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Wonderful
A Hollywood idol. The Virgin Mary. An everyday girl from Hull.
Three women, three eras, surprising things in common...
On 4th August 1962, the night she should have died, Marilyn Monroe – the biggest star in the world – receives a visitor who changes the course of her destiny. The Virgin Mary appears in her kitchen with a curious message. Inspired, Marilyn abandons her home, her life, her fame, and disappears into the night…
Fifty-four years later, in a Hull kitchen, Flora Baker finds Mary, bathed in light. She has a similar message for the working class woman who is on the poverty line and dreaming of a better life. Flora begins to make changes that impact not only her life but the lives of those around her…
Do Marilyn and Flora have more in common than just Mary’s visit? Are they somehow linked across time? And is Mary’s message for all the women of the world?
Wonderful is about the way women are portrayed in both history and the world of celebrity, about women not being quiet, and about women united by the shared stories that shape them.
Three women, three eras, surprising things in common...
On 4th August 1962, the night she should have died, Marilyn Monroe – the biggest star in the world – receives a visitor who changes the course of her destiny. The Virgin Mary appears in her kitchen with a curious message. Inspired, Marilyn abandons her home, her life, her fame, and disappears into the night…
Fifty-four years later, in a Hull kitchen, Flora Baker finds Mary, bathed in light. She has a similar message for the working class woman who is on the poverty line and dreaming of a better life. Flora begins to make changes that impact not only her life but the lives of those around her…
Do Marilyn and Flora have more in common than just Mary’s visit? Are they somehow linked across time? And is Mary’s message for all the women of the world?
Wonderful is about the way women are portrayed in both history and the world of celebrity, about women not being quiet, and about women united by the shared stories that shape them.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2026
About the author
Louise Beech
21 books361 followersAlso publishes under Louise Swanson.
Louise Beech is the author of eleven novels and a memoir, Eighteen Seconds (2023). Her debut, How to be Brave, was a Guardian Readers’ Pick; The Lion Tamer Who Lost shortlisted for the Romantic Novel Awards 2019 and longlisted for the Polari Prize the same year; Call Me Star Girl was Best magazine’s Book of the Year; This Is How We Are Human was a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick; and the audiobook of her memoir, Daffodils, shortlisted for the Audies23. Her thrillers, End of Story and Lights Out, are written as Louise Swanson; the former was chosen by Sophie Hannah as a Book of the Year in the Daily Mail, and the latter was reviewed by The Times. Her debut play, How to be Brave, toured Yorkshire venues in 2024. Wonderful will be published 1st June 2026.
Louise also writes as Louise Swanson.
Louise Beech is the author of eleven novels and a memoir, Eighteen Seconds (2023). Her debut, How to be Brave, was a Guardian Readers’ Pick; The Lion Tamer Who Lost shortlisted for the Romantic Novel Awards 2019 and longlisted for the Polari Prize the same year; Call Me Star Girl was Best magazine’s Book of the Year; This Is How We Are Human was a Clare Mackintosh Book Club pick; and the audiobook of her memoir, Daffodils, shortlisted for the Audies23. Her thrillers, End of Story and Lights Out, are written as Louise Swanson; the former was chosen by Sophie Hannah as a Book of the Year in the Daily Mail, and the latter was reviewed by The Times. Her debut play, How to be Brave, toured Yorkshire venues in 2024. Wonderful will be published 1st June 2026.
Louise also writes as Louise Swanson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 11, 2026
In a Nutshell: A dual-timeline fiction featuring three women from three different eras. Two of the women are popular names: Mother Mary and Marilyn Monroe. Creative alternate history. Great historical research. Excellent character development. A bit slow but introspective. Realistic themes, some of which might be triggering. (Nothing devious happens on page though.) Not religious or preachy. A *wonderful* option for those looking for unusual storylines.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I have read only one book by this author so far (‘End of Story’ written as Louise Swanson), but I loved it so much that I resolved to read whatever other books of hers I could get my hands on. Finally after more than three years, I got a chance to return to her writing. While this book is absolutely different from ‘End of Story’ in terms of genre and era, the core focus is still the same: how a person can either allow circumstances to get the better of them or do something to make the desired change. The divine intervention is the surprise element this time.
In my childhood, I owned a book titled “World’s Most Famous Women”. One of the chapters focussed on Marilyn Monroe, and I remember being awed by how ethereal she appeared. At the same time, I was taken aback by her tragic life story and abrupt death. After watching her nail the performance of the clever blonde who pretends to be ditzy to attract the right men in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, I wondered what would have happened if she hadn’t passed away so young.
This book attempts to give Marilyn the ending she didn’t get in real life. It’s a story best discovered by going in blind, so here’s a vague, spoiler-free feedback.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The alternate-history version of Marilyn’s life. How I wish it were real!
😍 Marilyn as a character. Not the version we know but a tender and respectful portrayal of the woman behind the sex symbol.
😍 The historical research into Marilyn’s life. It was good to see actual facts woven in with the fictional elements. I learnt so many new things about her!
😍 Flora. In a book where two of the three key women were famous, Flora holds her own very well. I loved her determined spirit and her compassion.
😍 The use of the dual timeline. Both worked in sync until the arcs braided themselves together.
😍 The secondary characters. Some have minor roles while some get a proper backstory. But all are interesting in some way or the other and aren’t flat.
😍 The romance track in Flora’s timeline. Important but never overpowering the main plot. A great slowburn relationship focusing more on feelings than lust.
😍 The compare-contrast between Flora’s and Marilyn’s situations. It is interesting to figure out how the tracks are connected.
😍 The surprise reveals. Some of them were guessable but it’s not like this was a suspense story. But some reveals genuinely caught me by surprise.
😍 The themes. Admittedly, the book went much darker than I expected. Some key themes were the objectification of women in Hollywood, the privacy struggles of celebrities, poverty, drug abuse, sexual abuse, and child abuse. But I appreciate how it didn’t try to sensationalise any of the issues. All topic were dealt with sensitively.
😍 The steady plot development though the pacing is slightly slow (which is to be expected for a character-oriented work.)
😍 The author's heartfelt note at the end. Explains quite a lot!
Bookish Okays:
🤔 Mother Mary’s appearance. As a practising Roman Catholic, I admit this was also a major reason in my grabbing the book. I love that the book wasn’t religious or preachy and focussed more on Mary the young girl than Mary the Mother of God. At the same time, the blurb makes it sound like Mother Mary also gets a timeline. (“Three women, three eras,…) But Mary’s presence is more like her presence in our lives: a benevolent soul who is present in the background and intercedes only when needed. I loved her appearance but I wanted much more of her.
Bookish Nays:
😔 A couple of references to Mother Mary contain swearing. I get that this reflects the human character’s personality, but when it isn’t essential to the plot, such sacrilege can be easily avoided.
😔 The chapter titles. I am not a big fan of chapter names in adult fiction anyway, but in this book, they were quite specific sentences that revealed essentials of that chapter. I like to be surprised.
Overall, the creative alternate history and the presence of two of the most iconic women in the world ended up making this a wonderful book for me. It helped that I knew a little bit about both Mother Mary and Marilyn Monroe, but even if you are unaware about their personal life, the book itself is fairly informative without going into telling. Imaginative stories such as this are always welcome in this world of formulaic fiction.
Definitely recommended to readers who enjoy unusual alternate-historical fiction with some memorable characters and a realistic feel. Even better if you are a fan of Marilyn Monroe.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Random Things Tours, Pick Lock Publishing, and author Louise Beech for a complimentary copy of 'Wonderful'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
Now I want to watch ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ again!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
4th August 1962. Hollywood. On the night she should have died, Marilyn Monroe receives an unexpected visitor in her home. The Virgin Mary comes to her with a cryptic message that will end up changing (and saving) her life.
2016. Hull, England. Flora has not had an easy life but does the best she can to survive. The last thing she expects to find in her filthy tenement home is the Virgin Mary bathed in light. She has a message for Flora that involves an immediate change in her situation and the promise of a better future if she does one thing.
What do the two timelines have in common other than Mother Mary’s mysterious appearance? Why did the Virgin Mother appear to these two women who are different from each other in every way?
The story comes to us from the two timelines in the alternating third-person perspectives of Marilyn and Flora.
I have read only one book by this author so far (‘End of Story’ written as Louise Swanson), but I loved it so much that I resolved to read whatever other books of hers I could get my hands on. Finally after more than three years, I got a chance to return to her writing. While this book is absolutely different from ‘End of Story’ in terms of genre and era, the core focus is still the same: how a person can either allow circumstances to get the better of them or do something to make the desired change. The divine intervention is the surprise element this time.
