badass photographer and a beautiful human being. Before becoming one of the biggest photographers, Eve used to photograph the wives of presidential candidates such as Jackie Kennedy and many others, people rarely took her seriously because again she was just a nobody photographer in a world full of male photographers. Eve was different compared to other photographers, she wants to photograph the real you- the real, the beautiful, and the messy version of yourself. Eve never used a background and what we call them today ring lights, she loved to use natural lighting. Eve started photography when she was in her twenties, she worked at Magnum Photography as a documentary photographer where she documented the lives of others in their real day to day life. Eve had a horrible and heart breaking childhood, she grew up in poverty and lied to about food on the table, her mother would tell her she was cooking dinner, but really the pot was just sitting on the stove because they didn't have any money to their names. Eve became a young mother to her son Francis who was a beautiful baby boy, I loved watching him grow up throughout the book. In 1957 at forty-five years old, Eve became pregnant with her second child and had a miscarriage as well, later on Eve had a hysterectomy after losing her daughter. As Eve became known, she's the only female Marilyn had ever done a photo shoot with. During her career, Eve's marriage with her husband Arnold is at it's wits end because Eve was always on the road doing photo shoots. At sixty-eight years old, Eve now has her own museum exhibition in Brooklyn. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Eve the biggest hug as she took the world on by storm.
Marilyn and Eve were one of the most beautiful and iconic duos. During their time together, I absolutely loved and adored watching Eve and Marilyn's friendship blossom, it truly was so beautiful to witness to very unlikely women bring to light the true definition of female friendships. We might not always see eye to eye, we might think we are better than the other, but in a male dominated world, women need to come together and support one another no matter how big your name is. During their time together, Eve was always the camera and Marilyn was always herself. They never referred to each other by their names, Eve always called Marilyn- "Miss Most Advertised" and Marilyn always called Eve- "Miss Documentary Photographer". As they worked together, Eve sometimes felt betrayed because Marilyn never completely opened her ugliest side to Eve on camera, but during the story you do get to watch Marilyn show her ugly and bad side to Eve despite some of the things Marilyn keeps hidden from the cameras. I absolutely love how inspirational these two women were, whenever Marilyn turned to negativity, Eve would lift her up with just one simple line- "c'mon, kid". Marilyn and Eve were just two young women starting out in this male dominated world, but they had the most fun they could together, they both made each other feel brilliant, they both brought out the best in each other. In 1957, Marilyn and Eve both became pregnant at the same time and both of them had miscarried their pregnancies, but they didn't let that derail their friendship, they actually supported one another during this difficult time. My heart just broke for these two powerful women, they were always dealt with the shittiest situations, but often made the most out of what they were dealt with. I couldn't help but cheer on these two beautiful powerhouses, they truly were the most remarkable characters that I won't be able to forget anytime soon. Numerous times I just wanted to reach into my kindle and walk hand in hand with them as they navigated life, family, fame, hardships, and friendships. Often times the world can be an ugly place, but when you have the right person by your side, anything is possible, Marilyn and Eve both showcased that.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
TRIGGER WARNING'S
Suicide
Overdosing
Consumption of Sleeping Pills
Miscarriage's
Molestation
"Everyone has beauty inside of them".
"Here's a little advice for the future: treat all women like they are your sister".
"Being with such a kindred spirit was both the rose and the thorn. It hurt to like someone so much".
"Would you ever believe the plain truth that you were extraordinary just the way you were?"
"No one can imagine such hatred coming from strangers until it comes for you".
Marilyn Monroe was a beautiful glorious butterfly. Marilyn Monroe was formerly known as Norma Jeane Baker before she became a big popular sensation. Marilyn was often called a blonde bimbo, but she was more than just a beautiful woman, Marilyn was a powerhouse icon. Marilyn's story absolutely broke my heart, she was a fierce strong woman, but behind the scenes she was a fragile human being because social media picked apart her life piece by piece and often overlooked by many because she was a rising star in a male dominated world. Marilyn had been an orphan since she was a baby, she lived in an orphanage and taken in and returned by twelve different foster families. At just sixteen years old, Marilyn married her neighbor so she didn't have to go back to the orphanage. Marilyn infused charm- she was so sympathetic and her vulnerability was so genuine, beautiful, and heart breaking. As Marilyn rose to stardom, there were rumors that she was sleeping with her photographers, but that's what social media does when they get jealous of others who are making a name for themselves, they are just keyboard warriors trying to bring down others who are succeeding in life. Despite the rumors, it was mentioned the Marilyn did have an affair. During her rise to the fame, along the way to stardom Marilyn was molested a few times by many different men because they thought they were above everyone else and they thought they were better than Marilyn Monroe. One year in her lifetime, Marilyn had to play a role for a movie as an actress for Anna Christie where she became the brittle and broken Anna, many people thought it was a performance, but it wasn't- it was more than just acting, it was Marilyn ripping open her deepest wounds- wounds she had spent a lifetime stitching up. Despite being an absolute icon, Marilyn wanted nothing more than to become a mom, but she had two miscarriages in her lifetime and she later suffered from endometriosis. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and hug this woman.
