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Elizabeth and Marilyn: A Novel
What really happened when Queen Elizabeth II met Marilyn Monroe? This stunning historical novel imagines the summer that bonded the world's two most famous women, both thirty years old and chafing against the façade of global celebrity.
On a cool early-autumn evening in 1956, a glittering array of stars turns out in London for a Royal Film Premier, where they will be presented to Queen Elizabeth II—an elegant young mother and wife, gracious and self-sacrificing, who has embraced her patriotic duty despite never expecting to take the throne so soon. Cameras flash, and a crowd surges forward as a limousine pulls up. Out steps a vision in dazzling the greatest star of the era, Marilyn Monroe. She's a global sensation and money-making machine for Hollywood, with curves that drive men wild and a smile that lets women know she’s in on the joke.
Finally, the two most famous women in the world will come face-to-face in public for the first time. And the world is watching—unaware that Elizabeth and Marilyn have already had an accidental encounter that has changed their lives.
Inspired by the months in the summer of 1956 when Elizabeth and Marilyn lived as neighbors in nearby Windsor, British author Julie Owen Moylan imagines a meeting the two might have had in their shared garden. Born within weeks of each other, Lilibet and Norma-Jean would seem to have only their age in common. Yet beneath the glamorous costumes and jewels, both women are fighting to hold on to the men they love while trying to do their work in a man's world, battling demons their adoring public could only guess at. Until now...
On a cool early-autumn evening in 1956, a glittering array of stars turns out in London for a Royal Film Premier, where they will be presented to Queen Elizabeth II—an elegant young mother and wife, gracious and self-sacrificing, who has embraced her patriotic duty despite never expecting to take the throne so soon. Cameras flash, and a crowd surges forward as a limousine pulls up. Out steps a vision in dazzling the greatest star of the era, Marilyn Monroe. She's a global sensation and money-making machine for Hollywood, with curves that drive men wild and a smile that lets women know she’s in on the joke.
Finally, the two most famous women in the world will come face-to-face in public for the first time. And the world is watching—unaware that Elizabeth and Marilyn have already had an accidental encounter that has changed their lives.
Inspired by the months in the summer of 1956 when Elizabeth and Marilyn lived as neighbors in nearby Windsor, British author Julie Owen Moylan imagines a meeting the two might have had in their shared garden. Born within weeks of each other, Lilibet and Norma-Jean would seem to have only their age in common. Yet beneath the glamorous costumes and jewels, both women are fighting to hold on to the men they love while trying to do their work in a man's world, battling demons their adoring public could only guess at. Until now...
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 3, 2026
In 1956 Marilyn Monroe arrives in London to film 'The Prince & the Showgirl' with Sir Laurence Olivier. It's also the honeymoon period of her marriage to playwright, Arthur Miller & she really wants this marriage to last. She finally feels that someone loves her for quiet Norma Jeane & not Marilyn the movie star.
Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth II is several years into her reign & the responsibility is taking its toll on the relationships around her - with her sister, her mother, her children, & most of all, her husband, Philip. As gossip begins to build about Philip's mens' club activities, Elizabeth struggles to be both wife & Queen.
I initially wasn't sure whether this one would work, but it actually really does - & well. Two women each playing a role (the Queen, & Marilyn Monroe) & feeling trapped by the expectations of other people. The alternating chapters are from the point of view of Lilibet & Norma Jeane rather than their 'alter egos' which underlines this point.
Based on a fictional look at the lead-up to their actual meeting, it was a delight to read, & the author captures the vulnerability beneath the glamour of Marilyn, & the building of the inner core of steel at the heart of Queen Elizabeth II. I loved it. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: Excellent - Based on the lead-up to their actual meeting, this fictional take was a delight to read.
Writing Style: Excellent - the author captures the vulnerability beneath the glamour of Marilyn, & the core of inner steel at the heart of Queen Elizabeth II.
Enjoyment Level: High - Wasn’t sure about this one but it really does work, & well.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Michael Joseph/Penguin Random House, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
TWs:
Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth II is several years into her reign & the responsibility is taking its toll on the relationships around her - with her sister, her mother, her children, & most of all, her husband, Philip. As gossip begins to build about Philip's mens' club activities, Elizabeth struggles to be both wife & Queen.
I initially wasn't sure whether this one would work, but it actually really does - & well. Two women each playing a role (the Queen, & Marilyn Monroe) & feeling trapped by the expectations of other people. The alternating chapters are from the point of view of Lilibet & Norma Jeane rather than their 'alter egos' which underlines this point.
Based on a fictional look at the lead-up to their actual meeting, it was a delight to read, & the author captures the vulnerability beneath the glamour of Marilyn, & the building of the inner core of steel at the heart of Queen Elizabeth II. I loved it. 4.5 stars (rounded up)
SUMMARY:
Plot: Excellent - Based on the lead-up to their actual meeting, this fictional take was a delight to read.
Writing Style: Excellent - the author captures the vulnerability beneath the glamour of Marilyn, & the core of inner steel at the heart of Queen Elizabeth II.
Enjoyment Level: High - Wasn’t sure about this one but it really does work, & well.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Michael Joseph/Penguin Random House, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
TWs:
December 29, 2025
Elizabeth and Marilyn by Julie Owen Moylan is a great historical fiction that focuses on the brief, infamous introduction between Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe.
This is such a great book. I knew that Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe had briefly met once, but that was literally all. The author does an amazing job at placing us into each character as we read through alternate chapters that mainly take place the few months leading up to the introduction on October 29, 1956. There are a few chapters where we go back to 1936 and 1946 as well. All of these concepts allow us as an audience to be able to find many similarities between the two unique women. Both, when stripped of their professions, titles, and personaes are just real women like the rest of us. Both women have flaws, fears, hopes, anger, frustration, and determination. Both women just want to find a place where they belong, a purpose and want to be accepted and loved. Both are also so much stronger than they realize.
The author really brought all of this home while weaving fact and fiction. I think she did an excellent job crafting the backstory and events behind the scenes that did, and may have even, taken place during that summer and fall in London and at Windsor Castle.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/7/26.
This is such a great book. I knew that Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe had briefly met once, but that was literally all. The author does an amazing job at placing us into each character as we read through alternate chapters that mainly take place the few months leading up to the introduction on October 29, 1956. There are a few chapters where we go back to 1936 and 1946 as well. All of these concepts allow us as an audience to be able to find many similarities between the two unique women. Both, when stripped of their professions, titles, and personaes are just real women like the rest of us. Both women have flaws, fears, hopes, anger, frustration, and determination. Both women just want to find a place where they belong, a purpose and want to be accepted and loved. Both are also so much stronger than they realize.
The author really brought all of this home while weaving fact and fiction. I think she did an excellent job crafting the backstory and events behind the scenes that did, and may have even, taken place during that summer and fall in London and at Windsor Castle.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/7/26.
April 2, 2026
This is a truly fascinating look at two of the world’s most famous women and how they came to meet. Whilst it’s a fictional retelling, many of the situations detailed are real. It’s clear a great deal of research went into this book which only enhances the magic of the story. I really felt like I was peering into their lives.