In my childhood, I owned a book titled “World’s Most Famous Women”. One of the chapters focussed on Marilyn Monroe, and I remember being awed by how ethereal she appeared. At the same time, I was taken aback by her tragic life story and abrupt death. After watching her nail the performance of the clever blonde who pretends to be ditzy to attract the right men in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”, I wondered what would have happened if she hadn’t passed away so young.
This book attempts to give Marilyn the ending she didn’t get in real life. It’s a story best discovered by going in blind, so here’s a vague, spoiler-free feedback.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The alternate-history version of Marilyn’s life. How I wish it were real!
😍 Marilyn as a character. Not the version we know but a tender and respectful portrayal of the woman behind the sex symbol.
😍 The historical research into Marilyn’s life. It was good to see actual facts woven in with the fictional elements. I learnt so many new things about her!
😍 Flora. In a book where two of the three key women were famous, Flora holds her own very well. I loved her determined spirit and her compassion.
😍 The use of the dual timeline. Both worked in sync until the arcs braided themselves together.
😍 The secondary characters. Some have minor roles while some get a proper backstory. But all are interesting in some way or the other and aren’t flat.
😍 The romance track in Flora’s timeline. Important but never overpowering the main plot. A great slowburn relationship focusing more on feelings than lust.
😍 The compare-contrast between Flora’s and Marilyn’s situations. It is interesting to figure out how the tracks are connected.
😍 The surprise reveals. Some of them were guessable but it’s not like this was a suspense story. But some reveals genuinely caught me by surprise.
😍 The themes. Admittedly, the book went much darker than I expected. Some key themes were the objectification of women in Hollywood, the privacy struggles of celebrities, poverty, drug abuse, sexual abuse, and child abuse. But I appreciate how it didn’t try to sensationalise any of the issues. All topic were dealt with sensitively.
😍 The steady plot development though the pacing is slightly slow (which is to be expected for a character-oriented work.)
😍 The author's heartfelt note at the end. Explains quite a lot!
Bookish Okays:
🤔 Mother Mary’s appearance. As a practising Roman Catholic, I admit this was also a major reason in my grabbing the book. I love that the book wasn’t religious or preachy and focussed more on Mary the young girl than Mary the Mother of God. At the same time, the blurb makes it sound like Mother Mary also gets a timeline. (“Three women, three eras,…) But Mary’s presence is more like her presence in our lives: a benevolent soul who is present in the background and intercedes only when needed. I loved her appearance but I wanted much more of her.
Bookish Nays:
😔 A couple of references to Mother Mary contain swearing. I get that this reflects the human character’s personality, but when it isn’t essential to the plot, such sacrilege can be easily avoided.
😔 The chapter titles. I am not a big fan of chapter names in adult fiction anyway, but in this book, they were quite specific sentences that revealed essentials of that chapter. I like to be surprised.
Overall, the creative alternate history and the presence of two of the most iconic women in the world ended up making this a wonderful book for me. It helped that I knew a little bit about both Mother Mary and Marilyn Monroe, but even if you are unaware about their personal life, the book itself is fairly informative without going into telling. Imaginative stories such as this are always welcome in this world of formulaic fiction.
Definitely recommended to readers who enjoy unusual alternate-historical fiction with some memorable characters and a realistic feel. Even better if you are a fan of Marilyn Monroe.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Random Things Tours, Pick Lock Publishing, and author Louise Beech for a complimentary copy of 'Wonderful'. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
Now I want to watch ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ again!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wonderful is told through the eyes of Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe and Flora Baker, a working class woman from the north of England with special guest appearances by none other than The Virgin Mary herself. The title comes from Marilyn Monroe’s comment that she wasn’t interested in making money from her career, she just wanted to be wonderful.
Wonderful is such a feminist read. There is so much about the way women have been treated throughout the years, whether famous or not. The author explores the continuing demands on women, the way they are expected to look or behave. Although Marilyn and Flora’s lives could not have been more different on the face of it, there were many areas where they had much in common.
One aspect of the book explores what might have happened if Marilyn Monroe didn’t die, but chose to step aside from her very public life and vanish, inspired to make changes by The Virgin Mary’s visit. I loved following her journey which felt like a real tribute to the person Marilyn really was, rather than the public persona we think of today. Marilyn had very little say in the image of her portrayed to the world and neither did The Virgin Mary. Their stories were manipulated by men to fit a narrative.
Flora is likely a more relatable character to most readers. A normal women, struggling to make ends meet though perhaps with a few more challenges than some of us face. I really took her to my heart and admired her feistiness in trying to do the best for herself and her younger sister against sometimes rather overwhelming odds. You might not think that a working class woman and a Hollywood film star would have much in common but, as Flora muses at one point, “maybe they were linked by the female experience“.
Wonderful is a brilliant book from Louise Beech looking at the expectations and demands placed on women. It’s also about motherhood, about kindness and about care. A really original, imaginative idea and definitely a wonderful novel.
Wonderful is such a feminist read. There is so much about the way women have been treated throughout the years, whether famous or not. The author explores the continuing demands on women, the way they are expected to look or behave. Although Marilyn and Flora’s lives could not have been more different on the face of it, there were many areas where they had much in common.
One aspect of the book explores what might have happened if Marilyn Monroe didn’t die, but chose to step aside from her very public life and vanish, inspired to make changes by The Virgin Mary’s visit. I loved following her journey which felt like a real tribute to the person Marilyn really was, rather than the public persona we think of today. Marilyn had very little say in the image of her portrayed to the world and neither did The Virgin Mary. Their stories were manipulated by men to fit a narrative.
Flora is likely a more relatable character to most readers. A normal women, struggling to make ends meet though perhaps with a few more challenges than some of us face. I really took her to my heart and admired her feistiness in trying to do the best for herself and her younger sister against sometimes rather overwhelming odds. You might not think that a working class woman and a Hollywood film star would have much in common but, as Flora muses at one point, “maybe they were linked by the female experience“.
Wonderful is a brilliant book from Louise Beech looking at the expectations and demands placed on women. It’s also about motherhood, about kindness and about care. A really original, imaginative idea and definitely a wonderful novel.
May 19, 2026
As a huge fan of reimaginings or ‘what if’ stories, last year when Louise said she was writing a book about an alternative history where Marilyn Monroe didn’t die on 4th August 1962, I was already sold. When she said Marilyn would be visited by the Virgin Mary and set on a new path I thought ok, this is unusual but if anyone can spin this into a tale, Louise can.
And what a tale it was. Beautiful and poetic, I found myself surprised and delighted over and over as Marilyn and Flora’s stories were gently revealed and brought together in the most heart warming way.
I loved Flora, and how she and Marilyn both had people they could count on unconditionally, even when they doubt themselves.
This is an incredible tribute not just to Marilyn but to women everywhere who have made themselves heard and Louise you should be so proud of this book!
And what a tale it was. Beautiful and poetic, I found myself surprised and delighted over and over as Marilyn and Flora’s stories were gently revealed and brought together in the most heart warming way.
I loved Flora, and how she and Marilyn both had people they could count on unconditionally, even when they doubt themselves.
This is an incredible tribute not just to Marilyn but to women everywhere who have made themselves heard and Louise you should be so proud of this book!
June 4, 2026
On the 4th of August 1962, Marilyn’s last night on Earth, she receives a visit from Virgin Mary with a message for her.
This leads to 36-year-old Marilyn leaving her Brentwood home and disappearing into the night, forever changing the course of history.
In 2016, 36-year-old Flora Baker lives in Hull and works in a bar. Money is tight and her living conditions could be much better.
Then, one night, Virgin Mary visits Flora and tells her to ‘care’. After the visit, things begin to change for Flora, and all for the better.
Do Marilyn and Flora (and Virgin Mary) have anything in common?
I loved this book. It was just like Marilyn – wonderful!
I really enjoyed the idea of “what if Marilyn had survived that fateful night” scenario. I’m such a huge fan of Monroe, and I’ve read a lot of material about her.
The author treated all women in the story with compassion and kindness. I loved how the women started to talk and voice their opinions.
I definitely recommend this book.
This leads to 36-year-old Marilyn leaving her Brentwood home and disappearing into the night, forever changing the course of history.
In 2016, 36-year-old Flora Baker lives in Hull and works in a bar. Money is tight and her living conditions could be much better.
Then, one night, Virgin Mary visits Flora and tells her to ‘care’. After the visit, things begin to change for Flora, and all for the better.
