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Marilyn: Norma Jeane
Acclaimed photographer George Barris and Gloria Steinem succeed in capturing the spirit, vitality, intelligence and complexity of Marilyn Monroe. Readers will see the girl beneath the glamorous makeup--abandoned, scared Norma Jean who incessantly searched for love but could never escape her childhood traumas. Photographs throughout.
220 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published October 4, 1988
108 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Steinem
117 books3,252 followersGloria Marie Steinem (born March 25, 1934) is an American feminist, journalist, and social and political activist who became nationally recognized as a leader of, and media spokeswoman for, the women's liberation movement in the late 1960s and 1970s. A prominent writer and key counterculture era political figure, Steinem has founded many organizations and projects and has been the recipient of many awards and honors. She was a columnist for New York magazine and co-founded Ms. magazine. In 1969, she published an article, " After Black Power, Women's Liberation", which, along with her early support of abortion rights, catapulted her to national fame as a feminist leader.
In 2005, Steinem worked alongside Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan to co-found the Women's Media Center, an organization that works to amplify the voices of women in the media through advocacy, media and leadership training, and the creation of original content. Steinem currently serves on the board of the organization. She continues to involve herself in politics and media affairs as a commentator, writer, lecturer, and organizer, campaigning for candidates and reforms and publishing books and articles.
In 2005, Steinem worked alongside Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan to co-found the Women's Media Center, an organization that works to amplify the voices of women in the media through advocacy, media and leadership training, and the creation of original content. Steinem currently serves on the board of the organization. She continues to involve herself in politics and media affairs as a commentator, writer, lecturer, and organizer, campaigning for candidates and reforms and publishing books and articles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 29, 2019
My View:
This was a very sad and poignant read – Steinem writes a very empathetic story about the life and death of this tortured and fragile individual and reveals more about Marilyn Monroe stage name of Norma Jeane) than we are usually presented with, more than mere gloss, Hollywood hype and cheesecake photo shoots; Steinem reveals the ghosts of Norma Jeane’s past that so critically affect the adult Marilyn Monroe.
Norma Jeane had a tragic and emotion deprived childhood – she grew up in a series of babysitters and relatives homes, often only seeing her mentally unstable mother on weekends. When her mother was hospitalized Norma Jeane continued to flit from home to home, from relative to relative to family friends, foster care and an orphanage (where Marilyn alleges she was sexually assaulted at the age of 8). She later lived with a distant relative – an aunt who encouraged the teenage Norma Jeane to marry the boy next door (for security and protection). Norma Jeane was just sixteen. The adult Marilyn continued to look for happiness, security, love and approval in her many marriages.
Steinem’s account of Marilyn Monroe’s life is one that shows talent, promise, intellect, neediness and insecurity; a complex individual largely a victim of her unstable upbringing and the social mores of the time that defined women as mere homemakers, sexual objects, and dependant. I was surprised to hear of Marilyn’s political voice, her activism – writing letters to the editor, using her fame to influence decision makers, “she told us of her strong feelings about civil rights, for black equality.....her anger a red baiting.... ( p.72) Steinem shows us a Marilyn that is not obvious in the public persona, the actress whose roles largely related to the one dimensional “dumb blonde”.
I enjoyed learning that there was more to Marilyn than was obvious or that was portrayed in the media. Steinem has cleverly created a narrative that allows the reader to step back in time to see the world through Marilyn’s eyes.
Despite the fact that Marilyn Monroe died fifty one years ago her name and image remain fresh in our minds. Marilyn’s life made an impact on Hollywood and popular culture and the manner and timing of her death, whether accidental or murder or suicide, will intrigue the media hungry public forever (or until a suicide note is made public or a conspiracy plot is revealed). Steinem suggests (p. 96) that after Marilyn’s death it is “likely that Peter Lawford employed a private detective to sweep the house... and to destroy any evidence embarrassing to the Kennedys, including a suicide note or unfinished letter.” The intrigue and mystery lives on, the legend of Marilyn Monroe, screen goddess, still very much alive.
This was a very sad and poignant read – Steinem writes a very empathetic story about the life and death of this tortured and fragile individual and reveals more about Marilyn Monroe stage name of Norma Jeane) than we are usually presented with, more than mere gloss, Hollywood hype and cheesecake photo shoots; Steinem reveals the ghosts of Norma Jeane’s past that so critically affect the adult Marilyn Monroe.