Eve Arnold was one badass photographer and a beautiful human being. Before becoming one of the biggest photographers, Eve used to photograph the wives of presidential candidates such as Jackie Kennedy and many others, people rarely took her seriously because again she was just a nobody photographer in a world full of male photographers. Eve was different compared to other photographers, she wants to photograph the real you- the real, the beautiful, and the messy version of yourself. Eve never used a background and what we call them today ring lights, she loved to use natural lighting. Eve started photography when she was in her twenties, she worked at Magnum Photography as a documentary photographer where she documented the lives of others in their real day to day life. Eve had a horrible and heart breaking childhood, she grew up in poverty and lied to about food on the table, her mother would tell her she was cooking dinner, but really the pot was just sitting on the stove because they didn't have any money to their names. Eve became a young mother to her son Francis who was a beautiful baby boy, I loved watching him grow up throughout the book. In 1957 at forty-five years old, Eve became pregnant with her second child and had a miscarriage as well, later on Eve had a hysterectomy after losing her daughter. As Eve became known, she's the only female Marilyn had ever done a photo shoot with. During her career, Eve's marriage with her husband Arnold is at it's wits end because Eve was always on the road doing photo shoots. At sixty-eight years old, Eve now has her own museum exhibition in Brooklyn. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Eve the biggest hug as she took the world on by storm.
Marilyn and Eve were one of the most beautiful and iconic duos. During their time together, I absolutely loved and adored watching Eve and Marilyn's friendship blossom, it truly was so beautiful to witness to very unlikely women bring to light the true definition of female friendships. We might not always see eye to eye, we might think we are better than the other, but in a male dominated world, women need to come together and support one another no matter how big your name is. During their time together, Eve was always the camera and Marilyn was always herself. They never referred to each other by their names, Eve always called Marilyn- "Miss Most Advertised" and Marilyn always called Eve- "Miss Documentary Photographer". As they worked together, Eve sometimes felt betrayed because Marilyn never completely opened her ugliest side to Eve on camera, but during the story you do get to watch Marilyn show her ugly and bad side to Eve despite some of the things Marilyn keeps hidden from the cameras. I absolutely love how inspirational these two women were, whenever Marilyn turned to negativity, Eve would lift her up with just one simple line- "c'mon, kid". Marilyn and Eve were just two young women starting out in this male dominated world, but they had the most fun they could together, they both made each other feel brilliant, they both brought out the best in each other. In 1957, Marilyn and Eve both became pregnant at the same time and both of them had miscarried their pregnancies, but they didn't let that derail their friendship, they actually supported one another during this difficult time. My heart just broke for these two powerful women, they were always dealt with the shittiest situations, but often made the most out of what they were dealt with. I couldn't help but cheer on these two beautiful powerhouses, they truly were the most remarkable characters that I won't be able to forget anytime soon. Numerous times I just wanted to reach into my kindle and walk hand in hand with them as they navigated life, family, fame, hardships, and friendships. Often times the world can be an ugly place, but when you have the right person by your side, anything is possible, Marilyn and Eve both showcased that.
October 28, 2025
A splendid histfic look at two real life women, actress Marilyn Monroe, and photographer Eve Arnold, whose relationship is told is such authentic fashion that I had to remind myself that this tale is fictive. Absorbing and memorable!
Want to read
December 20, 2025Thank you Berkley Pub for my gifted copies.
February 15, 2026
An utterly fascinating and rich novel about the unique friendship between the famous 20th century photojournalist Eve Arnold and the movie star Marilyn Monroe. Told from Eve’s point of view and beginning when she is a struggling New York City photographer and Marilyn is rising to her height in the film industry, Eve slowly begins to find the real person under the protective layers of her new acquaintance. After a time, they are closer than sisters. They bond over difficult marriages and the desperate need to have babies. Eve, who is far the more stable one, increasingly leaves her family when Marilyn needs her. But though every reader will already know that the ending will not be happy, and that Marilyn will succumb to pills and her inner demons, Eve does not know it. What a deep story of friendship between women! WHEN WE WERE BRILLIANT is a marvelous novel.
November 11, 2025
What a great perspective on Marilyn Monroe’s life and her photographer Eve Arnold… I knew a lot about Marilyn, but nothing about Eve.. this book prompted me to look her up and view some of her photos of Marilyn… they had a great friendship and faced lots of challenges of the times as they fought for respect of the men in their lives .
February 4, 2026
January 30, 2026 - Review:
4.5/5
This book is a fictional love letter from Eve Arnold to Norma Jeane (famously known as Marilyn Monroe).
Spanning from 1952 to 1992, When We Were Brilliant is told from "Marilyn's photographer", Eve Arnold's point of view and depicts the friendship between the two women and the symbiotic relationship between artist and muse/photographer and subject, and the bond between two women who understand each other on a deeper level.
What makes this book interesting (and a bit difficult to adjust to at first), is that the book is also written in second person and addressed to Norma Jeane. From the way the story is written, you can tell how much Eve comes admire and care for Norma Jeane, making this book a true appreciation of the creative genius that is Norma Jeane and the work that Norma Jeane had put into shaping and marketing her persona - Marilyn Monroe.
