The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy

by Wendy Leigh

The Secret Letters is a thrilling, compulsive novel with a unique premise: What if Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy---the two most iconic women of our time---had met and begun a secret correspondence?

A compelling page-turner set against the glittering backdrop of Hollywood and Washington during the 1950s and 1960s, The Secret Letters presents Marilyn and Jackie as you have never seen them before. As the story unfolds, we discover the two legends, the wife and the mistress, as friends and enemies, both in love with the same man---Jack Kennedy.

Author Wendy Leigh has created a daring concept and delivers it in fascinating detail. Each letter is rich with factual research on both women, the turbulent era in which they lived and loved, and the people who touched their lives.

A dazzling tour de force of empathy and imagination, The Secret Letters is a hypnotic read.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance, Biographical Fiction, Womens, Unfinished

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Ghostwriter & celebrity biographer. She has also written books on love, sex & relationships

http://www.wendyleigh.com/#

Reviews

[Teddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An improbable, but fascinating, premise...

This work of fiction is based on the improbable premise that Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy had a secret friendship. The story is told in the form of letters between the two women.

In the beginning, the friendship starts tentatively, but the women gradually share confidences with each other, knowing their secrets are safe, as both have much to lose otherwise. What starts out as a sweet, rather touching friendship, turns into something quite sordid. I looked up the definition of pulp fiction: Fiction dealing with lurid or sensational subjects. That's what I felt I was reading. It seemed demeaning to the memory of a former first lady who tried to live her life with dignity and class. But I gave the book three stars because I kept turning the pages. Also, the author clearly did considerable research, mentioning lots of events that actually happened.

Speaking of the author, Wendy Leigh, the reason I stumbled upon this book is because I'd just finished reading another book by her titled "Prince Charming: The John F Kennedy Jr. Story". Leigh was a successful writer, who penned several biographies, and was the ghostwriter of memoirs. Sadly, she committed suicide in 2016. RIP, Wendy Leigh.

[Graceann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book as a "quickie," expecting not much more than glorified chick lit, but was I ever mistaken. Wendy Leigh has taken the lives of two extraordinary women, created the conceit of a correspondence between them, and used voluminous non-fiction resources to create one of my new favorite reads. Reading these "letters" made me want to seek out further biographies (I've read several biographies of Miss Monroe, but not many of Jacqueline Kennedy - I think I'll be finding Sarah Bradford's post-haste), and the way Wendy Leigh put the whole thing together, with Marilyn's friend having the letters and finding a publisher, and the publisher setting them out - masterful. Only one section didn't ring true (and was a bit overlong), but that's a tiny criticism. I started the book in the morning, and found myself setting aside all tasks because I didn't want to set it down until I found out what would happen next.

I picked this up as a "quickie" to read after the heavy (but satisfying) tome that was "Nazimova." What a page-turner. People interested in either or both ladies, and in epistolary novels, are advised to have a look.

[Lynda Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book !! I'm a huge fan of both women featured and therefore was totally intrigued. Of course it's a sad ending but still made for a really fascinating read. You could picture the pair of them throughout too.
There were a LOT of basic spelling mistakes throughout. Now I know the author said there would be some in Marilyn's side of this correspondence but they were way too basic to have been the case and many occurred in Jackie's letters. Such as with which should be while and lake for take. Careless.
There were also : marks added here and there for no reason.
Marilyn referred to Norma Jeane a lot but I was always under the impression it was Jean and I'm sure she'd have spelt her own name correctly.
It would have been nice to imagine they'd been pals at one time but in that case it doesn't make Marilyn a very loyal friend, I guess. A lovely bit of escapism though.

[Justin (Bubbas_Bookshelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent portrayal of two icons of their time. Told in epistolary format this book is sure to satiate any fan of Monroe or Jackie.