Norma Jeane had a tragic and emotion deprived childhood – she grew up in a series of babysitters and relatives homes, often only seeing her mentally unstable mother on weekends. When her mother was hospitalized Norma Jeane continued to flit from home to home, from relative to relative to family friends, foster care and an orphanage (where Marilyn alleges she was sexually assaulted at the age of 8). She later lived with a distant relative – an aunt who encouraged the teenage Norma Jeane to marry the boy next door (for security and protection). Norma Jeane was just sixteen. The adult Marilyn continued to look for happiness, security, love and approval in her many marriages.
Steinem’s account of Marilyn Monroe’s life is one that shows talent, promise, intellect, neediness and insecurity; a complex individual largely a victim of her unstable upbringing and the social mores of the time that defined women as mere homemakers, sexual objects, and dependant. I was surprised to hear of Marilyn’s political voice, her activism – writing letters to the editor, using her fame to influence decision makers, “she told us of her strong feelings about civil rights, for black equality.....her anger a red baiting.... ( p.72) Steinem shows us a Marilyn that is not obvious in the public persona, the actress whose roles largely related to the one dimensional “dumb blonde”.
I enjoyed learning that there was more to Marilyn than was obvious or that was portrayed in the media. Steinem has cleverly created a narrative that allows the reader to step back in time to see the world through Marilyn’s eyes.
Despite the fact that Marilyn Monroe died fifty one years ago her name and image remain fresh in our minds. Marilyn’s life made an impact on Hollywood and popular culture and the manner and timing of her death, whether accidental or murder or suicide, will intrigue the media hungry public forever (or until a suicide note is made public or a conspiracy plot is revealed). Steinem suggests (p. 96) that after Marilyn’s death it is “likely that Peter Lawford employed a private detective to sweep the house... and to destroy any evidence embarrassing to the Kennedys, including a suicide note or unfinished letter.” The intrigue and mystery lives on, the legend of Marilyn Monroe, screen goddess, still very much alive.
December 8, 2015
I can't help but be fascinated with Marilyn Monroe. It is hard to find anything about her that isn't from the point of view of others or just complete speculation. This book was written around Marilyn Monroe own words taken from her last interview and from an unfinished autobiography she had started to write shortly before her death. There was still opinion and many wonders about MM, her life and habits, but the author never inserted her own conclusions. It was sad to hear the story of how a talented but lonely woman who desired nothing more than love and respect, the respect part especially hard to come by for a woman during her time, die so suddenly and at a time where it seemed she was ready to take control of her life and move forward to a happy future.
A recommend read for a true Marilyn fan or one who is curious to find out more about the mysterious life and death of one of Hollywood's most dynamic sex symbols.
A recommend read for a true Marilyn fan or one who is curious to find out more about the mysterious life and death of one of Hollywood's most dynamic sex symbols.
January 30, 2015
amazing
Amazing woman and well written biography by Steinem. She showed us all aspects of Marilyn's life, creating a full illustration of who she was as a woman and why she remains an icon. She asks the right questions and it is so intelligently written and articulated that I fell in love with Marilyn, being one who never had an interest in her before. I never disliked her, I simply had little opinion, despite being an obsessed fan of classic films and old Hollywood. Marilyn's complexity and wisdom is shown with the quotes and I think that if she read this book, Marilyn, would have been able to heal and be the woman she wished she could be. Amazing book on many levels. I can't say enough about it.
Amazing woman and well written biography by Steinem. She showed us all aspects of Marilyn's life, creating a full illustration of who she was as a woman and why she remains an icon. She asks the right questions and it is so intelligently written and articulated that I fell in love with Marilyn, being one who never had an interest in her before. I never disliked her, I simply had little opinion, despite being an obsessed fan of classic films and old Hollywood. Marilyn's complexity and wisdom is shown with the quotes and I think that if she read this book, Marilyn, would have been able to heal and be the woman she wished she could be. Amazing book on many levels. I can't say enough about it.
October 13, 2020
A riveting read that deconstructs the life of this yesteryear actor, icon of Hollywood glamour, and of course, sex symbol, for more than who she was on screen, without the page3 sensationalisation. Written with a feminist sensibility+sensitivity and a sharp sense of critique for the male gaze that lorded over Monroe's narrative for most of her life and for many years even after her death (this book was only published in the mid-1980s, a little over a couple of decades after Monroe's death).