Many photographers have photographed Marilyn Monroe but only one photographer, and the only female one at that, has been able to show a different side of Marilyn in her photographs. You might even say that while other photographers were taking pictures of Marilyn, Eve was the only one able to capture pictures of Norma Jeane before she puts on her seductive Marilyn mask.
In many ways, this book also tells the heartbreaking story of how difficult it was for women to succeed in the film and photography industry and how hard both Marilyn and Eve worked to obtain recognition. It showed how Marilyn was constantly being typecast and how Eve was similarly pigeonholed into providing a more feminine take on her photo assignments. Perhaps that's why the two of them got along so well.
I'll also note that the descriptions of all the photos that Eve has taken throughout her career had me scrambling to look them up as I was reading the book. I found a few (along with other photographs from other photographers mentioned throughout this book), which you can find by scrolling through my reading progress (if you're reading this on a mobile or tablet, make sure to switch to desktop view to see the images) but more would likely be found in Eve Arnold's books.
**I received a free physical copy of the book from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
January 20, 2026 - Pre-Review:
Happy Publishing Day!
The writing style takes some getting used to (as it's written in both first and second person - I needed time to adjust to the second person) but I'm about 30% into this book and enjoying this fictionalized depiction of the complex friendship between Marilyn Monroe (1950's starlet) and Eve Arnold (the only female photojournalist to have worked with Marilyn).
I can't help but look up Eve's photos while reading this book!
4.5/5
This book is a fictional love letter from Eve Arnold to Norma Jeane (famously known as Marilyn Monroe).
"Let me tell you how it was. Marilyn and I were two young women starting out in this quite male world, so we just played together, had the most fun we could. She made me feel as if I were brilliant, and I suppose I made her feel the same. We fed off one another until I couldn't tell where I began and she left off."
Spanning from 1952 to 1992, When We Were Brilliant is told from "Marilyn's photographer", Eve Arnold's point of view and depicts the friendship between the two women and the symbiotic relationship between artist and muse/photographer and subject, and the bond between two women who understand each other on a deeper level.
What makes this book interesting (and a bit difficult to adjust to at first), is that the book is also written in second person and addressed to Norma Jeane. From the way the story is written, you can tell how much Eve comes admire and care for Norma Jeane, making this book a true appreciation of the creative genius that is Norma Jeane and the work that Norma Jeane had put into shaping and marketing her persona - Marilyn Monroe.
"I want photographs to prove to the world that Marilyn is okay, and I need a friend to shoot it." You inhaled, then sighed. "And you're my only real friend, you know?"
Many photographers have photographed Marilyn Monroe but only one photographer, and the only female one at that, has been able to show a different side of Marilyn in her photographs. You might even say that while other photographers were taking pictures of Marilyn, Eve was the only one able to capture pictures of Norma Jeane before she puts on her seductive Marilyn mask.
I knew how this would work. I'd become known as Marilyn Monroe's photographer. My decades of other work would recede into the background, my name as the woman who saw the unseen would fade, my other subjects would fade away, too. Because that's how it is with Marilyn Monroe. She overshadows everyone around her. Even you, Norma Jeane. Especially you.
In many ways, this book also tells the heartbreaking story of how difficult it was for women to succeed in the film and photography industry and how hard both Marilyn and Eve worked to obtain recognition. It showed how Marilyn was constantly being typecast and how Eve was similarly pigeonholed into providing a more feminine take on her photo assignments. Perhaps that's why the two of them got along so well.
I'll also note that the descriptions of all the photos that Eve has taken throughout her career had me scrambling to look them up as I was reading the book. I found a few (along with other photographs from other photographers mentioned throughout this book), which you can find by scrolling through my reading progress (if you're reading this on a mobile or tablet, make sure to switch to desktop view to see the images) but more would likely be found in Eve Arnold's books.
**I received a free physical copy of the book from the publisher for review consideration, but all opinions are my own.**
January 20, 2026 - Pre-Review:
Happy Publishing Day!
The writing style takes some getting used to (as it's written in both first and second person - I needed time to adjust to the second person) but I'm about 30% into this book and enjoying this fictionalized depiction of the complex friendship between Marilyn Monroe (1950's starlet) and Eve Arnold (the only female photojournalist to have worked with Marilyn).
I can't help but look up Eve's photos while reading this book!
January 29, 2026
Oh, what a brilliant gem of a historical fiction novel! This book explores the friendship between award winning photographer, Eve Arnold, and one of her most intriguing subjects, Marilyn Monroe. Written from Eve’s perspective, this thoroughly researched story unfolds from the women’s first meeting and delves into their one-of-a kind work relationship that led to them being friends. Eve was one of the few true friends in Marilyn’s life. She didn’t want anything from Marilyn and this shows in her photographs. Marilyn was happy and her true self in front of Eve’s lens. I truly enjoyed this book and loved being introduced to Eve and her work. She was much more than ‘Marilyn’s photographer’. Having read this book, I’ve been inspired to look at Eve’s other famous photographs. I also have a great desire to watch some of the Marilyn films mentioned in ‘When We Were Brilliant. As with Lynn Cullen’s other historical fiction books, this one is a truly remarkable look at a strong, intelligent woman who was somehow overlooked in history. So glad Eve was brought to life and to the forefront in this novel.