Julie has captured their personalities fantastically - Marilyn’s vulnerabilities and Elizabeth’s determination. They’ve been expertly crafted and these portrayals could easily have been mistaken as a work of non-fiction! I loved how as a reader we were actually watching ‘Norma & Lilibet’ rather than their public personas ‘Marilyn and Elizabeth’. It was a brilliant way of telling the story and made them even more lovable.
The story is told via alternating chapters between each woman - mainly in 1956 but also takes us back to other years in their lives to establish their backstory and how far they’ve come.
This time of their lives was fascinating to read about. These successful women were, at times, fighting loosing battles which was genuinely quite sad, but their endearing, strong spirits shon through.
5 stars from me. It’s a really great and emotional read about two of the most well-known women in the world. It’s made me want to read even more about these women and their interesting lives! Bravo Julie.
Julie has captured their personalities fantastically - Marilyn’s vulnerabilities and Elizabeth’s determination. They’ve been expertly crafted and these portrayals could easily have been mistaken as a work of non-fiction! I loved how as a reader we were actually watching ‘Norma & Lilibet’ rather than their public personas ‘Marilyn and Elizabeth’. It was a brilliant way of telling the story and made them even more lovable.
The story is told via alternating chapters between each woman - mainly in 1956 but also takes us back to other years in their lives to establish their backstory and how far they’ve come.
This time of their lives was fascinating to read about. These successful women were, at times, fighting loosing battles which was genuinely quite sad, but their endearing, strong spirits shon through.
5 stars from me. It’s a really great and emotional read about two of the most well-known women in the world. It’s made me want to read even more about these women and their interesting lives! Bravo Julie.
January 31, 2026
4* Elizabeth and Marilyn - Julie Owen Moylan. The momentary coming together of the world’s two most famous women, who have much more in common than they could ever imagine.
1956. Marilyn Monroe makes her one and only trip to the UK to star in a film alongside Sir Laurence Olivier. Accompanied by her new husband, Arthur Miller, the two stay in a house located in Great Park in the shadow of Windsor Castle.
1956. Elizabeth is finding her feet as Queen. Struggling to balance family life and to carve out roles for her husband and sister. Men talk down to her and every day offers a new crisis or turn of duty.
Julie Owen Moylan takes a meeting between Elizabeth and Marilyn in a film premiere line-up and fills in a back story of two completely disparate lives with so many overlaps. Toggling between backstories in 1936 and 1956, this merger of fact and fiction is a smart narrative with lots of heart. The author delivers a story that is adept at both character and plot, drawing a warmth from each woman (I had been worried that I’d not be able to see past getting out a very small violin for each - I was wrong).
A thoroughly recommended read. I received an ARC from Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley.
1956. Marilyn Monroe makes her one and only trip to the UK to star in a film alongside Sir Laurence Olivier. Accompanied by her new husband, Arthur Miller, the two stay in a house located in Great Park in the shadow of Windsor Castle.
1956. Elizabeth is finding her feet as Queen. Struggling to balance family life and to carve out roles for her husband and sister. Men talk down to her and every day offers a new crisis or turn of duty.
Julie Owen Moylan takes a meeting between Elizabeth and Marilyn in a film premiere line-up and fills in a back story of two completely disparate lives with so many overlaps. Toggling between backstories in 1936 and 1956, this merger of fact and fiction is a smart narrative with lots of heart. The author delivers a story that is adept at both character and plot, drawing a warmth from each woman (I had been worried that I’d not be able to see past getting out a very small violin for each - I was wrong).
A thoroughly recommended read. I received an ARC from Penguin Michael Joseph and Netgalley.
November 30, 2025
A phenomenal book from start to finish. Although it is historical fiction, the author does an amazing job of creating a tale where you feel you actually know both Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe. You will also get to know them as Lilibet and Norma Jean. I have read many non-fiction books on both of these women and truly feel that the author did a great job of capturing the reality of both of them in this book. The parallel of their lives was very interesting and I loved how, at certain times, the story would reflect on earlier times in their lives. One of the best books I've read this year. Be sure to read this when it is released it's not to be missed! Thanks to the author, NetGalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Elizabeth and Marilyn is truly a wonderful story you should consider reading if you want a peak into the glamorous lifestyles of both the monarchy and Hollywood. What I loved about this novel is that even though both Elizabeth and Marilyn live the glamorous lifestyles that they lead deep down they are truly not content with life. I really enjoyed the honesty in feelings that were trayed here. This novel is entirely placed in 1956 but with occasional flashbacks to both Elizabeth and Marilyn's childhoods.
In 1956 we are introduced to Queen Elizabeth II who has been queen for a couple of years. She seems to have it all the crown, the handsome husband and two precious children. However, deep down she is unhappy because with her demanding role as Queen she feels like she can't be devoted mother she wants to be. Things become more stressful when she starts hearing rumors of Prince Phillip's philandering ways.
We are also introduced to Marilyn Monroe who is in England filming The Prince and the Show Girl. She is accompanied by her third husband Arthur Miller whom she is crazy in love with. However, with stress of the movie and some of her unresolved childhood trauma Marilyn is possibly headibg down a road that could lead to her downfall.
In 1956 we are introduced to Queen Elizabeth II who has been queen for a couple of years. She seems to have it all the crown, the handsome husband and two precious children. However, deep down she is unhappy because with her demanding role as Queen she feels like she can't be devoted mother she wants to be. Things become more stressful when she starts hearing rumors of Prince Phillip's philandering ways.
We are also introduced to Marilyn Monroe who is in England filming The Prince and the Show Girl. She is accompanied by her third husband Arthur Miller whom she is crazy in love with. However, with stress of the movie and some of her unresolved childhood trauma Marilyn is possibly headibg down a road that could lead to her downfall.
January 26, 2026
Anyone who has followed me for a while knows that Queen Elizabeth II was a real hero for me, I try and read anything written about her that I can get my hands on so this book really fell into my lap. I can’t begin to describe to you how beautifully written it is, on the face of it two very, very different women who, at their core, are in similar positions. Their sense of duty to their careers, being torn between duty and family, their love lives. It just all falls beautifully together. Any reader will find themselves falling in love with both women and wanting the best for them both, despite knowing both their stories I still found myself hoping for a better way. That’s the sign of a brilliant author. Thank you for the opportunity of reviewing this book, it was an experience that will stay with me for a long time.
February 8, 2026
Elizabeth and Marilyn offers a fascinating story told through a historical fiction lens. Set in 1956, it follows the months from July to October when Marilyn Monroe was in London filming The Prince and the Showgirl, leading up to that October evening when she and Queen Elizabeth II met in person for the only time.
I found myself feeling deep sympathy for both women as they struggle with the tension between their authentic selves and the identities the world expects them to embody. Each faces challenges in her relationships and in the weight of her responsibilities. In different ways, both rely on their carefully crafted public personas as a form of protection—a shield to preserve some measure of sanity amid relentless scrutiny.
There are many tender moments throughout the book, and I especially appreciated the narrative structure. Moving between Norma Jeane and Lilibet—rather than Marilyn and Her Royal Majesty—adds an intimate quality that humanizes them both. The story also plays thoughtfully with time, shifting in ten-year increments, moving backward and forward to deepen our understanding of their lives.
I initially chose this book because I’ve always loved Marilyn and have felt protective of her legacy. I expected something light—perhaps a bit of fluff—but I was pleasantly surprised. The novel offers more depth than I anticipated, and I enjoyed it far more than I expected. In fact, I read it in just three days; it was difficult to put down.