Do Marilyn and Flora (and Virgin Mary) have anything in common?
I loved this book. It was just like Marilyn – wonderful!
I really enjoyed the idea of “what if Marilyn had survived that fateful night” scenario. I’m such a huge fan of Monroe, and I’ve read a lot of material about her.
The author treated all women in the story with compassion and kindness. I loved how the women started to talk and voice their opinions.
I definitely recommend this book.
February 3, 2026
Marilyn and Flora. Two women, living very different lives. Marilyn Monroe needs no introduction. Her tragically short public life is incredibly well documented. Flora, 36, lives in Hull, in contemporary times. She works in a club, and lives in a damp, cramped flat. Her younger sister Bella is in and out of residential mental health care units. One night when Flora is very low, she experiences a vision, a similar vision saves Marilyn’s life, and our story begins.
In Louise’s writing, you can clearly see the influence that her Grandma Robert’s faith and idolisation of the Virgin Mary has, combined with the author’s genuine affection and admiration for Marilyn Monroe. This creative fusion has produced a book which sounds surreal and improbable initially, but it doesn’t just “work”, it is as wonderful as the title suggests. I feel that this is quite a personal book for the author, she has poured herself in to the words.
As the book ended, I had a sense of a circle being completed. I wish this book was a biography, and not a work of fiction, that this had genuinely been Marilyn’s fate. She deserved far more from life than she was allowed, and I’m not referring to material belongings; she deserved more kindness and less judgement.
Wonderful is such a beautiful book, which made me a little emotional at times, which was unexpected. Yes, this is a book that contains Marilyn Monroe and the Virgin Mary, but it is essentially a book about women, and what connects us, rather than what divides us. If you pick up this book, I hope you will love it as much I have.
In Louise’s writing, you can clearly see the influence that her Grandma Robert’s faith and idolisation of the Virgin Mary has, combined with the author’s genuine affection and admiration for Marilyn Monroe. This creative fusion has produced a book which sounds surreal and improbable initially, but it doesn’t just “work”, it is as wonderful as the title suggests. I feel that this is quite a personal book for the author, she has poured herself in to the words.
As the book ended, I had a sense of a circle being completed. I wish this book was a biography, and not a work of fiction, that this had genuinely been Marilyn’s fate. She deserved far more from life than she was allowed, and I’m not referring to material belongings; she deserved more kindness and less judgement.
Wonderful is such a beautiful book, which made me a little emotional at times, which was unexpected. Yes, this is a book that contains Marilyn Monroe and the Virgin Mary, but it is essentially a book about women, and what connects us, rather than what divides us. If you pick up this book, I hope you will love it as much I have.
April 10, 2026
Review of ARC kindly recieved by author ✨ publication 1st June 2026 💖
I don’t know what I can say about this book but I’ll start with it was wonderful. I feel like if a book can make you cry then it’s instantly a good one and this had me feeling all the feels! The way the book was written was just beautiful, I felt so connected to the stories of the women and the characters, but I also had no idea where the plot was going to end up and I loved every second.
I was particularly impressed at how real Marilyn felt to me, you’d think that all of these things had actually happened with the way Louise had portrayed it! I feel this has taught me I need to learn more about Marilyn as I feel like there’s a lot more I don’t know about her, so the biographies listed at the end might be a good place to start!
I had the pleasure of visiting LA recently while I had started this book, and seeing Marilyn’s star on the walk of fame and her handprints at the theatre really made this read even more special.
A 5 star novel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don’t know what I can say about this book but I’ll start with it was wonderful. I feel like if a book can make you cry then it’s instantly a good one and this had me feeling all the feels! The way the book was written was just beautiful, I felt so connected to the stories of the women and the characters, but I also had no idea where the plot was going to end up and I loved every second.
I was particularly impressed at how real Marilyn felt to me, you’d think that all of these things had actually happened with the way Louise had portrayed it! I feel this has taught me I need to learn more about Marilyn as I feel like there’s a lot more I don’t know about her, so the biographies listed at the end might be a good place to start!
I had the pleasure of visiting LA recently while I had started this book, and seeing Marilyn’s star on the walk of fame and her handprints at the theatre really made this read even more special.
A 5 star novel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 2, 2026
A beautifully imaginative and emotionally rich novel that blends magic, history and everyday life in a truly unique way. The story moves across time and perspective with elegance, weaving together themes of identity, womanhood and hope along with a powerful sense of what could have been.
The writing is lyrical and immersive, bringing both glamour and grit to life in equal measure and the author’s love for Marilyn Monroe shines through in every thread of her story. Each storyline feels vivid and meaningful with strong emotional resonance and a sense of connection that grows as the narrative unfolds.
Thought-provoking, heartfelt and beautifully told, this is a memorable read that celebrates the strength and shared experiences of women across time.
The writing is lyrical and immersive, bringing both glamour and grit to life in equal measure and the author’s love for Marilyn Monroe shines through in every thread of her story. Each storyline feels vivid and meaningful with strong emotional resonance and a sense of connection that grows as the narrative unfolds.
Thought-provoking, heartfelt and beautifully told, this is a memorable read that celebrates the strength and shared experiences of women across time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where to start with a book which has as a main character one of your idols..... Marilyn Monroe. You don't want it to be bad, you want it to be respectful.... and luckily the author herself is a long life admirer too and did a superb job! Wonderful is being published on the first of June 2026 and it isn't a random date as many people now. 😜 The book tells you about three women, all completely different from each other and from different generations, countries... Well let's say they have nothing in common. Besides the visit from a woman with a visit, the Virgin Maria. If the first thing I would have known about the story would be: it is about Maria visiting people... I wouldn't have been interested. But that is not what it is about. Louise Beech tells about these women, their lives and the message they receive. And is there maybe more that links them?
Louise Beech wanted to give another side of the Marilyn Monroe image we have and I can say that Marilyn would probably have been happy too. While reading the story I had to remind me it was a fiction story, because it would have been such a beautiful non fiction story too. Wonderful is an emotion rollercoaster about women and their stories, what they mean in this world and what it means when women stop being quiet through history.... and about Marilyn and Flora.
For fans of Marilyn Monroe you will also recognise small details added to characters, stories ....which aren't random. And even though I got my name because of a different famous person, it always feels sweet to see that my first name is Marilyn's second name in her not Artis name. 🥰
This is my first book written by Louise Beech and I think I should listen to my friend who has read them all, she writes soooo good. The writing is smooth, interesting...just the way you want it.
Louise Beech wanted to give another side of the Marilyn Monroe image we have and I can say that Marilyn would probably have been happy too. While reading the story I had to remind me it was a fiction story, because it would have been such a beautiful non fiction story too. Wonderful is an emotion rollercoaster about women and their stories, what they mean in this world and what it means when women stop being quiet through history.... and about Marilyn and Flora.
For fans of Marilyn Monroe you will also recognise small details added to characters, stories ....which aren't random. And even though I got my name because of a different famous person, it always feels sweet to see that my first name is Marilyn's second name in her not Artis name. 🥰
This is my first book written by Louise Beech and I think I should listen to my friend who has read them all, she writes soooo good. The writing is smooth, interesting...just the way you want it.
June 10, 2026
So refreshing to read as Louise explores an alternative narrative to the Marilyn Munroe story. Instead of dying early in mysterious circumstances she has a vision - a visitation- from the Virgin Mary. A phenomenon not unknown throughout history but often disregarded and rarely spoken of. Marilyn keeps it to herself but takes it as a sign to flee from her life and seek a new beginning. This starts with the solitude and sanctuary of a nunnery and then a time with a trusted friend Stella in a remote beach house. Part of Mary’s prophecy for Marilyn was to seek the home of her ancestors which took her to Dublin where she buys an old school house and renovates into the first woman’s refuge of the charity she starts - CARE.
Running parallel throughout the book is the story of Flora set many decades later. Flora is a struggling working class girl with a difficult past. She is caring for her sister who uses the services of their local CARE refugee in Hull. Flora also gets a visitation from the. Virgin Mary which compels her to volunteer at the CARE centre.
As expected these two worlds collide. Marilyn has a dream which makes her travel to Hull to seek out the refuge running in her charity. She meets Flora who she had known about from her friend Stella because Stella had given up a baby for adoption who was Floras mother. Marilyn urges Flora to take part in the documentary that she had been approached to do - and gives an interview herself. Marilyn reveals herself - both through the documentary interview and through the magic trick performed at the club Flora works in. Flora reveals that she was abused and had a baby at the age of 12 which her mother passed off as her own - Bella wasn’t her sister but was her daughter.