January 31, 2026
Bravo! Cullen delivers another beautiful novel on the human condition, this time brings Marilyn Monroe to the front and center through the eyes of brilliant photo journalist Eve Arnold! This story is equal parts Marilyn and Eve, including the topics of fame, sexism, ageism, racism, love, loyalty and so much more. Cullen paints a picture of the time and tone without imposing her own opinions on the reader.
January 26, 2026
Brilliantly done! Interesting finding out Marilyn and her unique relationship with her photographer.
I loved watching her movies and after reading about her personal life I felt for her. Sad she never felt truly loved for who she was. Norma Jean we see YOU!
I loved watching her movies and after reading about her personal life I felt for her. Sad she never felt truly loved for who she was. Norma Jean we see YOU!
January 23, 2026
When We Were Brilliant is a nostalgic journey into the life of Marilyn Monroe as told by her photographer. This book took us on a journey through Marilyn’s rise to stardom, and introduced us to Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and the civil rights struggle of the 60’s. But not just an entertaining read, it also explored the role of women and what it meant to be a working mom and wife in the 60’s (although many of these issues feel relevant today). I could not put this book down! I look forward to reading her other books, including Mrs. Poe (next on my TBR).
January 28, 2026
This was a really dull retelling of Marilyn’s life and her friendship with Eve. I would have love to explored more information about Eve’s life and her role as a mother to her son. How did her job affect his young adult life?
November 7, 2025
When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen will leave you missing your two new best friends Eve and Norma Jean! This book was a perfect blend of fact and fiction creating an immersive story of two complex successful women simply living their lives. Cullen did not shy away from the impact these women and others like them had on the beginnings of the feminist movement growing traction at the time. She also included several cultural truths and taboos relevant of this period including race, sex, abuse, journalistic voyeurism, mental health, poverty and drug abuse, painting the complete and wholistic picture for the reader. While these themes were woven throughout the storyline, this was ultimately a book about friendship and trust and love. Eve Arnold and Marilyn Monroe both achieved fame and notoriety while grappling with their identities and striving to be seen for their personal truths. Their struggles and triumphs are given depth and purpose during each changing phase of their lives allowing the reader to sympathize with every chapter. The narrative is given through Eve’s perspective speaking almost directly to Marilyn which also easily pulls the reader into their reality. I was utterly captivated by every aspect of this story and couldn’t recommend it enough. I’d give it a solid 5 stars!!
January 9, 2026
▪️Read this if you like:
▫️historical fiction: 1950s-1990s U.S.
▫️stories of badass women
▫️slow burn character-driven stories
———
This was my first time reading historical fiction featuring Marilyn Monroe, and I enjoyed it!
I love when historical fiction is based on real people, and it felt especially interesting in this book. Marilyn Monroe is an icon, but I liked getting to know a different side of her through this book. Her “Marilyn” persona and the way she talks about that persona as a separate person reminded me a lot of Paris Hilton, in that they both used their ultra-feminine ways to move through the world. I wasn’t aware who Eve Arnold was before reading this book, but I can appreciate and admire all that she went through as a woman in photography during this time period.
While I really enjoyed the story of these two women working together in a man’s world, the pacing of the book just didn’t fully work for me. The plot moved pretty slowly, and there were sections of the book that felt repetitive, causing some moments to drag. However, pacing aside, I think this was a fascinating look at this period of time with these two women, and I enjoyed the girl power themes.
Thank you Berkley for the free copy!
▫️historical fiction: 1950s-1990s U.S.
▫️stories of badass women
▫️slow burn character-driven stories
———
This was my first time reading historical fiction featuring Marilyn Monroe, and I enjoyed it!
I love when historical fiction is based on real people, and it felt especially interesting in this book. Marilyn Monroe is an icon, but I liked getting to know a different side of her through this book. Her “Marilyn” persona and the way she talks about that persona as a separate person reminded me a lot of Paris Hilton, in that they both used their ultra-feminine ways to move through the world. I wasn’t aware who Eve Arnold was before reading this book, but I can appreciate and admire all that she went through as a woman in photography during this time period.
While I really enjoyed the story of these two women working together in a man’s world, the pacing of the book just didn’t fully work for me. The plot moved pretty slowly, and there were sections of the book that felt repetitive, causing some moments to drag. However, pacing aside, I think this was a fascinating look at this period of time with these two women, and I enjoyed the girl power themes.
Thank you Berkley for the free copy!
January 21, 2026
Fascinating, captivating, and rich!