This book delves in the psychology of childhood emotional neglect as well as the possibility of Monroe's struggle with endometriosis and many illegal abortions - goes to show how ravaged non-cis-masc bodies are by the neglect of mainstream medical research.
Such a wholesome book on a person that one can imagine was a wholesome woman, rarely known, but recklessly perceived. By the male gaze.
As a teenager, I loved watching her movies and was quite surprised at her impeccable comic timing. I really do wonder what sort of performances Monroe would have delivered if she were to be alive today, especially after watching Lori Loughlin and Jane Fonda produce Grace & Frankie.
This book delves in the psychology of childhood emotional neglect as well as the possibility of Monroe's struggle with endometriosis and many illegal abortions - goes to show how ravaged non-cis-masc bodies are by the neglect of mainstream medical research.
Such a wholesome book on a person that one can imagine was a wholesome woman, rarely known, but recklessly perceived. By the male gaze.
As a teenager, I loved watching her movies and was quite surprised at her impeccable comic timing. I really do wonder what sort of performances Monroe would have delivered if she were to be alive today, especially after watching Lori Loughlin and Jane Fonda produce Grace & Frankie.
February 25, 2014
I was born way after Marilyn passed away, and I've never been super into her mythos or legend. So, I saw this as an opportunity to try and understand all the stories that circled around her, her story itself and what she may have gone through. I wanted to understand why this woman had captivated people.
I feel like this book gave me all that information and more. I now feel like I can see the pain in Marilyn's eye emanating from pictures. It was also very interesting to see her story through the lens of sexual politics. I learned so much. And to see how much being neglected impacted her.
I definitely won't stop here for Marilyn perspectives, but I feel like this was an excellent place to start.
If I had any complaints they would be that I wish this book had been arranged chronologically. Instead, its more arranged by topic.
By the end of the book though, the pictures are poignant and heart breaking. I wish Marilyn had treated herself better.
I feel like this book gave me all that information and more. I now feel like I can see the pain in Marilyn's eye emanating from pictures. It was also very interesting to see her story through the lens of sexual politics. I learned so much. And to see how much being neglected impacted her.
I definitely won't stop here for Marilyn perspectives, but I feel like this was an excellent place to start.
If I had any complaints they would be that I wish this book had been arranged chronologically. Instead, its more arranged by topic.
By the end of the book though, the pictures are poignant and heart breaking. I wish Marilyn had treated herself better.
February 8, 2017
Steinem's biography paints a Marilyn unknown to most of us today, a woman abandoned as a child who unsuccessfully tried to fill that emptiness as an adult. Throughout the book you find yourself wanting to wrap Monroe in your arms and tell her everything is going to be alright.
February 10, 2016
An excellent book about a beautiful and tragic woman. I knew some of her story, but had no idea that the trauma she went through was so extensive.
My only quibble is the repeated claim that Marilyn had upwards of a dozen abortions. Steinem says herself that there's really no way to verify this claim, since of course there wouldn't be medical records of an illegal procedure. But she states it as more-or-less fact repeatedly, apparently ignoring the facts that if Marilyn truly had endometriosis, which she probably did, it's very unlikely that she would have conceived that often, and that this estimate seems to be pure speculation to begin with.
But that's the only real blind spot here. This is a book full of excellent, compassionate reporting of a woman who needed far more help than anyone could have given her at that time. It's a heartbreaking story.
My only quibble is the repeated claim that Marilyn had upwards of a dozen abortions. Steinem says herself that there's really no way to verify this claim, since of course there wouldn't be medical records of an illegal procedure. But she states it as more-or-less fact repeatedly, apparently ignoring the facts that if Marilyn truly had endometriosis, which she probably did, it's very unlikely that she would have conceived that often, and that this estimate seems to be pure speculation to begin with.
But that's the only real blind spot here. This is a book full of excellent, compassionate reporting of a woman who needed far more help than anyone could have given her at that time. It's a heartbreaking story.
May 4, 2008
Beautiful collection of photos. I bought this book at one of my favorite bookstores, the Mesa Bookshop. The bookstore has since moved to Main Street in Mesa but I still go there often. One of the best places to find 1st editions and hard-bound editions in excellent condition. Anyway this book contains many photos of Marilyn from her early to mid thirties when she was at her most beautiful. I especially like the photos of her in her sherbet orange outfits. There is a very sad expression in her eyes in these photos that a person at her age really ought not to have...