With this year marking what would have been the 100th birthdays of both women, we’re seeing many new publications about their lives. This one stands out as an engaging and heartfelt addition. I’m glad I picked it up—and I’d encourage others to do the same.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.
I found myself feeling deep sympathy for both women as they struggle with the tension between their authentic selves and the identities the world expects them to embody. Each faces challenges in her relationships and in the weight of her responsibilities. In different ways, both rely on their carefully crafted public personas as a form of protection—a shield to preserve some measure of sanity amid relentless scrutiny.
There are many tender moments throughout the book, and I especially appreciated the narrative structure. Moving between Norma Jeane and Lilibet—rather than Marilyn and Her Royal Majesty—adds an intimate quality that humanizes them both. The story also plays thoughtfully with time, shifting in ten-year increments, moving backward and forward to deepen our understanding of their lives.
I initially chose this book because I’ve always loved Marilyn and have felt protective of her legacy. I expected something light—perhaps a bit of fluff—but I was pleasantly surprised. The novel offers more depth than I anticipated, and I enjoyed it far more than I expected. In fact, I read it in just three days; it was difficult to put down.
With this year marking what would have been the 100th birthdays of both women, we’re seeing many new publications about their lives. This one stands out as an engaging and heartfelt addition. I’m glad I picked it up—and I’d encourage others to do the same.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I looooooooove Julie's books. I have read the mall and I have followed her career since the start so I was so thrilled to read this.
I do wonder if we would get something different out of this book if Queen Elizabeth II was still with us? I am a big fan of the royal family, especially the late Queen, and there is a photo of her meeting Marilyn when they ere both in their 30s and it was fascinating to see the differences between these two women just because of who they were born to. And also knowing they did both live in Windsor at the same time, it's lovely to think they might have got together, and just been two young women spending time together, rather than Queen Elizabeth and and Marilyn Monroe.
One thing I loved about Julie's previous books is her ability to write about women, particularly sisters, and in this book she has got two of history's most powerful women.
Even if you didn't know this book was about two people, you'd know just by writing style. She's given both Elizabeth and Marilyn such distinct voices that you can turn a switch on and off in your head as you're reading it. Both voices are so crisp and familiar, even if I didn't know these two women personally, they feel like friends.
As well as the difference between the two women, she has given us the different sides of both Elizabeth and Marilyn. We have the persona, the "Queen" and "Marilyn", as well as their private sides, the "Lillibet" and the "Norma", and I found that so fascinating. I also loved that she's shown the downsides of fame as well. Is the glitz and glamour really worth the loss of your freedom?
I think I preferred the scenes that focussed on the Queen. They're both equally as fabulous, but I think, having grown up with the Queen, feeling like we knew her, whereas Marilyn was always this enigma, I suppose I felt closer to Elizabeth.
I initially thought it would be a book about Elizabeth and Marilyn together, but whilst they do meet, they are very separate entities, with each alternating chapter given to each woman.
Every now and again it does flit back in time to show Elizabeth's childhood and young adulthood, and also Marilyn when she was just Norma. They were interesting to read but I found them a bit haphazard, because it wasn't like a regular flashback, it was just as and when and that threw me slightly.
I read it in a day. I normally read thrillers and the such like in a day because they're so fast and tense. This is a historical story, not a thriller in the slightest, and yet I still zoomed through it.
I looooooooove Julie's books. I have read the mall and I have followed her career since the start so I was so thrilled to read this.
I do wonder if we would get something different out of this book if Queen Elizabeth II was still with us? I am a big fan of the royal family, especially the late Queen, and there is a photo of her meeting Marilyn when they ere both in their 30s and it was fascinating to see the differences between these two women just because of who they were born to. And also knowing they did both live in Windsor at the same time, it's lovely to think they might have got together, and just been two young women spending time together, rather than Queen Elizabeth and and Marilyn Monroe.
One thing I loved about Julie's previous books is her ability to write about women, particularly sisters, and in this book she has got two of history's most powerful women.
Even if you didn't know this book was about two people, you'd know just by writing style. She's given both Elizabeth and Marilyn such distinct voices that you can turn a switch on and off in your head as you're reading it. Both voices are so crisp and familiar, even if I didn't know these two women personally, they feel like friends.
As well as the difference between the two women, she has given us the different sides of both Elizabeth and Marilyn. We have the persona, the "Queen" and "Marilyn", as well as their private sides, the "Lillibet" and the "Norma", and I found that so fascinating. I also loved that she's shown the downsides of fame as well. Is the glitz and glamour really worth the loss of your freedom?
I think I preferred the scenes that focussed on the Queen. They're both equally as fabulous, but I think, having grown up with the Queen, feeling like we knew her, whereas Marilyn was always this enigma, I suppose I felt closer to Elizabeth.
I initially thought it would be a book about Elizabeth and Marilyn together, but whilst they do meet, they are very separate entities, with each alternating chapter given to each woman.
Every now and again it does flit back in time to show Elizabeth's childhood and young adulthood, and also Marilyn when she was just Norma. They were interesting to read but I found them a bit haphazard, because it wasn't like a regular flashback, it was just as and when and that threw me slightly.
I read it in a day. I normally read thrillers and the such like in a day because they're so fast and tense. This is a historical story, not a thriller in the slightest, and yet I still zoomed through it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
How clever this author is! I believe most of us (all ages, but especially older readers) would glance at the cover & think What? A book about them both? Together?
Setting the presentation event of October of 1956 aside, I initially thought how opposite they were despite being a reader of books about the UK & the Royals. Here lies the magic of each chapter by Julie Owen Moylan. With each chapter, I compare it to peeling back the layers of an onion, garlic or an artichoke – Take your pick.
Elizabeth & Marilyn were born 100 years ago within about 6 weeks of each other. With each page, you discover how their lives & personal growth bear distinct similarities.
Both were undereducated compared to women of today (or at least some of society in their time). Elizabeth had private tutors, but like Marilyn – The world was her educator.
Both women would be schooled “on the job”. Elizabeth’s position by birth would provide the opportunity while the book details how Hollywood would teach Marilyn on their sadistic terms. This book tenderly examines the sad decline of Marilyn. The dangerous medications, unscrupulous physicians & alcohol abuse that Hollywood used to control their human property would end a life after 36 years.
This author does an outstanding side-by-side measure of how similar their struggles were from the inside vs the public image the masses knew.
Both felt like they were failing when in reality, they would revere for generations to come. Both struggled with pleasing family & figures of authority, but this author shares what the public’s perception also shaped.
Elizabeth & Marilyn lost sight of what they wanted more often than not. They could even be defined as “People Pleasers” in today’s slang.
Marilyn’s demise was the reality, but the book keeps the hope that this time Monroe doesn’t succumb to the darkness.
If there is a defining difference, it is that Elizabeth’s demons did not win.
This is an enjoyable work of historical fiction. My only criticism is that in the beginning, it felt rushed regarding the Peter Townsend dilemma plus the Queen Mother’s lack of purpose. I feel I only noticed these because (as previously mentioned) I am a fan of books about the Royals.
This is a book that belongs on the shelves of Marilyn Monroe admirers, Old Hollywood film buffs & Royal enthusiasts.