When We Were Brilliant is an insightful, immersive novel set in the 1950s that draws readers into the lives of photographer Eve Arnold and her most famous subject and close friend Marilyn Monroe, through their unusual, evolving bond, the highs and lows of fame and fortune, the pressures of marriage, the ache of loss, and the toll of living under constant public scrutiny.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are hardworking, devoted, and passionate. And the plot is a compelling tale of life, love, friendship, family, glitz, glamour, jealousy, scandal, uncertainty, infidelity, ambition, and the many complexities of stardom.
Overall, When We Were Brilliant is a vivid, absorbing novel by Cullen that showcases her impressive research and deep understanding of both a pioneering photographer and a brilliant, misunderstood actress whose life was tragically short and painfully complicated, yet who is unfortunately too often remembered only for her beauty and sex appeal.
When We Were Brilliant is an insightful, immersive novel set in the 1950s that draws readers into the lives of photographer Eve Arnold and her most famous subject and close friend Marilyn Monroe, through their unusual, evolving bond, the highs and lows of fame and fortune, the pressures of marriage, the ache of loss, and the toll of living under constant public scrutiny.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are hardworking, devoted, and passionate. And the plot is a compelling tale of life, love, friendship, family, glitz, glamour, jealousy, scandal, uncertainty, infidelity, ambition, and the many complexities of stardom.
Overall, When We Were Brilliant is a vivid, absorbing novel by Cullen that showcases her impressive research and deep understanding of both a pioneering photographer and a brilliant, misunderstood actress whose life was tragically short and painfully complicated, yet who is unfortunately too often remembered only for her beauty and sex appeal.
January 27, 2026
This book parallels the careers of two amazing people - Norma Jeane Mortenson (aka Marilyn Monroe) and Eve Norton. Both women were finding their way in the 60's, and found that they could use each other to help their careers.
Eve was the 1st female photographer at Magnum Photos, an international cooperative started by Robert Capa. She had the opportunity to take photos of Marilyn, and revealed to Norma Jeane that she offered friendship along with good photography. Marilyn had struggled to find success as she pursued modeling and acting - even attending the Actor's Studio with Lee Strasburg to gain credibility. She needed someone like Eve to capture her trajectory into fame without losing sight of who she really was.
This story of ambition and desire for power was fascinating and insightful as both women discovered their talents. Their journeys were complicated by marriage and motherhood, both of which required compromise that required personal choice. In reading this book, I discovered a greater respect for both actor and photographer as well as the synergistic relationship of them both.
Eve was the 1st female photographer at Magnum Photos, an international cooperative started by Robert Capa. She had the opportunity to take photos of Marilyn, and revealed to Norma Jeane that she offered friendship along with good photography. Marilyn had struggled to find success as she pursued modeling and acting - even attending the Actor's Studio with Lee Strasburg to gain credibility. She needed someone like Eve to capture her trajectory into fame without losing sight of who she really was.
This story of ambition and desire for power was fascinating and insightful as both women discovered their talents. Their journeys were complicated by marriage and motherhood, both of which required compromise that required personal choice. In reading this book, I discovered a greater respect for both actor and photographer as well as the synergistic relationship of them both.
January 21, 2026
I thought I knew a lot about Marilyn Monroe but this latest historical fiction novel from fav author, Lynn Cullen sheds new light on the tragic life of an American icon through her real life friendship with married Jewish photographer, Eve Arnold. I really enjoyed this story told from Eve's perspective that spans the 1950s-80s, following the rise of both women's careers. I also had no idea Marilyn suffered from endometriosis and that discovery was eye-opening. Cullen does a great job showing the depth of these women's lives as they fight to make names for themselves in male dominated worlds in spite of many obstacles. Equally moving and heartbreaking, this was incredible on audio and will definitely be a favorite read of 2026 for me! I can't recommend it enough!!
February 3, 2026
Marilyn Monroe (Miss Most Advertised) and Eve Arnold (Miss Documentary Photographer) developed a friendship when Eve photographed Marilyn on a movie set. Eve was a photographer in a male dominated world, and preferred showing the reality throughout the world while those who purchased her photographs preferred the "women's view". One of the reasons I enjoy historical fiction so much is that I am often led to further research, and in this situation, I went to learn more about Eve and her photographs, her family, her travels. Norma Jean is so much more than a sex symbol with a tragic ending, and Eve was so much more than a photographer for Marilyn.
February 8, 2026
Don’t be fooled by the cover art that this is merely a Marilyn Monroe book. The narrator of this extremely well-researched historical feature is Eve Arnold, a pioneer in 20th century photojournalism. While I have some interest in Marilyn Monroe as a subject, it was Arnold’s story that really drew me in. Mentored by Cartier-Bresson and part of Robert Capa’s Magnum group, this was one of the most interesting accounts of American photography. Fantastic read.
December 16, 2025
This book was hard to get into at first but it ended up sweeping me up in this story. It was so sad but I loved learning about the friendship between these two women.
February 11, 2026
3.5
I wasn't found of the second person POV, and the story dragged at some points.
I wasn't found of the second person POV, and the story dragged at some points.
January 23, 2026
Eve Arnold was a celebrated photojournalist who did photo stories mainly of women and children, but some of her best-known work were her photos of Marilyn Monroe, depicting Marilyn behind the scenes in non-studio settings. Eve’s book about Marilyn, Marilyn Monroe: an Appreciation, was recently reprinted in a new edition. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this fascinating portrait of a woman intimately connected to one of the most famous women of the 20th century.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.