June 23, 2013
Biographies are always hard to rate and review, but I'll do my best. This was a bit different from any other biography I have read, and I can't decide if it was good or bad.
Marilyn Monroe had a very interesting life, that I don't think 182 pages could do justice. Gloria Steinem focused a lot on the later part of Marilyn's life, only mentioning and referring to her past a few times. It read more like a summary of Marilyn's life with touches of conspiracy theories. I think this is what bothered me the most about this biography - there were no references or sources. This wouldn't normally bother me, but when you state something that nobody could possibly know, I would like to know how you got to the conclusion. There are a lot of things about Marilyn's life (i.e. The Kennedy family's involvement) that have always been debated and theorized and I think these things should be treated as such, and not as facts.
What I really enjoyed was the focus on things that happened after Marilyn's death, it is not something I have read about often. Gloria Steinem also tackles some physiological issues and goes a bit deeper into who Marilyn was. And I enjoyed how this biography made you think about the deeper things that were happening in Marilyn's life. Thus read more like a physiological analysis than a biography.
PS: There are some beautiful photographs at the back of this book.
All in all if you like short biographies, then this is the one for you. If you like more in depth biographies then maybe another one would be best.
Marilyn Monroe had a very interesting life, that I don't think 182 pages could do justice. Gloria Steinem focused a lot on the later part of Marilyn's life, only mentioning and referring to her past a few times. It read more like a summary of Marilyn's life with touches of conspiracy theories. I think this is what bothered me the most about this biography - there were no references or sources. This wouldn't normally bother me, but when you state something that nobody could possibly know, I would like to know how you got to the conclusion. There are a lot of things about Marilyn's life (i.e. The Kennedy family's involvement) that have always been debated and theorized and I think these things should be treated as such, and not as facts.
What I really enjoyed was the focus on things that happened after Marilyn's death, it is not something I have read about often. Gloria Steinem also tackles some physiological issues and goes a bit deeper into who Marilyn was. And I enjoyed how this biography made you think about the deeper things that were happening in Marilyn's life. Thus read more like a physiological analysis than a biography.
PS: There are some beautiful photographs at the back of this book.
All in all if you like short biographies, then this is the one for you. If you like more in depth biographies then maybe another one would be best.
September 8, 2014
The first in my self-curated series on famous women, through the eyes of other famous women (FWx2).
Not a standard chronological biography, Gloria Steinem instead chose a mosaic, essay form, and a narrative approach more focused on the sociological and psychological aspects. I think it works here to give an impression of Marilyn, and a context for her, without getting bogged down in minutiae.
Marilyn Monroe was, by all accounts, kind of a tragic mess. But she was capable of being almost mesmeric, to men and women alike, and that power has not diminished over time. I think Steinem was right on when she talked about Marilyn's contradictions, the childlike note in her womanliness, the shadow of sadness and fear behind her overt sexuality. In general, Steinem struck a good balance between being analytical and empathetic. I didn't always agree with her conjectures but still found them thought-provoking.
Overall, a quick and interesting read.
Not a standard chronological biography, Gloria Steinem instead chose a mosaic, essay form, and a narrative approach more focused on the sociological and psychological aspects. I think it works here to give an impression of Marilyn, and a context for her, without getting bogged down in minutiae.
Marilyn Monroe was, by all accounts, kind of a tragic mess. But she was capable of being almost mesmeric, to men and women alike, and that power has not diminished over time. I think Steinem was right on when she talked about Marilyn's contradictions, the childlike note in her womanliness, the shadow of sadness and fear behind her overt sexuality. In general, Steinem struck a good balance between being analytical and empathetic. I didn't always agree with her conjectures but still found them thought-provoking.
Overall, a quick and interesting read.
"In Hollywood a girl's virtue is much less important than her hairdo. You're judged by how you look, not by what you are. Hollywood's a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss, and fifty cents for your soul. I know, because I turned down the first offer often enough and held out for the fifty cents." --Marilyn Monroe
August 1, 2015
I knew nothing about Marilyn Monroe prior to reading this book and I had a hard time believing it was real! Kindle books are pretty unreliable and if this hadn't been written by Gloria Steinem, I would've been so skeptical. I'm glad the first biography I picked up of her was written by a woman from what she describes about the existing work on Marilyn.