The book was about giving women a voice. About when they are not believed and about how important it is to be heard. A clever and compelling read.
Running parallel throughout the book is the story of Flora set many decades later. Flora is a struggling working class girl with a difficult past. She is caring for her sister who uses the services of their local CARE refugee in Hull. Flora also gets a visitation from the. Virgin Mary which compels her to volunteer at the CARE centre.
As expected these two worlds collide. Marilyn has a dream which makes her travel to Hull to seek out the refuge running in her charity. She meets Flora who she had known about from her friend Stella because Stella had given up a baby for adoption who was Floras mother. Marilyn urges Flora to take part in the documentary that she had been approached to do - and gives an interview herself. Marilyn reveals herself - both through the documentary interview and through the magic trick performed at the club Flora works in. Flora reveals that she was abused and had a baby at the age of 12 which her mother passed off as her own - Bella wasn’t her sister but was her daughter.
The book was about giving women a voice. About when they are not believed and about how important it is to be heard. A clever and compelling read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2026
‘Wonderful’ is just quite simply wonderful. When I see that Louise Beech/Swanson has released a book, I just pick it up and read it blind, as she is a fabulous writer. To be honest, when I realised this was about Marilyn Monroe, I was a tad apprehensive as I am not really a fan and didn’t know much about her. Well, I needn’t have worried. This is more a tale of women’s friendships, liberations, growth, and those women who help pick up others and care for them. It was a hug in a book.
This story really begins on the 4th August 1962 - the night Marilyn Monroe is supposed to die. Instead, she gets a visit from the Virgin Mary who encourages her to leave her current life. Then, 54 years later, Flora, a young woman in Hull, also receives a visit from the Virgin Mary and again is encouraged to make huge changes in her life. The story flips between the two time periods as the women evolve in their lives, whilst finding out who they truly are inside.
This was a beautiful story and it is clear that Louise loves Marilyn, as she treats her with dignity, empathy, and as a human rather than the icon we all recognise today. It is blindly obvious that a lot of time has been made in researching Marilyn’s life and personality, and it has made this book so very authentic. Flora is equally well drawn though, and for me, she is the heart of this novel. I think her story resonated with me due to seeing part of my life being reflected. Flora is full of empathy and love. She is very easy to root for, and as the separate narrative began to intertwine, they come to an emotive conclusion.
As soon as I picked this book up, I was utterly engrossed by it. The characters are so well drawn that you don’t question anything and just accept that this is happening to them. That is the beauty of Louise’s spectacular writing. She is the queen of the cross genre, and this book is no exception. And once again, it is brilliant.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
June 9, 2026
Louise Beech is the author of eleven novels and known for her versatility. Her brand is not having a brand. And she’s pivoted again with her latest title, a what-if story about Marilyn Monroe. What if the screen goddess didn’t die in 1962 but was instead visited by the Virgin Mary? As a result, she quits her home and career and disappears to find herself.
As well as following Marilyn in her personal alternate history, we meet Flora, a barmaid at a club in Hull in 2016. As a Hull native, the author’s depictions of the city and its inhabitants are spot on with some cheeky touches of humour.
Flora also receives a visitation from the Blessed Virgin. This changes the course of her life and ultimately leads to a surprising crossover with Marilyn.
With lots of references to spirituality and religion, it felt like a fable of strength over abuse and lost children. The tone reminded me of Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven. Although the theme was women helping other women during times of adversity, the author avoided it being a man-hating diatribe and depicted her Hull-based male characters roundly and fairly.
It would make a great film or TV series:
• the tragedies and triumphs of the Hollywood icon
• the glamour of 1960s Los Angeles
• the serenity of Mother Mary
• the struggles and secrets of likeable Flora
• the joyful earthiness of the variety acts at the Hull nightclub
Well worth reading.
As well as following Marilyn in her personal alternate history, we meet Flora, a barmaid at a club in Hull in 2016. As a Hull native, the author’s depictions of the city and its inhabitants are spot on with some cheeky touches of humour.
Flora also receives a visitation from the Blessed Virgin. This changes the course of her life and ultimately leads to a surprising crossover with Marilyn.
With lots of references to spirituality and religion, it felt like a fable of strength over abuse and lost children. The tone reminded me of Mitch Albom’s The Five People You Meet In Heaven. Although the theme was women helping other women during times of adversity, the author avoided it being a man-hating diatribe and depicted her Hull-based male characters roundly and fairly.
It would make a great film or TV series:
• the tragedies and triumphs of the Hollywood icon
• the glamour of 1960s Los Angeles
• the serenity of Mother Mary
• the struggles and secrets of likeable Flora
• the joyful earthiness of the variety acts at the Hull nightclub
Well worth reading.
June 12, 2026
Wonderful is a reimagining of a world in which the beautiful and effervescent Marilyn Monroe had gone on to live beyond her untimely and tragic demise at the age of 36. Louise Beech brings her vividly to life in this book, taking her on a journey that’s beautiful in its simplicity.
On 4th August 1962, on the night she should have died, Marilyn is visited by the Virgin Mary, a visit that changes the course of her destiny. Fifty four years later, in a Hull kitchen, Flora Baker is also visited by Mary. Both women receive a message that impacts not only their lives but the lives of those around them.
Wonderful is a story that is an incredibly important one, highlighting the way women have been portrayed throughout history. It is about the importance of women standing up for their rights and no longer staying silent in a world that has always been influenced by men. It is an incredibly moving account of what Marilyn Monroe’s life could have been like if, instead of dying in 1962, she had turned her back on the Hollywood Icon lifestyle and taken her life in a whole new direction…
I loved how Marilyn and Flora’s lives were intertwined in ways I could never have expected when I first started Wonderful. Their connection, when it came, took my breath away and, I have to admit, I did shed some tears as I found myself swept up in a tsunami of emotions. As always I’m blown away by the beauty of Louise Beech’s writing, her ability to move me beyond words is second to none and her reimagining of a world with Marilyn Monroe in it is exceptional!
Wonderful is a stunning novel that is indeed truly wonderful. I adored it!
Wonderful by Louise Beech is available to purchase now
On 4th August 1962, on the night she should have died, Marilyn is visited by the Virgin Mary, a visit that changes the course of her destiny. Fifty four years later, in a Hull kitchen, Flora Baker is also visited by Mary. Both women receive a message that impacts not only their lives but the lives of those around them.
Wonderful is a story that is an incredibly important one, highlighting the way women have been portrayed throughout history. It is about the importance of women standing up for their rights and no longer staying silent in a world that has always been influenced by men. It is an incredibly moving account of what Marilyn Monroe’s life could have been like if, instead of dying in 1962, she had turned her back on the Hollywood Icon lifestyle and taken her life in a whole new direction…
I loved how Marilyn and Flora’s lives were intertwined in ways I could never have expected when I first started Wonderful. Their connection, when it came, took my breath away and, I have to admit, I did shed some tears as I found myself swept up in a tsunami of emotions. As always I’m blown away by the beauty of Louise Beech’s writing, her ability to move me beyond words is second to none and her reimagining of a world with Marilyn Monroe in it is exceptional!
Wonderful is a stunning novel that is indeed truly wonderful. I adored it!
Wonderful by Louise Beech is available to purchase now
February 18, 2026
4⭐️
Having really enjoyed the very innovative End of Story I was interested to see what the author would come up with next.
It has a wacky premise, but who isn’t intrigued by Marilyn Monroe. In another era on the other side of the world and social spectrum is a young woman Flora who is struggling to make ends meet. Both women experience a vision of the virgin Mary.
The idea of Monroe was enough to draw me to the book. You have to be able to go with the flow with this one, accepting of the journey it takes you on. You might not have the spiritual belief, you may question mental health issues, but hop on board and see where it takes you.
I must say it’s not religious or preachy, it’s very unique, the author really manages to sell this implausible concept to the reader. I was equally invested in both Flora’s and Marilyn’s story, they are both extremely likeable characters. It has a memoir feel but it’s just a story from an author with a bright light of imagination. It’s very character driven and slow paced, so don’t go expecting a twisty thriller here.
I have to admire the imagination and creativity to be able to sell this so convincingly to the reader. It’s unlike anything else that I’ve read.
Having really enjoyed the very innovative End of Story I was interested to see what the author would come up with next.
It has a wacky premise, but who isn’t intrigued by Marilyn Monroe. In another era on the other side of the world and social spectrum is a young woman Flora who is struggling to make ends meet. Both women experience a vision of the virgin Mary.