January 23, 2026
While others try to profit off of Marilyn by rehashing the same information, this story offers something new. Yes, it is about Marilyn Monroe. But this is also the story of her dear friend, the photographer, Eve Arnold. The ups and downs of both the women’s lives are discussed, but at its heart this is a story about female friendship. A woman both hated and adored by her own sex, found comfort in the woman behind the camera lens.
February 12, 2026
Read about 20% and could NOT get into it. DNF.
February 2, 2026
Eve Arnold, a photographer, describes her interaction with Marilyn Monroe. A work of fiction that made both women seem unbrilliant while putting down other well known people.
November 4, 2025
As a Marilyn fan, I really enjoyed this book & insight into her connection to famed photographer Eve Arnold. I got emotional in parts & adored the ending, albeit sad, yet uplifting. I feel the author did a great job of capturing the essence of both incredibly brilliant women. Thanks to NetGalley for providing the ARC. #NetGalley
November 24, 2025
3.5 stars - interesting background of both female leads, don’t care for the second person POV references to MM, ending felt a bit abrupt
February 4, 2026
“When We Were Brilliant” is a poignant portrayal of an icon through the eyes of her favorite photographer. More than yet another salacious take on the life -and death- of the incomparable Marilyn Monroe, Lynn Cullen brilliantly captures the friendship of two pioneers who had to claw their way in a time where women were not taking seriously outside of the roles they were expected to play in society (not like much has changed in the grand year of 2026!). Cullen carefully infuses her Marilyn with so much dignity, and while the readers can expect some of her iconic, most controversial moments being showcased here, it never feels sensationalized. Cullen effectively brings out Norma Jean Baker through it all, and I couldn’t helped but feel deeply moved by her desire to rise above her trauma, but being constantly let down by those around her. Yet, this never feels like torture porn; the author focuses on highlighting her strengths and her ability to persevere through it all.
Beyond Marilyn, the true highlight was Eve Arnold, portrayed here as a budding photographer trying to make her mark in a world that belonged exclusively to men. Cullen perfectly balances the Eve that hungers for success while trying to play the wife and mother role society kept trying to impose on her. Through this plight, the author beautifully captures the inner feelings and struggles of women as they try to accomplish it all in a world that constantly tells them to stay in their line. As a big historical fiction reader, I also appreciated the vignette of events the author captures through the lens of a documentary photographer; from the Red Scare to the Civil Rights movement, the story paints a vivid picture of life in the 50s and the early 60s in America.
While I was overcome with emotion by the final moments in the book, I wish we had a bit more time to explore the fallout of Eve’s relationship with her husband. We spend so many chapters witnessing the demise of the marriage, and the separation happens so abruptly. Eve’s son completely disappears from the picture, and while he was never a main character, I would have loved to see how the relationship between mother and son flourished (or not) after the divorce and Eve continuing to pursue her career. Additionally, I cringed at how one-note the Joan Crawford character felt here. The author did such a great job creating rich, multidimensional characters, yet with Crawford, she fully relies on the Mommie Dearest persona. In a book that treats complex women with thoughtfulness and care, Crawford never rises above being a caricature, a wicked witch.
In spite of the few gripes I had here and there, this is a phenomenal book, and a great read as we near Marilyn’s 100th birthday. It’s both heartwarming and tragic, but most of all, it successfully peels back the layers to reveal the human behind the legends. What a treat!
Beyond Marilyn, the true highlight was Eve Arnold, portrayed here as a budding photographer trying to make her mark in a world that belonged exclusively to men. Cullen perfectly balances the Eve that hungers for success while trying to play the wife and mother role society kept trying to impose on her. Through this plight, the author beautifully captures the inner feelings and struggles of women as they try to accomplish it all in a world that constantly tells them to stay in their line. As a big historical fiction reader, I also appreciated the vignette of events the author captures through the lens of a documentary photographer; from the Red Scare to the Civil Rights movement, the story paints a vivid picture of life in the 50s and the early 60s in America.
While I was overcome with emotion by the final moments in the book, I wish we had a bit more time to explore the fallout of Eve’s relationship with her husband. We spend so many chapters witnessing the demise of the marriage, and the separation happens so abruptly. Eve’s son completely disappears from the picture, and while he was never a main character, I would have loved to see how the relationship between mother and son flourished (or not) after the divorce and Eve continuing to pursue her career. Additionally, I cringed at how one-note the Joan Crawford character felt here. The author did such a great job creating rich, multidimensional characters, yet with Crawford, she fully relies on the Mommie Dearest persona. In a book that treats complex women with thoughtfulness and care, Crawford never rises above being a caricature, a wicked witch.
In spite of the few gripes I had here and there, this is a phenomenal book, and a great read as we near Marilyn’s 100th birthday. It’s both heartwarming and tragic, but most of all, it successfully peels back the layers to reveal the human behind the legends. What a treat!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
In Lynn Cullen’s When We Were Brilliant, we see Marlyn Monroe through her friend Eve Arnold’s eyes and camera lens.