I thank NetGalley, the author & Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Setting the presentation event of October of 1956 aside, I initially thought how opposite they were despite being a reader of books about the UK & the Royals. Here lies the magic of each chapter by Julie Owen Moylan. With each chapter, I compare it to peeling back the layers of an onion, garlic or an artichoke – Take your pick.
Elizabeth & Marilyn were born 100 years ago within about 6 weeks of each other. With each page, you discover how their lives & personal growth bear distinct similarities.
Both were undereducated compared to women of today (or at least some of society in their time). Elizabeth had private tutors, but like Marilyn – The world was her educator.
Both women would be schooled “on the job”. Elizabeth’s position by birth would provide the opportunity while the book details how Hollywood would teach Marilyn on their sadistic terms. This book tenderly examines the sad decline of Marilyn. The dangerous medications, unscrupulous physicians & alcohol abuse that Hollywood used to control their human property would end a life after 36 years.
This author does an outstanding side-by-side measure of how similar their struggles were from the inside vs the public image the masses knew.
Both felt like they were failing when in reality, they would revere for generations to come. Both struggled with pleasing family & figures of authority, but this author shares what the public’s perception also shaped.
Elizabeth & Marilyn lost sight of what they wanted more often than not. They could even be defined as “People Pleasers” in today’s slang.
Marilyn’s demise was the reality, but the book keeps the hope that this time Monroe doesn’t succumb to the darkness.
If there is a defining difference, it is that Elizabeth’s demons did not win.
This is an enjoyable work of historical fiction. My only criticism is that in the beginning, it felt rushed regarding the Peter Townsend dilemma plus the Queen Mother’s lack of purpose. I feel I only noticed these because (as previously mentioned) I am a fan of books about the Royals.
This is a book that belongs on the shelves of Marilyn Monroe admirers, Old Hollywood film buffs & Royal enthusiasts.
I thank NetGalley, the author & Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair & honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
They met in 1956. Could these two women be any more different?
You might be surprised.
Here's why:
🗓 They were the same age. Both of them were 30 years old. While not born on the same day as some have claimed, their birth dates are just a few weeks apart. That fact helped bring this novel to life.
📷Both lived very public lives. Going out and about brought expectations. Elizabeth had a duty to serve her country. She was a MONARCH. Marilyn was expected to look like a blonde bombshell. She was a SEXY STARLET. Different roles, but similar pressure to perform.
⬛ While each was in a loving marriage at the time, their husbands felt overshadowed by the roles of the wives. Prince Philip wanted more autonomy. Arthur Miller wanted a "normal" marriage. How far could each woman bend and still maintain her own standards?
🏰 The house that Marilyn and Arthur honeymooned in that summer was right around the corner from Windsor Castle. Marilyn could see the flag flying at Windsor when the queen was in residence. They were neighbors for a season.
📚While this is a fictional account, Julie Owen Moylan did extensive research. A few years ago I read My Week with Marilyn by Colin Clark about one week in that summer. The Marilyn in that book was very much like the woman in this one. And I just finished The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History by Susan Page and the meeting between Elizabeth and Marilyn was briefly mentioned.
Bonus: That cover! I would give extra stars for that if I could. ✨
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
You might be surprised.
Here's why:
🗓 They were the same age. Both of them were 30 years old. While not born on the same day as some have claimed, their birth dates are just a few weeks apart. That fact helped bring this novel to life.
📷Both lived very public lives. Going out and about brought expectations. Elizabeth had a duty to serve her country. She was a MONARCH. Marilyn was expected to look like a blonde bombshell. She was a SEXY STARLET. Different roles, but similar pressure to perform.
⬛ While each was in a loving marriage at the time, their husbands felt overshadowed by the roles of the wives. Prince Philip wanted more autonomy. Arthur Miller wanted a "normal" marriage. How far could each woman bend and still maintain her own standards?
🏰 The house that Marilyn and Arthur honeymooned in that summer was right around the corner from Windsor Castle. Marilyn could see the flag flying at Windsor when the queen was in residence. They were neighbors for a season.
📚While this is a fictional account, Julie Owen Moylan did extensive research. A few years ago I read My Week with Marilyn by Colin Clark about one week in that summer. The Marilyn in that book was very much like the woman in this one. And I just finished The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History by Susan Page and the meeting between Elizabeth and Marilyn was briefly mentioned.
Bonus: That cover! I would give extra stars for that if I could. ✨
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“Elizabeth and Marilyn” is a historical fiction book by Julie Owen Moylan. As someone who has in interest in both of these women, I wasn’t sure how much new information I would pick up from this book (one of my hopes for any historical fiction book). I didn’t learn much, but I did like the overall story. Both women, in 1956, were the most famous at the time. Queen Elizabeth was getting her feet under her in her role as monarch - and Marilyn was testing her wings at being in control of her own films. The chapters being under “Norma Jeane” and “Lilibet” I found a good idea, as quite often Marilyn commented (or had commented about her) that she could pretend to be Marilyn and glow, but she could also be Norma Jeane and no one would see her. The idea of them meeting beforehand, accidentally, I thought was interesting, but I cannot say, as the publisher’s summary states, that it was an encounter “that has changed their lives.” I do feel compelled to note, Arthur Miller did write something cruel in his notebook about his wife, but it wasn’t that and it came later in their marriage. A few color photos of the gold dress that Marilyn wore when presented to Her Majesty exist online - I encourage readers to see the dress - it’s a stunner! Overall, I found this book engaging and enjoyable, and I think for those who have seen the TV program “The Crown,” it’ll bring some of the first season’s scenes to your mind. A solid book - and there are some Book Club questions at the back of the book, so I can see some people discussing the book in their gatherings.
“Elizabeth and Marilyn” is a historical fiction book by Julie Owen Moylan. As someone who has in interest in both of these women, I wasn’t sure how much new information I would pick up from this book (one of my hopes for any historical fiction book). I didn’t learn much, but I did like the overall story. Both women, in 1956, were the most famous at the time. Queen Elizabeth was getting her feet under her in her role as monarch - and Marilyn was testing her wings at being in control of her own films. The chapters being under “Norma Jeane” and “Lilibet” I found a good idea, as quite often Marilyn commented (or had commented about her) that she could pretend to be Marilyn and glow, but she could also be Norma Jeane and no one would see her. The idea of them meeting beforehand, accidentally, I thought was interesting, but I cannot say, as the publisher’s summary states, that it was an encounter “that has changed their lives.” I do feel compelled to note, Arthur Miller did write something cruel in his notebook about his wife, but it wasn’t that and it came later in their marriage. A few color photos of the gold dress that Marilyn wore when presented to Her Majesty exist online - I encourage readers to see the dress - it’s a stunner! Overall, I found this book engaging and enjoyable, and I think for those who have seen the TV program “The Crown,” it’ll bring some of the first season’s scenes to your mind. A solid book - and there are some Book Club questions at the back of the book, so I can see some people discussing the book in their gatherings.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Elizabeth and Marilyn – two of the most recognisable women in the world. The year is 1956, the year in which both women turned 30 years old, and they’re about to meet at a film premiere at which Marilyn was invited to meet the Queen. Julie Owen Moylan imagines the months before that meeting for each woman. Marilyn has come to England to film The Prince and the Showgirl with Sir Laurence Olivier. Newly married to Arthur Miller, she believes herself to finally be happy in love but she finds it increasingly difficult to cope with being treated as a dumb blonde. Elizabeth is also finding it hard to balance family life with her responsibilities as Queen.