The idea of Monroe was enough to draw me to the book. You have to be able to go with the flow with this one, accepting of the journey it takes you on. You might not have the spiritual belief, you may question mental health issues, but hop on board and see where it takes you.
I must say it’s not religious or preachy, it’s very unique, the author really manages to sell this implausible concept to the reader. I was equally invested in both Flora’s and Marilyn’s story, they are both extremely likeable characters. It has a memoir feel but it’s just a story from an author with a bright light of imagination. It’s very character driven and slow paced, so don’t go expecting a twisty thriller here.
I have to admire the imagination and creativity to be able to sell this so convincingly to the reader. It’s unlike anything else that I’ve read.
February 4, 2026
A book about Marilyn Monroe, a girl from Hull & the Virgin Mary. What on earth could they have in common? Louise has written such a clever book that jumps through 2 timelines intertwining 2 women’s stories. The only thing linking them is a visit from the Virgin Mary & how that changed them or is it? I love that Marilyn’s magic number is 4 as that’s always been my number. Marilyn saw the Virgin Mary & went into hiding while see worked out what her true vocation was in life. Flora had a secret she’d never told not even to her sister. When one day her world becomes too much for her she finds herself staying at CARE the place she has been volunteering & her sister Bella has stayed when the world has become too much for her. Marilyn visits her here & the true story unfolds.
Louise’s love of Marilyn & women helping women shines through in this book.
Louise’s love of Marilyn & women helping women shines through in this book.
June 14, 2026
My Thoughts: this book is actually a really hard one for me to review, I loved it, it absolutely blew my expectations out of the water, but yet I can’t seem to articulate my thoughts into words.
The story is told in 2 time lines, in one we’re following Marilyn Monroe and in another we’re following Flora, both linked in a weird way by The Virgin Mary.
This book shows the true power of fiction, you can completely rewrite someone’s story.. the idea of Marilyn not dying on that day was something truly beautiful to experience, yet her impact on the world was the same because everything else she achieved was done in silence and in secret.
This story had me feeling all sorts of emotions, I cried, I laughed, I cried again, I was so invested in the whole story, felt like I was a part of it, I was genuinely sad when it ended.
I would normally say literary fiction isn’t a genre that I reach for, but after this book I may have to be more open minded.
Thank you Louise for opening my eyes.
The story is told in 2 time lines, in one we’re following Marilyn Monroe and in another we’re following Flora, both linked in a weird way by The Virgin Mary.
This book shows the true power of fiction, you can completely rewrite someone’s story.. the idea of Marilyn not dying on that day was something truly beautiful to experience, yet her impact on the world was the same because everything else she achieved was done in silence and in secret.
This story had me feeling all sorts of emotions, I cried, I laughed, I cried again, I was so invested in the whole story, felt like I was a part of it, I was genuinely sad when it ended.
I would normally say literary fiction isn’t a genre that I reach for, but after this book I may have to be more open minded.
Thank you Louise for opening my eyes.
February 18, 2026
Put quite simply this is such a ‘Wonderful’ book.
I lost my own mum while reading this book & her favourite flowers were daffodils so it made it all the more poignant for me.
A book about using your voice in the best way possible & having the courage to do it.
Marilyn is a truly iconic lady & it was just lovely to read about what might have been.
I absolutely loved how the stories weaved together seamlessly.
I lost my own mum while reading this book & her favourite flowers were daffodils so it made it all the more poignant for me.
A book about using your voice in the best way possible & having the courage to do it.
Marilyn is a truly iconic lady & it was just lovely to read about what might have been.
I absolutely loved how the stories weaved together seamlessly.
June 11, 2026
A beautifully written story about what if Marilyn Monroe had not died in 1962. Told in a dual timeline it tells the story of Flora , a barmaid who lives in Hull. Both women are visited by the Virgin Mary and their lives change forever. But what do these two women have in common and how are their stories linked. This is a wonderful novel which introduces us to Marilyn and things we never knew. Blending some fact with fiction she comes to life in a way we could all wish she had. Highly recommended.
June 7, 2026
This was such an unusual story. It was beautifully written and sensitively covers some sad and traumatic events. A warm and uplifting book.
June 8, 2026
Like many women, I’ve always been fascinated with this life of Marilyn Monroe and jumped at the chance to read this. An alternative life for the icon and a vision from the Virgin Mary in the same book - who could say no!
We have dual timelines in this one, one for Marilyn and one for Flora, a down on her luck woman looking after everyone but herself. When Mary appears to her, she isn’t sure whether to believe it or not but suddenly everyone knows and wants a piece of her. In Marilyn’s time, Mary appears to her too and quite possibly saves her life, so beginning another reality than the one we all know (or do we?)
I really enjoyed this book and the way the author has captured Marilyn is just superb, a lot of research and a lifelong fascination have certainly helped. A brilliant book that opens your mind to a way of thinking and shows struggles some of us can only imagine.
We have dual timelines in this one, one for Marilyn and one for Flora, a down on her luck woman looking after everyone but herself. When Mary appears to her, she isn’t sure whether to believe it or not but suddenly everyone knows and wants a piece of her. In Marilyn’s time, Mary appears to her too and quite possibly saves her life, so beginning another reality than the one we all know (or do we?)
I really enjoyed this book and the way the author has captured Marilyn is just superb, a lot of research and a lifelong fascination have certainly helped. A brilliant book that opens your mind to a way of thinking and shows struggles some of us can only imagine.
April 23, 2026
Wow. This book is so different and so great a read.
Mary, Marilyn and Flora.
Many years between them but the vision of Mary linking them. Marilyn takes off at what would have been her night of no more Marilyn Monroe and how life changes for them all.
This book was just amazing. A complete switch off to all the things going on and a personal wish that Marilyn was around longer too.
Can’t recommend it enough to lose yourself in and dream.
Very correctly titled Wonderful.
Mary, Marilyn and Flora.
Many years between them but the vision of Mary linking them. Marilyn takes off at what would have been her night of no more Marilyn Monroe and how life changes for them all.
This book was just amazing. A complete switch off to all the things going on and a personal wish that Marilyn was around longer too.
Can’t recommend it enough to lose yourself in and dream.
Very correctly titled Wonderful.
May 7, 2026
Review of advance copy from the author.
It’s the 4th August 1962, and as Marilyn Monroe is setting up medication to take her own life, she sees the Virgin Mary, who has a message for her. Marilyn is inspired by her, and she decides to up and leave everything and everyone she knows.
Fifty-four years later, Flora Baker is at home in Hull when she receives a visit from the Virgin Mary, and the message from her has Flora changing her life. She starts to help others, as well as her younger sister who receives help from a charity called CARE.
What a unique and beautiful story this is, I found it deeply touching.
There was so much interesting information regarding Marilyn Monroe and her acquaintances in this story, it was easy to see that the author knows her subject where Marilyn is concerned. Very much a “what if” story, but who hasn’t wondered what if Marilyn Monroe didn’t die that night?
Although there are some sad parts in the story, overall, it is uplifting and at times spiritual.
If there is one book that you read this year, I would make it this one.
It’s the 4th August 1962, and as Marilyn Monroe is setting up medication to take her own life, she sees the Virgin Mary, who has a message for her. Marilyn is inspired by her, and she decides to up and leave everything and everyone she knows.
Fifty-four years later, Flora Baker is at home in Hull when she receives a visit from the Virgin Mary, and the message from her has Flora changing her life. She starts to help others, as well as her younger sister who receives help from a charity called CARE.
What a unique and beautiful story this is, I found it deeply touching.
There was so much interesting information regarding Marilyn Monroe and her acquaintances in this story, it was easy to see that the author knows her subject where Marilyn is concerned. Very much a “what if” story, but who hasn’t wondered what if Marilyn Monroe didn’t die that night?
Although there are some sad parts in the story, overall, it is uplifting and at times spiritual.
If there is one book that you read this year, I would make it this one.
June 1, 2026
‘Wonderful’ is a beautiful but poignant imagining of a world in which Marilyn Monroe survives the fateful night she was due to die. It may be difficult to imagine how Marilyn’s life can be closely linked to those of a working class Hull woman and the Virgin Mary but, through exquisite details, meticulous research and drawing on her own experiences, Louise Beech has created a wonderful, heart-felt story which does just that.
Sensitively but honestly exploring issues such as childhood trauma, female objectification and mental health, Wonderful follows women from different backgrounds but with similar experiences, needs, wants and struggles as they gently strive to become their authentic selves. The book is a beautiful tribute to Marilyn (both who she really was and who she could have been) as well as others who have faced their demons and found their voices to help them realise their true worth and place in this world.