In 1952, Eve Arnold is surprised when Marilyn Monroe follows her into the powder room. Monroe wants Eve to be a photographer. She had been following Eve’s work and could see that Eve had an eye that no man had for capturing women starlets. It was true; Eve had been building a reputation as a documentary photographer capturing a person’s inner truth. Monroe thinks the two can be built into something brilliant. Though Eve is skeptical that the bubbly blonde could do anything for her, she soon learns that the Norma Jeane under the façade was so much more than Eve ever imagined.
I wasn’t necessarily big on the voice. Eve is talking to Marilyn the whole novel, which was awkward at times and reflected Eve’s assumptions (or the author’s) of Marilyn. This often made it hard to truly get a new look at Marilyn. This starts to balance out as we get later in the book, and the reader starts to see what the two women talk about when men aren’t around. The other issue is the balance between Eve’s life and Marilyn’s. Because the focus of the novel is their relationship, it’s hard to get enough out of Eve’s without overshadowing Marilyn’s life and how that plays into their relationship. In the end, I didn’t connect to my narrator as much as I wanted to because I didn’t have enough balance of her family life.
The strength of the book is how Cullen gets into Eve and Norma Rae’s relationship. The author creates a beautiful fictional interpretation of this female friendship. There aren’t enough conversations between the two women. But when there are, this is where the pay dirt lies. I also loved the description of how Eve sets up the photo and how Cullen goes into details about the photos and what is seen in them. The true honor of the relationship is in these photos.
When We Were Brilliant brings to light a female friendship that deserves to be talked about and reminds us of a photographer who should not be forgotten. Readers can check out many of the photos in the novels at www.evearnold.com thanks to her grandson.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
In 1952, Eve Arnold is surprised when Marilyn Monroe follows her into the powder room. Monroe wants Eve to be a photographer. She had been following Eve’s work and could see that Eve had an eye that no man had for capturing women starlets. It was true; Eve had been building a reputation as a documentary photographer capturing a person’s inner truth. Monroe thinks the two can be built into something brilliant. Though Eve is skeptical that the bubbly blonde could do anything for her, she soon learns that the Norma Jeane under the façade was so much more than Eve ever imagined.
I wasn’t necessarily big on the voice. Eve is talking to Marilyn the whole novel, which was awkward at times and reflected Eve’s assumptions (or the author’s) of Marilyn. This often made it hard to truly get a new look at Marilyn. This starts to balance out as we get later in the book, and the reader starts to see what the two women talk about when men aren’t around. The other issue is the balance between Eve’s life and Marilyn’s. Because the focus of the novel is their relationship, it’s hard to get enough out of Eve’s without overshadowing Marilyn’s life and how that plays into their relationship. In the end, I didn’t connect to my narrator as much as I wanted to because I didn’t have enough balance of her family life.
The strength of the book is how Cullen gets into Eve and Norma Rae’s relationship. The author creates a beautiful fictional interpretation of this female friendship. There aren’t enough conversations between the two women. But when there are, this is where the pay dirt lies. I also loved the description of how Eve sets up the photo and how Cullen goes into details about the photos and what is seen in them. The true honor of the relationship is in these photos.
When We Were Brilliant brings to light a female friendship that deserves to be talked about and reminds us of a photographer who should not be forgotten. Readers can check out many of the photos in the novels at www.evearnold.com thanks to her grandson.
I received an ARC for review; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve been intrigued by Marilyn Monroe for as long as I can remember — not just because of the Barbie‑doll blonde bombshell image or the way she could command a screen without speaking, but because of the compassion in her eyes. Even across decades and through a television screen, she had a way of looking at you that felt startlingly intimate, as if she truly saw you. There was always a warmth and vulnerability beneath the glamour that made me wonder about the mind behind the woman.
My earliest memories of her aren’t the films most people cite. They’re The Misfits with Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift, and River of No Return with Robert Mitchum — two westerns that quietly inverted the expected Marilyn persona. In both, she is a wounded woman navigating a man’s world, fighting to claim her own space. She protects wild horses. She transforms from dance‑hall girl to steadfast companion and mother figure. These were the films where I first glimpsed the true Marilyn — the fighter, the thinker, the woman with a spine of steel wrapped in softness.
I know this is a long preamble, but it matters because Lynn Cullen clearly saw that Marilyn too.
When We Were Brilliant brings to the page the woman I’ve always believed Marilyn was: flawed, brilliant, tender, sharp, and deeply human. Cullen paints a 360° portrait that goes far beyond the pin‑up mythology. Her depiction of Marilyn’s relationship with Eve Arnold is especially powerful — not just photographer and subject, not merely artist and muse, but two women who recognized something timeless and electric in each other.
Their bond becomes a kind of sisterhood, a mutual mentorship forged in a world that insisted women choose between Madonna and Whore, between purity and desire, between intellect and beauty. Together, they refuse the binary. Together, they insist on being fully themselves.