I thought the author did an excellent job at getting deep into the inner thoughts of each woman. Telling their stories in the first person meant that the combination of the presentation of known facts mingled with fictional elements worked really well. Whilst I have plenty of prior knowledge about the Queen, I didn’t know much about Marilyn’s early life and this story showed that there was a marked contrast between the two. For much of the book there is no merging of the two characters’ individual stories and yet they exist alongside each other beautifully. By 1956, though, here were two dazzling public personas each hiding a young woman struggling with the weight of expectation, the parallels between them now quite clear to see.
I loved reading Elizabeth and Marilyn. I found it absolutely compelling and couldn’t wait to pick it up and read some more. It was a joy to read, a small slice of fascinating history that had me hooked from beginning to end.
I thought the author did an excellent job at getting deep into the inner thoughts of each woman. Telling their stories in the first person meant that the combination of the presentation of known facts mingled with fictional elements worked really well. Whilst I have plenty of prior knowledge about the Queen, I didn’t know much about Marilyn’s early life and this story showed that there was a marked contrast between the two. For much of the book there is no merging of the two characters’ individual stories and yet they exist alongside each other beautifully. By 1956, though, here were two dazzling public personas each hiding a young woman struggling with the weight of expectation, the parallels between them now quite clear to see.
I loved reading Elizabeth and Marilyn. I found it absolutely compelling and couldn’t wait to pick it up and read some more. It was a joy to read, a small slice of fascinating history that had me hooked from beginning to end.
April 10, 2026
Elizabeth and Marilyn
By Julie Owen Moylan
Published by Penguin Books Ltd
This new novel from Julie Owen Moylan was not what I expected. Not being a historical fan, but a lover of all things glamorous, I was tempted and I’m so glad I was! A beautiful, bold and insightful read into the lives of two iconic but very different women. Two women who we all think we know - because they are famous, written about, on our screens and in demand.
Flitting between 1946 and 1956, Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe’s daily lifestyles are imagined and written with intrigue, emotion and consequences. We read about their home lives, their celebrity lives and their personal lives. And surprisingly how similar they feel. They both have a role to play. The both have a duty to perform. But they are human beings with feelings too.
And so in London, October, 1956 at a glittering Royal Film Premiere, with the whole world watching, Queen Elizabeth II greets an array of stars. But it is also the mission of another famous face. Marilyn Monroe wants to meet The Queen of England.
And so the two most famous women in the world are about to meet for the first and only time …
Yet beneath the glamour and duty, both are fighting to keep the men they love, while working in a man’s world.
Everyone wants a piece of them.
Everyone is quick to comment.
Everyone is quick to criticise.
Marilyn steps forward. She curtesy’s. They shake hands and pass some pleasantries.
But this isn’t their first meeting. And the story behind the headlines is even more sensational . . .
Beautiful, emotional and relatable because we all so desperately want to please people in our jobs, families and hearts.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
By Julie Owen Moylan
Published by Penguin Books Ltd
This new novel from Julie Owen Moylan was not what I expected. Not being a historical fan, but a lover of all things glamorous, I was tempted and I’m so glad I was! A beautiful, bold and insightful read into the lives of two iconic but very different women. Two women who we all think we know - because they are famous, written about, on our screens and in demand.
Flitting between 1946 and 1956, Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe’s daily lifestyles are imagined and written with intrigue, emotion and consequences. We read about their home lives, their celebrity lives and their personal lives. And surprisingly how similar they feel. They both have a role to play. The both have a duty to perform. But they are human beings with feelings too.
And so in London, October, 1956 at a glittering Royal Film Premiere, with the whole world watching, Queen Elizabeth II greets an array of stars. But it is also the mission of another famous face. Marilyn Monroe wants to meet The Queen of England.
And so the two most famous women in the world are about to meet for the first and only time …
Yet beneath the glamour and duty, both are fighting to keep the men they love, while working in a man’s world.
Everyone wants a piece of them.
Everyone is quick to comment.
Everyone is quick to criticise.
Marilyn steps forward. She curtesy’s. They shake hands and pass some pleasantries.
But this isn’t their first meeting. And the story behind the headlines is even more sensational . . .
Beautiful, emotional and relatable because we all so desperately want to please people in our jobs, families and hearts.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wasn’t sure what to expect in this reimagining of two of the world’s most famous women Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe. It was a fascinating read and felt almost autobiographical in its content, some of which I was unaware of - thanks Dr. Google. Clearly a lot of research must have gone into this and honestly if that was me it would have been more like fun than work. The author moves between multiple timelines, but largely 1936 and 1956 and tells all from the two women’s perspectives.
Briefly, it was at a Royal Command Film Performance in London, October 1956 that Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II famously came face-to-face. But what if they had met before? Marilyn was in London July to November 1956 to film a romantic comedy The Prince and the Showgirl alongside Sir Laurence Olivier. Elizabeth who came to the throne much sooner than anticipated is struggling with the demand of the job and balancing it with family life.
I like how we get to see the public persona and the private person behind both women, Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe versus Lillibet and Norma Jeane. No spoilers but I hope the authors version of their meeting was true. I can dream. I felt sad for both women. They didn’t have easy lives, in either their public or private lives, and I didn’t feel either was really happy for much of the time. It must be difficult when people see you as public property and not as a person in your own right. A fascinating and entertaining read.
Briefly, it was at a Royal Command Film Performance in London, October 1956 that Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II famously came face-to-face. But what if they had met before? Marilyn was in London July to November 1956 to film a romantic comedy The Prince and the Showgirl alongside Sir Laurence Olivier. Elizabeth who came to the throne much sooner than anticipated is struggling with the demand of the job and balancing it with family life.
I like how we get to see the public persona and the private person behind both women, Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe versus Lillibet and Norma Jeane. No spoilers but I hope the authors version of their meeting was true. I can dream. I felt sad for both women. They didn’t have easy lives, in either their public or private lives, and I didn’t feel either was really happy for much of the time. It must be difficult when people see you as public property and not as a person in your own right. A fascinating and entertaining read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love historical fiction especially when I learn about events that I wasn’t aware of or only knew briefly about. This book fits into that category. I knew enough about both principal characters in this book but nothing about their formal meeting in 1956.
Born in the same year, Elizabeth and Marilyn represent two different sides of the same coin: aristocrat versus commoner. Both in their 30s when they meet, again they represent two different sides of the same coin: poised and self-assured versus unassured and questioning. It’s old glamor versus Hollywood glamor. But in these contrasts are women of their time who represent women many admired and desired to be.
The event was the premiere of The Battle of the River Plate on October 29, 1956, at the Empire Theater in Leicester Square, London. Marilyn was in London filming the Prince and The Showgirl and Elizabeth was a young Queen and mother shoring the reins of leadership 4 years after her coronation. The book builds up to this event with contrasting chapters dealing with Marilyn and Elizabeth or Lilibet. We gain insight into these women as they navigate their daily lives, bolstering the contrasts between them.
From what I’ve read about both women, I think the author has done a great job of capturing their essences.