Thank you, Louise, for yet again immersing me into the lives of others, sending shivers down my spine and bringing me to tears - empathising with the characters throughout the story and particularly as everything comes together beautifully… Simply Wonderful.
Sensitively but honestly exploring issues such as childhood trauma, female objectification and mental health, Wonderful follows women from different backgrounds but with similar experiences, needs, wants and struggles as they gently strive to become their authentic selves. The book is a beautiful tribute to Marilyn (both who she really was and who she could have been) as well as others who have faced their demons and found their voices to help them realise their true worth and place in this world.
Thank you, Louise, for yet again immersing me into the lives of others, sending shivers down my spine and bringing me to tears - empathising with the characters throughout the story and particularly as everything comes together beautifully… Simply Wonderful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Three women mysteriously linked across time…
If I’m absolutely honest, I found the premise of Marilyn Monroe, the Virgin Mary and a poverty-stricken young woman from Hull, Flora, being linked in a narrative rather unlikely. I was wrong! Wonderful is exactly as the title suggests because Louise Beech brings her incredible skill in uniting them. I so enjoyed the plot and its resolution was incredibly deftly handled – but you need to read Wonderful to discover how!
Wonderful can be read on so many levels. Firstly there is the meticulously researched and brilliantly woven historical detail about the real person who was Marilyn Monroe. Like many who rely on what the media tells us, I thought I knew her, but I learnt so much from this story. Indeed, one of the points of the narrative is that we create ideas of others in our minds without truly understanding what has happened in a person’s life. This reality adds depth and credence to the ‘what if’ creativity that imagines what her life may have been like and who she might have become had she not died. On just this level the story is highly entertaining.
A fine balance is presented between being an icon and universally accepted iconography making the events relatable and understandable. Wonderful explores how we create persona and image, how we find signs in everyday life and how reality and illusion are inextricably linked. I found this element of the narrative utterly fascinating. This is the kind of story that resonates long after it is read and makes the reader consider the world differently.
In contrast to Marilyn’s fame, Flora is totally ordinary. Her poverty, her difficult relationship with her mother and her closeness to Bella are the kinds of experiences any one of us could relate to. I thought her developing relationship with Neil was pitch perfect. As the story unfolds and we discover why Flora maintains a romantic distance from Neil, despite their obvious attraction to one another, the emotional impact of the story deepens.
And there is huge emotion in Louise Beech’s writing and I did shed an occasional tear as I read. One of the most affecting messages of the book is that fame does not equate to happiness. Equally important and emotionally resonant is the manner with which women – and young girls – are treated by those with power over them, how they can be used and abused and how their experiences affect the remainder of their lives.
But although this might sound rather bleak, Wonderful is a fabulous example of how we can transcend our origins, the traumas of our past and the expectations of others. The book celebrates women for themselves, not who others want them to be. There is vulnerability and mental and emotional struggle, but there is also friendship, strength and true beauty. Wonderful shows how we can change not only our own lives, but the lives of others too. There’s a profound understanding of the power of love.
With its magical and spiritual element of the Virgin Mary set alongside two women at the opposite ends of the fame and fortune spectrum, Wonderful takes the reader on an emotional journey that is affecting, entertaining and, actually, unforgettable. Once you’ve read Wonderful, you won’t want to be quiet about it! I loved it.
If I’m absolutely honest, I found the premise of Marilyn Monroe, the Virgin Mary and a poverty-stricken young woman from Hull, Flora, being linked in a narrative rather unlikely. I was wrong! Wonderful is exactly as the title suggests because Louise Beech brings her incredible skill in uniting them. I so enjoyed the plot and its resolution was incredibly deftly handled – but you need to read Wonderful to discover how!
Wonderful can be read on so many levels. Firstly there is the meticulously researched and brilliantly woven historical detail about the real person who was Marilyn Monroe. Like many who rely on what the media tells us, I thought I knew her, but I learnt so much from this story. Indeed, one of the points of the narrative is that we create ideas of others in our minds without truly understanding what has happened in a person’s life. This reality adds depth and credence to the ‘what if’ creativity that imagines what her life may have been like and who she might have become had she not died. On just this level the story is highly entertaining.
A fine balance is presented between being an icon and universally accepted iconography making the events relatable and understandable. Wonderful explores how we create persona and image, how we find signs in everyday life and how reality and illusion are inextricably linked. I found this element of the narrative utterly fascinating. This is the kind of story that resonates long after it is read and makes the reader consider the world differently.
In contrast to Marilyn’s fame, Flora is totally ordinary. Her poverty, her difficult relationship with her mother and her closeness to Bella are the kinds of experiences any one of us could relate to. I thought her developing relationship with Neil was pitch perfect. As the story unfolds and we discover why Flora maintains a romantic distance from Neil, despite their obvious attraction to one another, the emotional impact of the story deepens.
And there is huge emotion in Louise Beech’s writing and I did shed an occasional tear as I read. One of the most affecting messages of the book is that fame does not equate to happiness. Equally important and emotionally resonant is the manner with which women – and young girls – are treated by those with power over them, how they can be used and abused and how their experiences affect the remainder of their lives.
But although this might sound rather bleak, Wonderful is a fabulous example of how we can transcend our origins, the traumas of our past and the expectations of others. The book celebrates women for themselves, not who others want them to be. There is vulnerability and mental and emotional struggle, but there is also friendship, strength and true beauty. Wonderful shows how we can change not only our own lives, but the lives of others too. There’s a profound understanding of the power of love.
With its magical and spiritual element of the Virgin Mary set alongside two women at the opposite ends of the fame and fortune spectrum, Wonderful takes the reader on an emotional journey that is affecting, entertaining and, actually, unforgettable. Once you’ve read Wonderful, you won’t want to be quiet about it! I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Wonderful means full of wonder. It does not mean astonishing but to be full of astonishment."
Wonderful. Simply, wonderful.
I know when I read a book by Louise Beech it’s going to be great. But other than her amazing writing, I wasn’t sure what else to expect from this book. From the moment I first read the synopsis I was intrigued and I know how much Louise adores Ms. Monroe, so I knew that the story would honour her memory. What I was not prepared for was to fall in love with an icon that I’ve known about all my life but - admittedly - paid little attention to. The Marilyn on these pages isn’t the ditzy blonde bombshell persona we’re familiar with. She’s humble, kind, flawed, raw and real. The sort of person you can imagine becoming friends with. And I loved her.
I’m getting ahead of myself here. What is this book about? Well, at its heart, this is a story about women refusing to stay silent and be unheard, using those voices for good and being united by their stories. It starts on August 4th, 1962. The night Marilyn Monroe is supposed to die. But instead she receives a visit from The Virgin Mary and her message inspires her to disappear into the night and abandons her entire life. Fifty four years later, in a kitchen in Hull, Flora Baker also receives a visit from The Virgin Mary and receives a similar message, causing her to make big changes in her life. The story moves between Marilyn and Flora, following as they try to find new meaning in their lives and carry out the actions inspired by their visits from The Virgin Mary.
“Why was facing the world with feminine grace revered? Wouldn't it be better if they screamed, broke down, swore?"
Exquisitely written, meticulously researched, perfectly paced and intricately interwoven, this is a powerful and moving story I won’t forget. Louise’s love and knowledge about Marilyn is evident on every page and, as I mentioned earlier, made me fall in love with her too. The characters are richly drawn, likeable and real, with a charisma that makes you care about and root for them immediately. I was lost in their worlds and wishing desperately that this reality could have been what happened to Marilyn. As we approached the finale I read in awe as Louise skillfully wove together the two storylines in the most unexpected ways and revealed the truth of the breadcrumbs of clues I’d missed along the way. There were so many things I didn’t see coming and I love being surprised by the direction a book takes.
A wonderful story filled with heart and hope, I highly recommend pre-ordering this book, which is out June 1st, on what would have been Marilyn’s 100th birthday.
Wonderful. Simply, wonderful.
I know when I read a book by Louise Beech it’s going to be great. But other than her amazing writing, I wasn’t sure what else to expect from this book. From the moment I first read the synopsis I was intrigued and I know how much Louise adores Ms. Monroe, so I knew that the story would honour her memory. What I was not prepared for was to fall in love with an icon that I’ve known about all my life but - admittedly - paid little attention to. The Marilyn on these pages isn’t the ditzy blonde bombshell persona we’re familiar with. She’s humble, kind, flawed, raw and real. The sort of person you can imagine becoming friends with. And I loved her.