This novel is a fictionalized account, yes — but it feels emotionally true. It honors the Marilyn who read, who thought deeply, who fought quietly, who loved fiercely, and who longed to be seen as a whole person.
And for me, it brought my Marilyn — the one from those early westerns — back into the light.
My earliest memories of her aren’t the films most people cite. They’re The Misfits with Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift, and River of No Return with Robert Mitchum — two westerns that quietly inverted the expected Marilyn persona. In both, she is a wounded woman navigating a man’s world, fighting to claim her own space. She protects wild horses. She transforms from dance‑hall girl to steadfast companion and mother figure. These were the films where I first glimpsed the true Marilyn — the fighter, the thinker, the woman with a spine of steel wrapped in softness.
I know this is a long preamble, but it matters because Lynn Cullen clearly saw that Marilyn too.
When We Were Brilliant brings to the page the woman I’ve always believed Marilyn was: flawed, brilliant, tender, sharp, and deeply human. Cullen paints a 360° portrait that goes far beyond the pin‑up mythology. Her depiction of Marilyn’s relationship with Eve Arnold is especially powerful — not just photographer and subject, not merely artist and muse, but two women who recognized something timeless and electric in each other.
Their bond becomes a kind of sisterhood, a mutual mentorship forged in a world that insisted women choose between Madonna and Whore, between purity and desire, between intellect and beauty. Together, they refuse the binary. Together, they insist on being fully themselves.
This novel is a fictionalized account, yes — but it feels emotionally true. It honors the Marilyn who read, who thought deeply, who fought quietly, who loved fiercely, and who longed to be seen as a whole person.
And for me, it brought my Marilyn — the one from those early westerns — back into the light.
January 23, 2026
4.5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Captivating, poignant, and thought provoking!
📸📸📸📸📸
A brilliant mash up of fact and fiction that provides readers with a look behind Marilyn's makeup into the heart of Norma Jean Baker told from the perspective Eve Arnold her longtime friend and photographer. Eve's story was remarkable as well. I stayed up late last night to explore Eve's breathtaking work. She captured life, emotion, and grit in her photos. These talented women had to claw their way to success in the '50's and '60's but in joining forces they were inspiring.
💄💅🏻👗👠✨
Eve Arnold is a young wife, mother, and photojournalist. She's the only female photographer at her job and is often given little work and even less of importance. She's gifted but overlooked. One evening Marilyn Monroe follows her into a restroom and is not only aware of her work but wants to be seen through her lens. The pair agree to do a shoot together and the results are golden. She shows facets of the starlet that no one else had captured including a contemplative vulnerability that gave me chills when I looked at these shots. Eve goes on to snap photos of first ladies, poverty, the civil rights movement, and her work appeared in Life, but her husband just wants a housewife, and her personal life is lonely lacking moral support. She battles guilt over not seeing her son enough. Meanwhile, Marilyn builds her own production company to be able to choose who she works with and what roles she plays. She goes to therapy and acting classes. Her personal life is also in turmoil more often than not because of choosing partners who wanted her to be less.
💔💔💔💔💔
The rich vibrant storytelling had me wondering how I had never read Lynn Cullen's work before. The easy flowing style made slipping into this novel effortless. The worlds of two iconic powerhouses colliding were striking. Cullen presented these women in an accessible manner showing their personalities, strengths, and flaws fully fleshing out their characters.
I'm so glad to have read this.
💖💖💖💖💖
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Captivating, poignant, and thought provoking!
📸📸📸📸📸
A brilliant mash up of fact and fiction that provides readers with a look behind Marilyn's makeup into the heart of Norma Jean Baker told from the perspective Eve Arnold her longtime friend and photographer. Eve's story was remarkable as well. I stayed up late last night to explore Eve's breathtaking work. She captured life, emotion, and grit in her photos. These talented women had to claw their way to success in the '50's and '60's but in joining forces they were inspiring.
💄💅🏻👗👠✨
Eve Arnold is a young wife, mother, and photojournalist. She's the only female photographer at her job and is often given little work and even less of importance. She's gifted but overlooked. One evening Marilyn Monroe follows her into a restroom and is not only aware of her work but wants to be seen through her lens. The pair agree to do a shoot together and the results are golden. She shows facets of the starlet that no one else had captured including a contemplative vulnerability that gave me chills when I looked at these shots. Eve goes on to snap photos of first ladies, poverty, the civil rights movement, and her work appeared in Life, but her husband just wants a housewife, and her personal life is lonely lacking moral support. She battles guilt over not seeing her son enough. Meanwhile, Marilyn builds her own production company to be able to choose who she works with and what roles she plays. She goes to therapy and acting classes. Her personal life is also in turmoil more often than not because of choosing partners who wanted her to be less.
💔💔💔💔💔
The rich vibrant storytelling had me wondering how I had never read Lynn Cullen's work before. The easy flowing style made slipping into this novel effortless. The worlds of two iconic powerhouses colliding were striking. Cullen presented these women in an accessible manner showing their personalities, strengths, and flaws fully fleshing out their characters.
I'm so glad to have read this.
💖💖💖💖💖
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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