This was a fine historical fiction book. Accurate to events and the famous characters. Perfect for readers who like famous women striving to be the best they can be.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
Born in the same year, Elizabeth and Marilyn represent two different sides of the same coin: aristocrat versus commoner. Both in their 30s when they meet, again they represent two different sides of the same coin: poised and self-assured versus unassured and questioning. It’s old glamor versus Hollywood glamor. But in these contrasts are women of their time who represent women many admired and desired to be.
The event was the premiere of The Battle of the River Plate on October 29, 1956, at the Empire Theater in Leicester Square, London. Marilyn was in London filming the Prince and The Showgirl and Elizabeth was a young Queen and mother shoring the reins of leadership 4 years after her coronation. The book builds up to this event with contrasting chapters dealing with Marilyn and Elizabeth or Lilibet. We gain insight into these women as they navigate their daily lives, bolstering the contrasts between them.
From what I’ve read about both women, I think the author has done a great job of capturing their essences.
This was a fine historical fiction book. Accurate to events and the famous characters. Perfect for readers who like famous women striving to be the best they can be.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Ballantine Books for allowing me to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth and Marilyn! Having always been interested in the Monarchy, especially Queen Elizabeth II, this really was a wonderful read.
Learning about our Queen and about the wonderful Marilyn Monroe in this historical fiction was a lovely journey - a bit like a leisurely stroll on a warm, spring day. In parallel timelines, Julie Owen Moylan takes us through the few months of both women's lives before their famous meeting in 1956. But some chapters go back further and show us childhood moments or snippets of teenage years.
We meet both women in their professional and their personal roles, and it becomes quite apparent that they have a lot in common - having to put on a 'persona' for their roles, often only being themselves behind closed doors with their husbands. They navigate family troubles, jealousy from those around them, lack of freedom, and having to constantly think about doing or saying 'the right thing'.
It was a really emotional read and in all honesty, I would love a spin-off. I would love to know what could have happened if Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe had met again and become friends, sharing down-time in Great Park or Windsor Castle. Please?!
This book is out now and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Julie and the publishing team for an ARC x
Learning about our Queen and about the wonderful Marilyn Monroe in this historical fiction was a lovely journey - a bit like a leisurely stroll on a warm, spring day. In parallel timelines, Julie Owen Moylan takes us through the few months of both women's lives before their famous meeting in 1956. But some chapters go back further and show us childhood moments or snippets of teenage years.
We meet both women in their professional and their personal roles, and it becomes quite apparent that they have a lot in common - having to put on a 'persona' for their roles, often only being themselves behind closed doors with their husbands. They navigate family troubles, jealousy from those around them, lack of freedom, and having to constantly think about doing or saying 'the right thing'.
It was a really emotional read and in all honesty, I would love a spin-off. I would love to know what could have happened if Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe had met again and become friends, sharing down-time in Great Park or Windsor Castle. Please?!
This book is out now and I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Julie and the publishing team for an ARC x
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am a huge fan of Julie Owen Moylan's books - she certainly knows how to tell a story and her books always feature strong women. And whilst that is still true of her latest book, Elizabeth & Marilyn, it is something of a departure, featuring two real life iconic women - Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe.
As much as they seem unlikely bedfellows, they were actually born in the same year and met briefly in 1956 at a film premiere in London. It is the months leading up to that meeting that is the main focus of the story - and we get to know Lilibet and Norma Jeane, the humans behind the public persona of Elizabeth and Marilyn.
Told in alternating chapters, what we discover is two young women with, for all their differences, more similarities than you might expect - both playing a role, trying to make their mark, battling expectations and trying to juggle personal and professional lives. Moylan does a wonderful job of bringing both women to life, each with their own distinct voice and you feel for both of them - Marilyn with her vulnerabilities stemming from a difficult childhood and Elizabeth who finds herself thrust into an unexpected position at such a young age.
It's a compelling blend of fact and fiction - informative and interesting but above all thoroughly entertaining. I loved it!
As much as they seem unlikely bedfellows, they were actually born in the same year and met briefly in 1956 at a film premiere in London. It is the months leading up to that meeting that is the main focus of the story - and we get to know Lilibet and Norma Jeane, the humans behind the public persona of Elizabeth and Marilyn.
Told in alternating chapters, what we discover is two young women with, for all their differences, more similarities than you might expect - both playing a role, trying to make their mark, battling expectations and trying to juggle personal and professional lives. Moylan does a wonderful job of bringing both women to life, each with their own distinct voice and you feel for both of them - Marilyn with her vulnerabilities stemming from a difficult childhood and Elizabeth who finds herself thrust into an unexpected position at such a young age.
It's a compelling blend of fact and fiction - informative and interesting but above all thoroughly entertaining. I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Shadows engulf their lives.
How each woman grapples with these shadows is in this remarkable read. One woman conquers them, while the other is consumed by them.
Queen Elizabeth's destiny was shaped by circumstances beyond her control. Beloved Uncle David chooses love over the throne. This decision snowballs into an avalanche for her immediate family. Later, her choice in Prince Phillip as her husband is still filtered by her father, in his role as king. In the end, however, she is granted her request. From that moment, though, her role as Queen is forever at war with her identity as daughter, sister, wife, and mother. The book explores how she conquers this conflict.
Marilyn's shadows are borne from her childhood abandonment and the weighty, judgmental emotions of third parties, from strangers to her own husband. Listening to her share both her convictions and self doubts enhance the reader's understanding of her character.
This reader believes that their imagined story will linger long after the last page is turned.
This ARC was provided by publisher, Ballantine | Ballantine Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#ElizabethandMarilyn #NetGalley
How each woman grapples with these shadows is in this remarkable read. One woman conquers them, while the other is consumed by them.
Queen Elizabeth's destiny was shaped by circumstances beyond her control. Beloved Uncle David chooses love over the throne. This decision snowballs into an avalanche for her immediate family. Later, her choice in Prince Phillip as her husband is still filtered by her father, in his role as king. In the end, however, she is granted her request. From that moment, though, her role as Queen is forever at war with her identity as daughter, sister, wife, and mother. The book explores how she conquers this conflict.
Marilyn's shadows are borne from her childhood abandonment and the weighty, judgmental emotions of third parties, from strangers to her own husband. Listening to her share both her convictions and self doubts enhance the reader's understanding of her character.
This reader believes that their imagined story will linger long after the last page is turned.
This ARC was provided by publisher, Ballantine | Ballantine Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
#ElizabethandMarilyn #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Loved this book! Thank you to Ballantine Books for my advanced reader copy!
Although it took a while for me to get into it, I really enjoyed this rich story of two women who seem like they live very different lives, but they are actually very similar. The summer they were both in England (1956), they were more similar than ever before. I loved the author’s commitment to research but also her imagination. Obviously she had to take creative liberties, but she danced around the question of “what if these two formidable women met more than once?” Outside of their meeting at a movie premiere. I loved how she danced around that “what if” question. She didn’t have to embellish too much, as she kept their lives separate, but I could tell she was weaving key circumstances about their individual lives together and mirroring them. It was a story of love, fame, and what it means to be in the spotlight and who that affects. She was telling the stories of these two women, and balancing both their private and public lives. For Marilyn, she did a nice job of balancing between Marilyn and Norma Jeane (Marilyn’s real name). For the Queen, I felt like I got to know Lilibet the person, not just the Queen.