Marilyn was just so interesting. How can all this be true? She was a communist! She just wanted to be taken seriously! She had relationships with women. She's practically tumblr's dream girl.
"Big tits, big ass, big deal."
I want to read so much more about her! Even without having read the other biographies I can picture exactly what Steinem was talking about male biographers and even people of her time not believing her stories of sexual abuse or unwanted sexual advances. Steinem goes deeper into the psychology behind Marilyn and how she used sex to get what she really wanted out of relationships, which was love and affection.
Some things are repeated in different chapters as if they were written as individual essays (which they might have been) so it would be useful even just as a reference guide if you wanted to know about something specific.
Marilyn was just so interesting. How can all this be true? She was a communist! She just wanted to be taken seriously! She had relationships with women. She's practically tumblr's dream girl.
"Big tits, big ass, big deal."
I want to read so much more about her! Even without having read the other biographies I can picture exactly what Steinem was talking about male biographers and even people of her time not believing her stories of sexual abuse or unwanted sexual advances. Steinem goes deeper into the psychology behind Marilyn and how she used sex to get what she really wanted out of relationships, which was love and affection.
Some things are repeated in different chapters as if they were written as individual essays (which they might have been) so it would be useful even just as a reference guide if you wanted to know about something specific.
April 15, 2023
Having struggled with JCO's Blonde, I remembered this book and was intrigued to have a feminist perspective on Marilyn Monroe. The introduction is fabulous and just what I was looking for, with some useful insights about Marilyn but also what she represents for men and women. After that there is a (familiar) biography of Marilyn, with a couple of interesting thoughts from Gloria Steinem. She highlights MM's activism, as well as her loneliness, especially in her anecdote about everyone ignoring her in acting class and calls out the misogyny of the men who became obsessed with MM particularly Norman Mailer and Arthur Miller. An important text.
October 14, 2016
I couldn't imagine what this book was going to be like when I first started reading it, but it turned out to be a heart warming story. All this beautiful women wanted was to be truly loved. Hollywood of the past destroyed this women like they did so many others. Like what is brought out in the end of the book, if she had survived, what would she have accomplished now.
September 21, 2014
Just found this at Mom's. (8/2014) Must have picked it up early during college. It was in a drawer with some old issues of Rolling Stone. That will be interesting. Oh the writing is horrible. More awful than I could imagine. Wonder what I thought first time around. Glossy photos.
July 7, 2020
This book has been on my to read list for a few years now. I was excited to score a used copy (it is out of print) through Abebooks.com. Unfortunately, and it makes me mad, many of the pages with double sided gorgeous photos of Marilyn (photographed by George Barris) were torn out of the book. There were still many images remaining but I'm disappointed in not having the missing photos.
The book is written by Gloria Steinem and was published in 1986. With that in mind, noting that some of the theories and feminist perspectives read a bit dated, it is still a book that offers a most personal look at a famous icon who died far too young.
From Marilyn's heartbreaking childhood, up until her last weeks alive, the book delves into who the woman actually was, behind the mask of Marilyn. Many quotes are taken from Marilyn's unfinished memoir she was in the process of writing. This lends a unique introspection that many other biographies do not contain. For all that was previously written about Marilyn, were not her own words or voice. Many other biographies were interpretations of the sex symbol Marilyn had become and mainly written by men. This book is different.
What we all know about Marilyn:
She was exploited by many
She was eager to please
She was addicted to pills
Champagne was her favorite beverage
She knew the Kennedys intimately
Marilyn was an image built by movie execs but her shine and aura came from within
What we didn't know about Marilyn:
She had a hunger for literature
White was her signature color because it reminded her of her mother's home
She was determined to become a serious actress
She donated money to children's orphanages, even when she had very little herself
She had a wonderful sense of humor
She was politically woke
Well, we all know how it ended for Marilyn and we could leave it at that and say she is a tragic figure. Or we can read this biography and soak in a more personal story of a great woman. I was inspired by several of her quotes for example, "I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else." And "I'm not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful."
To quote Gloria Steinem on Marilyn, "...most of us, men as well as women, are trying to bridge some distance between our uniqueness and what the world rewards. If we learn from the life of Marilyn Monroe, she will live on in us." p. 180
I recommend this book for anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe or the Hollywood engine that helped create her.