[Duckpondwithoutducks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work of fiction purporting to be letters written between Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy goes to great lengths to appear real - opening with correspondence between a publisher and the woman who has the letters, a spurious introduction by a so-called expert, and many historical footnotes in the letters themselves. Because you know that it is fiction, I don't think it was necessary to try so hard to give it an authentic feel. I thought that all the explanatory footnotes interrupted the flow of the narrative and were distracting. I enjoyed the back and forth between Marilyn and Jackie, so I think it would have been preferable to just have the letters between them, and then an author's note at the end, detailing the historical facts and if any liberties had been taken. But, I do like epistolary novels, and I did enjoy this!

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I put this one away in a few hours. I found it at a good price on Amazon.com and, after reading a bit of Marilyn-themed fiction this year, gave it a read.

As speculative history, it's okay. I am not familiar with Jackie Kennedy lore, so I can't vouch for the accuracy of voice in Jackie's letters to Marilyn. It may interest fans of either, but I thought it was okay.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I liked this. I was feeling lost for something to read, not sure what I was in the mood for, nothing sounded good, etc etc. And I was looking through my kindle collection of "free reads" that I've built up over the years and somehow this jumped out this time.

I apparently 'bought' it (free) in 2012....

At any rate, I am a fan epistolary novels to begin with so that biases me right off the bat. In this case, most of the letters rang true to my image of both women. Some of them were a stretch and particularly the later ones got a little .... silly ... but overall, I heard their voices.

The inclusion of footnotes linking things in the letters to actual events gives this story a much more realistic feel than you would think it would have. There were actually moments when I had to remind myself that these weren't real letters, they blend so seamlessly with what was actually really going on at the time.

I wouldn't call this high literature by any stretch but it was definitely enjoyable, more so if you are at all intersted in either/both women.

It appears to be lendable, too, so if anyone wants to borrow it sometime, hit me up!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally, epistolary novels rarely hold my attention, but this fictional account of secret letters written between Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy managed do just that; And this, despite my difficulties suspending my disbelief throughout knowing Kennedy would never have written such letters. The author's bold premise managed to be both sympathetic and disastrous as the reader knows too well that no good will come of any of it based on what tragedies would soon befall these real life icons.

[Leann Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clever and creative idea, but the on the whole, the letters were too frivolous and far fetched for my liking. Some of the letters were great, others annoying. Many of the tidbits are well researched, but overall, the women are portrayed as too shallow for my taste.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once you get into the flow of the letters, this is a fabulous book. Although the letters are fiction, it's my understanding that the footnotes are true. I learned a lot of good history surrounding both the Kennedy family and Marilyn's life. A tragic ending for both.

[Charmaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such delicious reading, for me. I had to keep reminding myself "This never happened. Don't believe it. It never happened."

[Christine Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. just. wow.

It just makes you truly wonder. Money. Politics. Fame. Just wow. Who do we trust? What is the truth? Did all of this really transpire?

Wow

[Jolette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really clever and exceeded my expectations 100%. I loved the references to non-existent sources, and found myself checking the footnotes as well.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at least 5 years ago but still think about it all the time. I LOVE IT!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

decided to take a break from listening to audiobooks and return to reading a book instead. I decided to veer off course and read something different, so chose The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe & Jacqueline Kennedy: A Novel by Wendy Leigh.

I've always admired former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, for her beauty, poise and style. She's such an icon of American style and glamour! She's the epitome of class.

Marilyn Monroe is the legendary, sexy screen siren of her day. Monroe's untimely death and legacy still endures to this day and she is seemingly popular as ever.

So, when I came across the eBook novel The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe & Jacqueline Kennedy by Wendy Leigh, I was intrigued by the title and plot summary.

I do not know if Jacqueline Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe actually corresponded through a series of secret letters in real life and eventually formed a friendship as presented in the novel, The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe & Jacqueline Kennedy... But the idea of Marilyn & Jackie corresponding via secret letters does make for interesting reading nonetheless. Who wouldn't want to know what they wrote to each other, had they in fact corresponded to one another via letters!! I mean really, what would they say to each other?