Well done. That was a great read. Highly recommend if you love old Hollywood, obsessed with the royal family, or just love a good story about two women in history. Thank you to Ballantine Books for my early copy! Out 4/6.
Although it took a while for me to get into it, I really enjoyed this rich story of two women who seem like they live very different lives, but they are actually very similar. The summer they were both in England (1956), they were more similar than ever before. I loved the author’s commitment to research but also her imagination. Obviously she had to take creative liberties, but she danced around the question of “what if these two formidable women met more than once?” Outside of their meeting at a movie premiere. I loved how she danced around that “what if” question. She didn’t have to embellish too much, as she kept their lives separate, but I could tell she was weaving key circumstances about their individual lives together and mirroring them. It was a story of love, fame, and what it means to be in the spotlight and who that affects. She was telling the stories of these two women, and balancing both their private and public lives. For Marilyn, she did a nice job of balancing between Marilyn and Norma Jeane (Marilyn’s real name). For the Queen, I felt like I got to know Lilibet the person, not just the Queen.
Well done. That was a great read. Highly recommend if you love old Hollywood, obsessed with the royal family, or just love a good story about two women in history. Thank you to Ballantine Books for my early copy! Out 4/6.
April 3, 2026
4.5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I’ve watched so many Marilyn Monroe films over the years, but I realized while reading this how little I actually knew about her life beyond the screen. She was iconic, of course-but there’s a quiet sadness that seems to follow her story. It feels like she was rarely allowed to just be Norma Jeane, always expected to step into the version of herself the world wanted.
Reading about her alongside Queen Elizabeth II made that contrast even more compelling. Elizabeth didn’t choose the spotlight in the same way…she was placed into it, young and unexpectedly given a role she handled with such grace, something I found myself really admiring throughout.
I had no idea they were born the same year, and that alone made their stories feel even more striking side by side.
This book is thoughtful, engaging, and it gave me so much context I didn’t realize I was missing. There’s something fascinating about seeing these two lives placed side by side…how different they were, and yet how much they seemed to share beneath it all.
Even if you don’t feel especially drawn to either woman, I think you’d still find this one hard to put down. I came away feeling like I understood them both in a way I hadn’t before…and learned quite a bit along the way.
I’ve watched so many Marilyn Monroe films over the years, but I realized while reading this how little I actually knew about her life beyond the screen. She was iconic, of course-but there’s a quiet sadness that seems to follow her story. It feels like she was rarely allowed to just be Norma Jeane, always expected to step into the version of herself the world wanted.
Reading about her alongside Queen Elizabeth II made that contrast even more compelling. Elizabeth didn’t choose the spotlight in the same way…she was placed into it, young and unexpectedly given a role she handled with such grace, something I found myself really admiring throughout.
I had no idea they were born the same year, and that alone made their stories feel even more striking side by side.
This book is thoughtful, engaging, and it gave me so much context I didn’t realize I was missing. There’s something fascinating about seeing these two lives placed side by side…how different they were, and yet how much they seemed to share beneath it all.
Even if you don’t feel especially drawn to either woman, I think you’d still find this one hard to put down. I came away feeling like I understood them both in a way I hadn’t before…and learned quite a bit along the way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Because GoodReads adds this crazy long "standout novel about the friendship that might have blossomed between the world's two most famous women" tag IN the title of the book, I felt a little misled about what was actually going to happen here. I thought this was well-written, and following the two characters' lives while Marilyn was in England filming and showing how they each got to where they are in flashbacks was interesting. While I've read a lot about that point of Elizabeth's life, I don't really know anything about Marilyn Monroe per se, so this viewpoint was new to me. From the title given, I thought we would see more overlap aside from the one meeting in the park and a well-captured photo. If there might have been a friendship, then the reader is really on their own to imagine it. I think without the leading blurb from the GoodReads title I might not have been left wanting more.
Either way, the book was well-paced and interesting to read, and while some similarities in the two women's lives can be made, I'm not sure it really achieves the thesis.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
Either way, the book was well-paced and interesting to read, and while some similarities in the two women's lives can be made, I'm not sure it really achieves the thesis.
I received an ARC from NetGalley
April 6, 2026
This novel is about one moment in time; when Marilyn Monroe met the Queen of England. Now, of course, there is much more context, specifically the lives of the two women before and at the time of the meeting. Without any of this, there would not be enough for any book.
I have always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe, who let such a short and tragic life. I am less enthralled with the royal family, however, the author managed to engage my interest. The author also did the right thing in a novel like this; she did not tell the reader what or how to think about the two women and the similarities or differences between them. She told their stories and let the reader draw his or her own conclusions.
This novel will be of interest to those who are interested in Marilyn Monroe or Queen Elizabeth and English monarchs or those who like seeing how two individuals, who have little in common, have lives that intersect and can find commonalities even when their lives are quite different. One thing that I look for in books like these is whether I learn something about the real characters that are within their pages. Even though I have read a good deal about Marilyn Monroe, I learned some things about her that I did not know. I absolutely love to be able to learn something from historical fiction. I also learned about Queen Elizabeth, though admittedly, I did not know much about her.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy of this book. All of the opinions herein are my own.
I have always been fascinated by Marilyn Monroe, who let such a short and tragic life. I am less enthralled with the royal family, however, the author managed to engage my interest. The author also did the right thing in a novel like this; she did not tell the reader what or how to think about the two women and the similarities or differences between them. She told their stories and let the reader draw his or her own conclusions.
This novel will be of interest to those who are interested in Marilyn Monroe or Queen Elizabeth and English monarchs or those who like seeing how two individuals, who have little in common, have lives that intersect and can find commonalities even when their lives are quite different. One thing that I look for in books like these is whether I learn something about the real characters that are within their pages. Even though I have read a good deal about Marilyn Monroe, I learned some things about her that I did not know. I absolutely love to be able to learn something from historical fiction. I also learned about Queen Elizabeth, though admittedly, I did not know much about her.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy of this book. All of the opinions herein are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars rounded up ⭐️
I have been a huge fan of Julie Owen Moylan ever since I read 73 Dove Street a couple of years ago, so I'm still so eternally grateful to have been sent a proof copy of the upcoming novel, Elizabeth & Marilyn, by the lovely team at Michael Joseph!
It's definitely safe to say that I, once again, have loved every page of this book. It's been marketed to fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and honestly, I can see why. If you're a fan of that one, then I'd strongly recommend that you give this one a go.
I thought the concept was so unique and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe (or as we know them better in the book - Lilibet and Norma) as their dual chapters went on. What I will say is that you definitely don't need to be fans of either of these icons to enjoy this book. I am not a royalist nor have I followed Monroe's work, but I still found their stories absolutely fascinating - and seeing how they intertwined was so worth the wait
I have been a huge fan of Julie Owen Moylan ever since I read 73 Dove Street a couple of years ago, so I'm still so eternally grateful to have been sent a proof copy of the upcoming novel, Elizabeth & Marilyn, by the lovely team at Michael Joseph!
It's definitely safe to say that I, once again, have loved every page of this book. It's been marketed to fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and honestly, I can see why. If you're a fan of that one, then I'd strongly recommend that you give this one a go.