I’m getting ahead of myself here. What is this book about? Well, at its heart, this is a story about women refusing to stay silent and be unheard, using those voices for good and being united by their stories. It starts on August 4th, 1962. The night Marilyn Monroe is supposed to die. But instead she receives a visit from The Virgin Mary and her message inspires her to disappear into the night and abandons her entire life. Fifty four years later, in a kitchen in Hull, Flora Baker also receives a visit from The Virgin Mary and receives a similar message, causing her to make big changes in her life. The story moves between Marilyn and Flora, following as they try to find new meaning in their lives and carry out the actions inspired by their visits from The Virgin Mary.
“Why was facing the world with feminine grace revered? Wouldn't it be better if they screamed, broke down, swore?"
Exquisitely written, meticulously researched, perfectly paced and intricately interwoven, this is a powerful and moving story I won’t forget. Louise’s love and knowledge about Marilyn is evident on every page and, as I mentioned earlier, made me fall in love with her too. The characters are richly drawn, likeable and real, with a charisma that makes you care about and root for them immediately. I was lost in their worlds and wishing desperately that this reality could have been what happened to Marilyn. As we approached the finale I read in awe as Louise skillfully wove together the two storylines in the most unexpected ways and revealed the truth of the breadcrumbs of clues I’d missed along the way. There were so many things I didn’t see coming and I love being surprised by the direction a book takes.
A wonderful story filled with heart and hope, I highly recommend pre-ordering this book, which is out June 1st, on what would have been Marilyn’s 100th birthday.
May 12, 2026
I have read every book that Louise Beech has had published. She is the queen of the cross genre; her books cannot really be categorised ; her stories range from crime thrillers, family sagas, gay love story, dystopia and also her own memoir.
Wonderful is another novel that we cannot put into a box. It's a literary tale of two women, with a touch of recent history and a sprinkle of magical realism. The premise is intriguing and the entire novels read as a homage to Marilyn, and that's what it is. The author's love for this Hollywood icon shines through in the writing, but it's not just about Marilyn, it's also a story of the ordinary woman - and how despite fame and stature, women share so many experiences and feelings.
From the opening pages, there’s an almost dreamlike quality to the storytelling. Marilyn Monroe is depicted not as the glittering icon the world thinks it knows, but as a vulnerable woman desperate for escape, peace and understanding. She is written with warmth and humanity, we see through the layers of fame and find someone so lonely and searching for more in life. The historical detail woven through Marilyn’s sections are beautifully and perfectly structured, and it is so easy to become emotionally invested in her story.
Alongside Marilyn is Flora, living a very different life in Hull years later. Flora’s struggles feel so real and relevant to the current times. There are financial worries and complicated family dynamics. You could almost see parts of yourself in Flora.
What makes Wonderful really shine is the way Louise Beech explores womanhood and identity, and connections. There's magic running throughout the novel, but it never overshadows the reality and emotions. Instead, these aspects enhance the story’s warmth and sense of possibility. She deals with themes of reinvention, resilience and compassion through the narrative, giving the novel real emotional depth.
The writing is, as always, so atmospheric and emotionally intelligent. She has a remarkable understanding of human vulnerability and writes with such empathy that even the smallest moments mean so much. There are scenes here that linger long after the final page, not because they are dramatic, but because I felt them in my heart.
Wonderful is exactly that; original, moving and filled with hope. It is a novel that invites readers to look beyond appearances and reminds us that even the most ordinary lives can contain something extraordinary.
Wonderful is another novel that we cannot put into a box. It's a literary tale of two women, with a touch of recent history and a sprinkle of magical realism. The premise is intriguing and the entire novels read as a homage to Marilyn, and that's what it is. The author's love for this Hollywood icon shines through in the writing, but it's not just about Marilyn, it's also a story of the ordinary woman - and how despite fame and stature, women share so many experiences and feelings.
From the opening pages, there’s an almost dreamlike quality to the storytelling. Marilyn Monroe is depicted not as the glittering icon the world thinks it knows, but as a vulnerable woman desperate for escape, peace and understanding. She is written with warmth and humanity, we see through the layers of fame and find someone so lonely and searching for more in life. The historical detail woven through Marilyn’s sections are beautifully and perfectly structured, and it is so easy to become emotionally invested in her story.
Alongside Marilyn is Flora, living a very different life in Hull years later. Flora’s struggles feel so real and relevant to the current times. There are financial worries and complicated family dynamics. You could almost see parts of yourself in Flora.
What makes Wonderful really shine is the way Louise Beech explores womanhood and identity, and connections. There's magic running throughout the novel, but it never overshadows the reality and emotions. Instead, these aspects enhance the story’s warmth and sense of possibility. She deals with themes of reinvention, resilience and compassion through the narrative, giving the novel real emotional depth.
The writing is, as always, so atmospheric and emotionally intelligent. She has a remarkable understanding of human vulnerability and writes with such empathy that even the smallest moments mean so much. There are scenes here that linger long after the final page, not because they are dramatic, but because I felt them in my heart.
Wonderful is exactly that; original, moving and filled with hope. It is a novel that invites readers to look beyond appearances and reminds us that even the most ordinary lives can contain something extraordinary.
June 11, 2026
It’s a cliché, but Wonderful is exactly that. It is a book about the way women are portrayed in both history and the world of celebrity, about women not being quiet, and about women united by the shared stories that shape them.
Wonderful is the perfect blend of historical fiction, magical realism and heartfelt contemporary story-telling. Something that many of us know and love Louise Beech. It’s a testament that whether traditionally or independently published, Louise’s writing is lyrical, insightful and balances perfectly those moments of heartbreak, warmth, hope and sadness. Like all of her books, this novel is unforgettable, and the questions and thoughts that it provokes will linger long after the final pages have been read.
Told through stories and viewpoints that connect across generations, Wonderful has a beautifully original premise – Marilyn Monroe, the Virgin Mary and an ordinary woman from Hull become intertwined through a narrative that explores fame, family, love, loss, poverty, resilience and the power of choosing your own path. A premise that feels improbable but becomes entirely probable at the expert hands of Louise’s story-telling.
Marilyn Monroe is depicted with incredible compassion and depth, rightly so, elements of her past that we know about are carefully woven with the ‘what if’. Flora’s story feels authentic and emotionally resonant. Louise is careful with her portrayal of women and this novel shines a spotlight on them, their struggles, depth and vulnerability carefully balanced with a capacity for transformation.
There are heavy themes within the book, loss, abuse, self-worth and societal expectations to name just a few, but these are so delicately explored that you know you are in safe hands when reading.
Wonderful is a thought-provoking, emotional and beautifully written book, a celebration of women, resilience, connection and life.
Wonderful is the perfect blend of historical fiction, magical realism and heartfelt contemporary story-telling. Something that many of us know and love Louise Beech. It’s a testament that whether traditionally or independently published, Louise’s writing is lyrical, insightful and balances perfectly those moments of heartbreak, warmth, hope and sadness. Like all of her books, this novel is unforgettable, and the questions and thoughts that it provokes will linger long after the final pages have been read.
Told through stories and viewpoints that connect across generations, Wonderful has a beautifully original premise – Marilyn Monroe, the Virgin Mary and an ordinary woman from Hull become intertwined through a narrative that explores fame, family, love, loss, poverty, resilience and the power of choosing your own path. A premise that feels improbable but becomes entirely probable at the expert hands of Louise’s story-telling.
Marilyn Monroe is depicted with incredible compassion and depth, rightly so, elements of her past that we know about are carefully woven with the ‘what if’. Flora’s story feels authentic and emotionally resonant. Louise is careful with her portrayal of women and this novel shines a spotlight on them, their struggles, depth and vulnerability carefully balanced with a capacity for transformation.
There are heavy themes within the book, loss, abuse, self-worth and societal expectations to name just a few, but these are so delicately explored that you know you are in safe hands when reading.
Wonderful is a thought-provoking, emotional and beautifully written book, a celebration of women, resilience, connection and life.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was just that. Wonderful. A dual timeline story following the iconic Marilyn Monroe in her heyday in Hollywood and leading up to the date of what we believe to be her death and Flora Baker in the 2010’s in Hull, Yorkshire, England. Two women who seemingly have nothing in common. However, both have a visitation from the Virgin Mary which initially they keep to themselves. Beautifully written this was emotional and in place’s heart-rending but there is hope, always hope.
Briefly, 4th August 1962 and with her tablets counted out Marilyn has her vision of Mary and although it was brief it changed her life. She packed a few things and left her Hollywood home and lifestyle forever. Fifty four years later 36 year old Flora is living a hand to mouth existence working part time in a cabaret club and looking out for her younger sister who is living in a home run by a charity called CARE. Then Flora too has a vision and it seems things are looking up, she’s met a man she likes and her sister is being released into her care.