The book is written by Gloria Steinem and was published in 1986. With that in mind, noting that some of the theories and feminist perspectives read a bit dated, it is still a book that offers a most personal look at a famous icon who died far too young.
From Marilyn's heartbreaking childhood, up until her last weeks alive, the book delves into who the woman actually was, behind the mask of Marilyn. Many quotes are taken from Marilyn's unfinished memoir she was in the process of writing. This lends a unique introspection that many other biographies do not contain. For all that was previously written about Marilyn, were not her own words or voice. Many other biographies were interpretations of the sex symbol Marilyn had become and mainly written by men. This book is different.
What we all know about Marilyn:
She was exploited by many
She was eager to please
She was addicted to pills
Champagne was her favorite beverage
She knew the Kennedys intimately
Marilyn was an image built by movie execs but her shine and aura came from within
What we didn't know about Marilyn:
She had a hunger for literature
White was her signature color because it reminded her of her mother's home
She was determined to become a serious actress
She donated money to children's orphanages, even when she had very little herself
She had a wonderful sense of humor
She was politically woke
Well, we all know how it ended for Marilyn and we could leave it at that and say she is a tragic figure. Or we can read this biography and soak in a more personal story of a great woman. I was inspired by several of her quotes for example, "I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else." And "I'm not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful."
To quote Gloria Steinem on Marilyn, "...most of us, men as well as women, are trying to bridge some distance between our uniqueness and what the world rewards. If we learn from the life of Marilyn Monroe, she will live on in us." p. 180
I recommend this book for anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe or the Hollywood engine that helped create her.
December 29, 2021
As a fan of Marilyn Monroe and her work, I came across this book. A book which freely discribes the life of Monroe, leaves a mouth opening and attracted feeling, operating as a catalyst of wanting more!
The life span of Norma Jean, also known as Marilyn Monroe. From Beginning to End I was hooked on the storyline of the book, where the remarkable life of Marilyn Monroe is described.
Her childhood, where I must say they go deep on the fact that she never had a stable home, and went from household to household to an orphanage, which almost evokes a feeling pity. Where they describe that her one real connection wasn’t her mother, whom had worked herself into a depression to give her child a ‘good’ childhood, but het aunt Ana.
From her childhood on there is a significant line of arranged occasions, where Marilyn had no control over, for instance the arranged marriage.
The chapter about her worklife reflects a hard working woman, what she has learned from her youth between the hard working lower class. She didn’t fear criticism, in fact she would ask for it, to only become more aware of her work and her capabilities.
A proud women of her accomplisment that she never been a kept women, but insecure about her status and image in Hollywood. Many times she refused the expensive gifts of admires, all because she didn’t want to life the luxury live of fellow Hollywood Actors.
The overall main facts stated here are a cloudy summary of whats been mentioned in the book. The book states more fascinating and disturbing facts about the interesting live of Norma Jean. If interested I definitely recommend reading the book.
Edit: The only disturbing thing about the book I find the lack of reflection on Marilyn her (high) Intelligence, which till this day isn’t well known under many people.
The life span of Norma Jean, also known as Marilyn Monroe. From Beginning to End I was hooked on the storyline of the book, where the remarkable life of Marilyn Monroe is described.
Her childhood, where I must say they go deep on the fact that she never had a stable home, and went from household to household to an orphanage, which almost evokes a feeling pity. Where they describe that her one real connection wasn’t her mother, whom had worked herself into a depression to give her child a ‘good’ childhood, but het aunt Ana.
From her childhood on there is a significant line of arranged occasions, where Marilyn had no control over, for instance the arranged marriage.
The chapter about her worklife reflects a hard working woman, what she has learned from her youth between the hard working lower class. She didn’t fear criticism, in fact she would ask for it, to only become more aware of her work and her capabilities.
A proud women of her accomplisment that she never been a kept women, but insecure about her status and image in Hollywood. Many times she refused the expensive gifts of admires, all because she didn’t want to life the luxury live of fellow Hollywood Actors.
The overall main facts stated here are a cloudy summary of whats been mentioned in the book. The book states more fascinating and disturbing facts about the interesting live of Norma Jean. If interested I definitely recommend reading the book.