I thought the concept was so unique and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe (or as we know them better in the book - Lilibet and Norma) as their dual chapters went on. What I will say is that you definitely don't need to be fans of either of these icons to enjoy this book. I am not a royalist nor have I followed Monroe's work, but I still found their stories absolutely fascinating - and seeing how they intertwined was so worth the wait
April 10, 2026
Born a couple of weeks apart both Elizabeth and Marilyn have the world at their feet. Elizabeth was not supposed to be Queen but fate gave her the post and now she is balancing a marriage, children and a prime minister who she feels does not respect her. Marilyn was a poor orphan who rose to become a famed movie star but she is plagued by insecurities about her marriage and the fact that she is not respected by other actors. At a premier in London, both are due to meet.
This is a novel woven around a few actual events. The Queen and Marilyn did meet fleetingly at an event in London but Moylan has created a story which places the happenings in their lives as a juxtaposition to each other. I loved the way that the restrictions and sexism that surround both were played against each other - both had images to uphold which may not necessarily fit in with their personalities. The fictional meeting is a nice way to bring the two together but overall it is an interesting take on the lives of two icons.
This is a novel woven around a few actual events. The Queen and Marilyn did meet fleetingly at an event in London but Moylan has created a story which places the happenings in their lives as a juxtaposition to each other. I loved the way that the restrictions and sexism that surround both were played against each other - both had images to uphold which may not necessarily fit in with their personalities. The fictional meeting is a nice way to bring the two together but overall it is an interesting take on the lives of two icons.
January 26, 2026
4.5
This is an engaging work of historical fiction that reimagines the brief 1956 meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe. Through alternating chapters and carefully placed flashbacks, the book invites us as readers into the inner worlds of 'Lilibet' and 'Norma Jean' in the months leading up to their infamous introduction.
Despite their vastly different public roles, Moylan draws thoughtful parallels between the two women, revealing shared fears, ambitions, and vulnerabilities beneath their carefully constructed personas. Stripped of titles and celebrity, Elizabeth and Marilyn emerge simply as women navigating power, expectation, and the desire for belonging. The book blends historical fact with imaginative insight, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and accessible.
At once reflective and entertaining, Elizabeth and Marilyn offers a fresh perspective on two iconic figures while subtly critiquing the gendered constraints faced by influential women in the 1950s. Many of which still resonate today.
This is an engaging work of historical fiction that reimagines the brief 1956 meeting between Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe. Through alternating chapters and carefully placed flashbacks, the book invites us as readers into the inner worlds of 'Lilibet' and 'Norma Jean' in the months leading up to their infamous introduction.
Despite their vastly different public roles, Moylan draws thoughtful parallels between the two women, revealing shared fears, ambitions, and vulnerabilities beneath their carefully constructed personas. Stripped of titles and celebrity, Elizabeth and Marilyn emerge simply as women navigating power, expectation, and the desire for belonging. The book blends historical fact with imaginative insight, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and accessible.
At once reflective and entertaining, Elizabeth and Marilyn offers a fresh perspective on two iconic figures while subtly critiquing the gendered constraints faced by influential women in the 1950s. Many of which still resonate today.
April 12, 2026
I’m guessing this book was written to commemorate what would have been the 100th birthdays of two of the 20th century’s most famous women, although I did find it strange that the author never mentioned this explicitly in the Acknowledgements.
Elizabeth and Marilyn is light, easy to read and I’d say fairly accurate in its portrayal of events going on in both women’s lives, with one important caveat: Prince Philip’s father, Prince Andrew of Greece never had a throne. Philip’s uncle, King Constantine I, was king at the time of the revolution referred to by Philip on p. 285 of the hardback edition.
The downside is that it’s slow and extremely repetitive (Marilyn’s daddy issues, stomach pains and pills, Elizabeth’s hand-wringing over Margaret and how SAD everyone is four years after the death of George VI).
I enjoyed the book for the most part, and I know it will appeal to many who enjoy a more cosy read.
Elizabeth and Marilyn is light, easy to read and I’d say fairly accurate in its portrayal of events going on in both women’s lives, with one important caveat: Prince Philip’s father, Prince Andrew of Greece never had a throne. Philip’s uncle, King Constantine I, was king at the time of the revolution referred to by Philip on p. 285 of the hardback edition.
The downside is that it’s slow and extremely repetitive (Marilyn’s daddy issues, stomach pains and pills, Elizabeth’s hand-wringing over Margaret and how SAD everyone is four years after the death of George VI).
I enjoyed the book for the most part, and I know it will appeal to many who enjoy a more cosy read.
April 13, 2026
A somber, yet touching fiction tale of the inner lives of Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth II during 1956. Marilyn is filming "The Prince and the Showgirl," which is the first film she heads as producer. She is newly married to the playwright Arthur Miller, and clings to the hope that this relationship won't fail. She dazzles the fans and photographers as a film star, but frazzles in private, where every servant might sell her personal life to the tabloids. Queen Elizabeth has more control over her staff, but not her husband. As the monarch, she must avert scandal no matter what the cost to friends or loved ones. Reporters scrutinize the two women without mercy. The only people who recognize the pressure they are under are their personal dressers and photographers. Tenderly depicted and respectful of two women who were icons. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 24, 2026
A fictional insight into the minds of two women of the same age but with 2 very different lives.
This story follows Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth during their younger years and during Marilyn’s visit to the UK in the 50s.
It identifies both their strengths, their weaknesses and their challenges as women in powerful and influential roles.
This was wonderfully written.
I loved reading about our previous monarch but also learning a bit more about both women. I don’t really know much about Marilyn other than she was an actress who passed away quite young, something about the president and a song and that potentially she was subjected to abuse by men during her life and after it so it’s an eye opening read to see how powerful and influential women were treated in the 50s by men and how the misogynist views of powerful influential men haven’t really advanced in today’s world.
This story follows Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth during their younger years and during Marilyn’s visit to the UK in the 50s.
It identifies both their strengths, their weaknesses and their challenges as women in powerful and influential roles.
This was wonderfully written.
I loved reading about our previous monarch but also learning a bit more about both women. I don’t really know much about Marilyn other than she was an actress who passed away quite young, something about the president and a song and that potentially she was subjected to abuse by men during her life and after it so it’s an eye opening read to see how powerful and influential women were treated in the 50s by men and how the misogynist views of powerful influential men haven’t really advanced in today’s world.
November 26, 2025
This is one of the best books I've read in such a long time and I absolutely devoured it.
Whilst you may think you know these women, this shows a hidden side to them both. I like how the chapters alternated between them, and how we saw some backstory too.
My favourite part was seeing them finally meet and it was perfection. Chefs kiss to the author for this portrayal. It was wonderful to see the Empire meeting brought to life from both perspectives too.
In true Elizabeth and Marilyn style, this is a pearl of a read and they shine like diamonds.
Elegant writing, resilient women, and I just wish it had lasted for so much longer.
Dazzling.
Whilst you may think you know these women, this shows a hidden side to them both. I like how the chapters alternated between them, and how we saw some backstory too.
My favourite part was seeing them finally meet and it was perfection. Chefs kiss to the author for this portrayal. It was wonderful to see the Empire meeting brought to life from both perspectives too.
In true Elizabeth and Marilyn style, this is a pearl of a read and they shine like diamonds.
Elegant writing, resilient women, and I just wish it had lasted for so much longer.
Dazzling.
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