Marilyn, Flora and Mary are all women who have had struggles in their lives. It’s a book about women and the way they have been treated throughout history. Their worth judged on their appearance and/or their behaviour and the repeated misogynistic behaviour they have been subjected to. I loved both stories but I so wish that the Marilyn story had been true. I do believe she was a beautiful person inside and out and it’s heartbreaking the way she was treated through much of her life. I didn’t put this down once I started it. It was so good. In fact it was Wonderful!
Briefly, 4th August 1962 and with her tablets counted out Marilyn has her vision of Mary and although it was brief it changed her life. She packed a few things and left her Hollywood home and lifestyle forever. Fifty four years later 36 year old Flora is living a hand to mouth existence working part time in a cabaret club and looking out for her younger sister who is living in a home run by a charity called CARE. Then Flora too has a vision and it seems things are looking up, she’s met a man she likes and her sister is being released into her care.
Marilyn, Flora and Mary are all women who have had struggles in their lives. It’s a book about women and the way they have been treated throughout history. Their worth judged on their appearance and/or their behaviour and the repeated misogynistic behaviour they have been subjected to. I loved both stories but I so wish that the Marilyn story had been true. I do believe she was a beautiful person inside and out and it’s heartbreaking the way she was treated through much of her life. I didn’t put this down once I started it. It was so good. In fact it was Wonderful!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wonderful by Louise Beech is, quite simply, wonderful, both in title and in what it delivers. It is the sort of novel that feels quietly bold, taking an unusual mix of voices, from Marilyn Monroe to a young woman called Flora, and even the Virgin Mary, and weaving them together into something really moving.
At its heart lies a quietly intriguing question: what if Marilyn Monroe had not died on 4 August 1962? That idea lingers beneath the surface and adds an extra layer of poignancy to her sections, inviting you to see her not just as a legend, but as someone who might have had so much more to give.
What makes it so compelling is its originality: It does not follow a predictable path, yet it never feels difficult to read. Instead, it draws you in gently, letting the connections reveal themselves at just the right pace. There is a real sense of care in the way the story unfolds.
Flora’s voice is deeply moving. Her thoughts and feelings are portrayed with such honesty that you cannot help but feel alongside her. In contrast, Marilyn is shown not as an untouchable icon, but as someone fragile and longing, which adds a poignant layer to the story. The inclusion of the Virgin Mary lends a quiet, reflective tone, giving the novel a subtle depth without ever becoming heavy.
Wonderful t is a book that stands apart without trying too hard. Thoughtful, tender, and quietly powerful, it lingers long after the final page. Truly, Wonderful in every sense.
Thank you to Louise for sending me an ebook copy well before the publishing date.
At its heart lies a quietly intriguing question: what if Marilyn Monroe had not died on 4 August 1962? That idea lingers beneath the surface and adds an extra layer of poignancy to her sections, inviting you to see her not just as a legend, but as someone who might have had so much more to give.
What makes it so compelling is its originality: It does not follow a predictable path, yet it never feels difficult to read. Instead, it draws you in gently, letting the connections reveal themselves at just the right pace. There is a real sense of care in the way the story unfolds.
Flora’s voice is deeply moving. Her thoughts and feelings are portrayed with such honesty that you cannot help but feel alongside her. In contrast, Marilyn is shown not as an untouchable icon, but as someone fragile and longing, which adds a poignant layer to the story. The inclusion of the Virgin Mary lends a quiet, reflective tone, giving the novel a subtle depth without ever becoming heavy.
Wonderful t is a book that stands apart without trying too hard. Thoughtful, tender, and quietly powerful, it lingers long after the final page. Truly, Wonderful in every sense.
Thank you to Louise for sending me an ebook copy well before the publishing date.
June 1, 2026
Marilyn Monroe and Flora couldn’t appear to have less in common. One is one of the most famous women in history, her tragic life endlessly documented and dissected. The other is Flora — thirty-six, living in Hull, working in a club, struggling through life in a cramped flat while trying to hold things together as her younger sister Bella moves in and out of mental health units.
And yet Louise Beech somehow makes these two worlds collide in a way that feels completely believable.
On paper, a story involving Marilyn Monroe, visions, faith and the Virgin Mary sounds as though it really shouldn’t work. But it absolutely does. In fact, it’s one of the most moving and unusual books I’ve read in a long time. You can feel the heart behind it — the influence of Louise’s grandmother’s faith, her affection for Marilyn Monroe, and a real tenderness towards women who are vulnerable, overlooked or judged too harshly.
There’s something incredibly compassionate at the centre of this novel. As it drew towards the end, I had that rare feeling of everything coming full circle. And honestly? Part of me wished this version of Marilyn’s story had been real. Not because of glamour or fame, but because she deserved more kindness than life gave her.
Wonderful made me unexpectedly emotional in places. Beneath the surreal elements, it’s really a story about women, connection, loneliness, hope and understanding — the things that bind us together far more than the things that separate us.
A beautiful, thoughtful and genuinely memorable read.
And yet Louise Beech somehow makes these two worlds collide in a way that feels completely believable.
On paper, a story involving Marilyn Monroe, visions, faith and the Virgin Mary sounds as though it really shouldn’t work. But it absolutely does. In fact, it’s one of the most moving and unusual books I’ve read in a long time. You can feel the heart behind it — the influence of Louise’s grandmother’s faith, her affection for Marilyn Monroe, and a real tenderness towards women who are vulnerable, overlooked or judged too harshly.
There’s something incredibly compassionate at the centre of this novel. As it drew towards the end, I had that rare feeling of everything coming full circle. And honestly? Part of me wished this version of Marilyn’s story had been real. Not because of glamour or fame, but because she deserved more kindness than life gave her.
Wonderful made me unexpectedly emotional in places. Beneath the surreal elements, it’s really a story about women, connection, loneliness, hope and understanding — the things that bind us together far more than the things that separate us.
A beautiful, thoughtful and genuinely memorable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has such an apparent title because this really was truly wonderful. It’s a beautiful tribute to Marilyn herself - but also to women, providing both hope and strength for better days and new chapters.
A Hollywood idol. The Virgin Mary. An everyday girl from Hull. Three women, three eras, surprising things in common...
This dual timeline follows both Marilyn Monroe & Flora, who both have a vision from The Virgin Mary which changes their life forever. For Marilyn, it reshapes her future and prevents her untimely death.
I loved how Louise kept several of Marilyn’s mannerisms throughout because it felt lovingly authentic. It’s a beautiful tribute to ‘what could have been’. I could tell just how much research had gone into Marilyn in order to respectfully portray her and Louise’s love for her shon through these pages.
Floria is a lovely addition to the story - a caring young woman navigating her way through the ups and downs of modern times. Shes a worthy character with an important story to tell.
The story has an underlying tone of how women have been treated throughout the years, and how at times they’ve been silenced, ignored, abused and manipulated. But these women are now reclaiming theirselves and carving out better paths for theirselves. It’s brilliant feminism and I found it so uplifting.
By the end of this wonderful story I felt so proud of these two women. They achieve so much in their lives and remain focused on bringing theirselves better times.
This story came just the right time in my life. It found me at a time I needed hope, distraction and uplifting words, and I’m so glad it kept me company during this time.
Thank you Louise for this fantastic story.
A Hollywood idol. The Virgin Mary. An everyday girl from Hull. Three women, three eras, surprising things in common...
This dual timeline follows both Marilyn Monroe & Flora, who both have a vision from The Virgin Mary which changes their life forever. For Marilyn, it reshapes her future and prevents her untimely death.
I loved how Louise kept several of Marilyn’s mannerisms throughout because it felt lovingly authentic. It’s a beautiful tribute to ‘what could have been’. I could tell just how much research had gone into Marilyn in order to respectfully portray her and Louise’s love for her shon through these pages.
Floria is a lovely addition to the story - a caring young woman navigating her way through the ups and downs of modern times. Shes a worthy character with an important story to tell.
The story has an underlying tone of how women have been treated throughout the years, and how at times they’ve been silenced, ignored, abused and manipulated. But these women are now reclaiming theirselves and carving out better paths for theirselves. It’s brilliant feminism and I found it so uplifting.
By the end of this wonderful story I felt so proud of these two women. They achieve so much in their lives and remain focused on bringing theirselves better times.
This story came just the right time in my life. It found me at a time I needed hope, distraction and uplifting words, and I’m so glad it kept me company during this time.
Thank you Louise for this fantastic story.
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