Edit: The only disturbing thing about the book I find the lack of reflection on Marilyn her (high) Intelligence, which till this day isn’t well known under many people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2020
When I was a kid, I liked reading People magazine. As I grew older, I transferred my interest from current Hollywood tabloid gossip to the lives of old Hollywood actors and celebrities. It's sort of my guilty pleasure. Some people watch reality TV; I read celebrity biographies.
I've read at least two biographies about Marilyn Monroe (and one about Joe DiMaggio, which portrayed their relationship in an entirely too rosy a light, I would say) so I am intimately familiar with the details of her history. What I liked, however, about this collection of essays about Marilyn from Gloria Steinem is that it's interested in viewing Marilyn in a more balanced, feminist lens instead of the harsh male-gaze from previous biographies. I were particularly interested in how Steinem shed light on the effects of Marilyn's childhood trauma on her development and suggested that her claims of childhood sexual abuse should be taken more seriously. I also enjoyed the essay in which Steinem discussed other women's relationships with and to Marilyn both as peers and as fans and how it was complicated by the era in which they lived and Marilyn's own sexy image.
If you're a Marilyn Monroe fan or just interested in her life, I would read Marilyn: Norma Jeane after a more extensive biography of her life. I recommend The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli, but you might also check out Goddess by Anthony Summers.
I've read at least two biographies about Marilyn Monroe (and one about Joe DiMaggio, which portrayed their relationship in an entirely too rosy a light, I would say) so I am intimately familiar with the details of her history. What I liked, however, about this collection of essays about Marilyn from Gloria Steinem is that it's interested in viewing Marilyn in a more balanced, feminist lens instead of the harsh male-gaze from previous biographies. I were particularly interested in how Steinem shed light on the effects of Marilyn's childhood trauma on her development and suggested that her claims of childhood sexual abuse should be taken more seriously. I also enjoyed the essay in which Steinem discussed other women's relationships with and to Marilyn both as peers and as fans and how it was complicated by the era in which they lived and Marilyn's own sexy image.
If you're a Marilyn Monroe fan or just interested in her life, I would read Marilyn: Norma Jeane after a more extensive biography of her life. I recommend The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe by J. Randy Taraborrelli, but you might also check out Goddess by Anthony Summers.
October 8, 2022
This is an excellent brief biography of Marilyn Monroe. Steinem is an understanding, sympathetic and most of all interested observer of the late great actress. While the book does not seem to be grounded in much original research - I think it mostly mines the canon of Monroe biographies - what Steinem does bring to the table that other biographies don’t is some incredible insights and psychological analysis. She doesn’t waste your time speculating about the mafia involvement in her death, instead you get the main outlines of Monroe’s life and then a sympathetic analysis of what effect her various childhood traumas had on her and on her art. When Steinem talks about how acting had become an expression of Monroe’s real self, it’s the kind of biographical breakthrough that Mailer and others just weren’t capable of (and Steinem’s critique of Mailer’s Monroe book is brilliant and deflating to Mailer). This is an exemplary biography - gossipy and dishy when called for but also tender and embracing towards its subject.
June 23, 2014
I did not care for the way this book was written. It jumped all over the place and mentioned so many people throughout that I could never keep any of the secondary folks in Marilyn's life straight. It was not in any sort of chronological order which made it difficult to follow. It is not so much a biography as almost a psychological picture of Norma Jean / Marilyn's life. While written with the utmost respect for Marilyn in mind, it was hard to gain much fact from the chapters. Interesting read for sure but I feel like I could learn a lot more from a better written book. One thing for sure though: Marilyn led a very interesting and sad life and her death seems to mirror that. I am interested in reading some better works about her.
January 4, 2025
This book is a really good read for people interested in Marilyn Monroe - especially fans. The book looks at Marilyn not just as the famous actress but the 'woman' behind that famous actress. It focuses on some very sad aspects of Marilyn's life from her childhood, mental health, how she was treated in the film industry by men and of course her death. There are some beautiful photos of Marilyn in this book and I think if you look close enough there is a definite sadness in the eyes of this beautiful woman. As a feminist myself I think there is a lot we can learn from Marilyn and I felt sad but empowered reading this because you can take away a lot from it from how things could have been for Marilyn.
