Idlewild

by Mark Lawson

In this novel about fame and fate, conspiracy and accident, America's two great dead icons, JFK and Marilyn Monroe, are alive and being kicked. Two assassins are stalking former President Kennedy as the 30th anniversary of Dallas approaches, and Marilyn and Jack are heading for their own reunion.

Genres: Fiction

308 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Mark Gerard Lawson is an English journalist and author. Specialising in culture and the arts, he is known for his column in The Guardian, and for presenting the flagship BBC Radio 4 arts programme Front Row (1998-2014), and BBC Four's Mark Lawson talks to... series.

Reviews

[Michael Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Well worth a read just for the prescience of where American politics is going

[WallofText · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing what-if story about JFK and Marilyn Monroe, exploring a world in which both survive their encounters with death. The book takes place in 1993, 30 years after JFK’s assassination, one that fails in this book. Now in his 70s, the former President has a much longer, and arguably more bitter legacy. He lives the life of a typical former President, complete with 24/7 security. Marilyn Monroe meanwhile survived her drug overdose and lives as a mid 60s lady working on her first new movie in decades while living with her own bitter legacy. The story expands far beyond these two, focusing on a group of conspiracy theorists obsessed with JFK, a biographer laser focused on writing the next scathing book, the current President Newton Sanders, a brash independent who won his office under the most extraordinary circumstances, and a new assassination plot. An engaging and thought provoking read, it only suffers from its age, some elements like LGBTQ issues being somewhat uncomfortably discussed.

[Bill McFadyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

JFK and Marilyn Munro in 1993 , counter history. Interesting and at times funny look at politics, fame and the nonsense that surrounds it all. Maybe now past it’s self life and overtaken by real life.

[Elizabeth Renwick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with a great take on how things might have been. Easy read and keeps you thinking about how it’s going to end up. Enjoyed reading it!

[Dr. Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superbly imagined and brilliantly written alternative history had JFK not been assassinated and Marilyn Monroe not died young. Lawson considers every political, social and philosophical angle when describing the possible eventualities that would have transpired given this different version of history.

Fascinating from the start, the narratives dance along at a speed which capture the reader, or me at least, and keep you guessing. Ultimately, it is great fiction, well written. Above and beyond that, it does, however, leave one asking many questions as to exactly how things would, could or may be today if some of these things had actually happened.

Regardless of your interest in the real life figures re-imagined, it is a cracking read. I like Lawson as a journalist and broadcaster and thankfully, his skill as an author did not disappoint. Incidentally, the title, for the uninitiated, is the name of the airport in New York before it was renamed JFK after his death. Just thought I'd mention that.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fun! But a bit silly. And probably dated, now.