February 12, 2015
4.5 STARS
REISSUE
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
"In this sensitive, provocative portrait of Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Steinem reveals the woman behind the myth--the child Norma Jean--and the forces in America that shaped her into the fantasy and icon that has never died. 16 pages of full-color photos." (From Amazon)
I really enjoyed this interpretation of Marilyn Monroe's life. Steinem looks at Norma Jeane and Marilyn Monroe with sensitivity and honesty.
REISSUE
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
"In this sensitive, provocative portrait of Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Steinem reveals the woman behind the myth--the child Norma Jean--and the forces in America that shaped her into the fantasy and icon that has never died. 16 pages of full-color photos." (From Amazon)
I really enjoyed this interpretation of Marilyn Monroe's life. Steinem looks at Norma Jeane and Marilyn Monroe with sensitivity and honesty.
August 1, 2014
I chose this book because I've always enjoyed Gloria Steinem's writing style. The idea of a staunch feminist writing Marilyn Monroe's biography also intrigued me. Ms. Steinem treats her subject with a more balanced approach than many others who have written about Marilyn. She shares much about Norma Jean that I never knew and portrays her as a character who, while somewhat tragic, still managed to live life on her own terms. The book is a fast read and the writing style did not disappoint.
July 6, 2015
A Balanced View
Who better to trust to give a balanced view of the complexities of Marilyn's life and death than Gloria Steinem? For anyone who is still fascinated and saddened by Marilyn Monroe, this collection of essays helps balance and complete the picture (as much as it can ever be completed). Not a new book but a necessary addition to the predominantly male voices which have written books on this iconic figure.
Who better to trust to give a balanced view of the complexities of Marilyn's life and death than Gloria Steinem? For anyone who is still fascinated and saddened by Marilyn Monroe, this collection of essays helps balance and complete the picture (as much as it can ever be completed). Not a new book but a necessary addition to the predominantly male voices which have written books on this iconic figure.
January 19, 2023
A captivating portrait and historiography
If you watched “Blonde” on Netflix and was to scrub that image-vomit from your brain, read this book. Gloria Steinem paints an honest portrait of a complicated woman. It’s not a traditional in-depth bio, but Steinem does us a huge favor by pointing us in the direction of those that are worth reading and let’s us know which biographies to skip. It’s an enjoyable read.
If you watched “Blonde” on Netflix and was to scrub that image-vomit from your brain, read this book. Gloria Steinem paints an honest portrait of a complicated woman. It’s not a traditional in-depth bio, but Steinem does us a huge favor by pointing us in the direction of those that are worth reading and let’s us know which biographies to skip. It’s an enjoyable read.
March 20, 2016
I enjoyed this book a lot - I thought it did a good job of sympathizing with Marilyn without idolizing her. Steinem definitely made some presumptions about why Marilyn did/didn't do certain things, and she definitely portrayed Marilyn's life through a feminist lens, so those are things to know going into the book.
September 22, 2017
Insightful
Ms. Steinem's take on the life of Marilyn Monroe is fresh and original. Her thoughts on where a sixty year old Monroe would be are especially interesting. No new information but highly different musings make this a must read for any Monroe can.
Ms. Steinem's take on the life of Marilyn Monroe is fresh and original. Her thoughts on where a sixty year old Monroe would be are especially interesting. No new information but highly different musings make this a must read for any Monroe can.
February 10, 2018
Not the most interesting book
I’ve read many, many books on Marilyn Monroe/ Norma Jean Baker. This was one of the least informative books I’ve read. It was the same tired old information.
I’ve read many, many books on Marilyn Monroe/ Norma Jean Baker. This was one of the least informative books I’ve read. It was the same tired old information.
April 17, 2018
Interesting read
She was such a beautiful woman. Hard to believe that she was insecure. She didn't like her looks, and was regretful of not having any children. She felt that she was used by most everyone. Written well and worth the read.
She was such a beautiful woman. Hard to believe that she was insecure. She didn't like her looks, and was regretful of not having any children. She felt that she was used by most everyone. Written well and worth the read.
May 30, 2019
A good read. Marilyn is portrayed as a sad figure. In some aspects she was. She was amazing and people are still fascinated with her. I have developed a fascination with her recently and this book gave me a look into how others saw her.
April 21, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version of this. Good. Enjoyed the different perspective of a well established icon by an established icon. Nice to see a positive attitude towards Marilyn and how she may have turned out had she lived.
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