I enjoyed the fact that The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe & Jacqueline Kennedy is written as a series of letters between both women as it is an interesting way to present a story. I can only recall reading two previous novels told in this same fashion and both of these novels were good ones to read.

Pros:

* Novel is presented as a series of intriguing letters.
* Fast, fun, historical read.
* Well written and researched by the author.

Cons:

* Not sure how realistic it would have been that Jackie & Marilyn communicated to one another via secret letters over several years & became friends.
* I also found it a bit difficult to believe that each woman would have shared such deeply personal information to one another either.

[Clarissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am the first to admit that I generally hate chick lit. And even though this book was lumped in ‘historical fiction’, I find it more of an AU story and chick lit. It’s got all of the things that are supposed to get us sighing and angry and all of that good girly stuff. I gave this 3 out of 5 because the idea is fantastic–can you imagine if Jackie and Marilyn actually did write back and forth? That would be amazing. I love both women and respect them; however, in the letters that ‘Jackie’ wrote, I didn’t feel her, if that makes sense. Being that she was so well read and educated, I find it hard that she would be so one dimensional in letters. I applaud the author for knowing Jackie’s history and trying to come across as the most famous First Lady in history, but that fell flat for me. I didn’t feel she was successful.

Writing as Marilyn, I felt there was a little more success, but there were times where the author made her sound like a total bubblehead, which Marilyn was not. She was constantly thought of as a dumb blonde or a whore or a slut, but she was a person and ‘Marilyn’ was just a persona. She is a woman who took courses at NYU, studied her hardest at Strasburg and honestly, from what I understand, they didn’t just take anyone in. I suppose it can be said that I am biased as I’ve read a lot more about Marilyn than Jackie. However, judging by other reviews I’ve seen, I’m not entirely alone.

There were moments of total madness–Marilyn describing a sexual act in depth for Jackie, for one and there were also moments that were sweet and tender, such as commiserating over stillbirths/miscarriages et cetera. Whilst it would be fun to think that they really did get that close, it is fiction. Also, the footnotes–oi! They were horrid and really unnecessary. It’s a fictional book, come off it! I began to lose interest halfway through and when I finished, I was glad.

I stick with 3 out of 5 stars.

[Indira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always love reimagined stories and this was definitely one that piqued my interest. Clearly I wasnt around during the real life Kennedy / Monroe popularity and drama, but this seems to be a neverending tale. Sometimes, I dont understand the draw of the many stories (Jackie's whole persona, Jack's political career, Marilyn's sex appeal and fame), but that comes from someone born into a much different age. Sometimes I do understand it and I can't find a comparison in the world today that really matches the dramatic stories and deaths of these three people.

Overall, I am much more interested in the assassination of Kennedy than I am about anything related to Marilyn. I honestly don't understand the appeal and I actually am not that interested to find out. I had marked a few books about her to read but I realized that even in a fictional(ish) tale such as this one, I skimmed through the letters from her end detailing her feelings on her marriages, her movies and her sexual escapades. I mean I know its fiction but its still not enough to interest me so I'll probably remove those books from my list.

As for this actual story, I did like the plot and letter format. I like that certain actual events are interspersed throughout the story, which gives the story a touch of realism and gets you thinking that perhaps a story like this actually could have happened. I actually did do a bit of reading on each person throughout the book to brush up on a few things. Overall a good, light book that lets you reda on autopilot but isn't as frivolous as the popular chick lit out there.

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fictional book of letters written back and forth between Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, some could be true and others more for the general audience. I've always liked both women, each in love with John Kennedy, and this is a "what if" story. A fun read for me.

From Amazon:
The Secret letters is a dazzling, mesmeric novel with an intriguing and original premise: What if Jacqueline Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe – the greatest icons of our time – had somehow met and then corresponded secretly?

A riveting page-turner set against the sparkling backdrop of Washington, Manhattan and Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s, The Secret Letters depicts Marilyn and Jackie in a new and compelling light. As the story unfolds, we meet the two legends, the wife and the mistress, first as friends, then as enemies, both spellbound by the same man –Jack Kennedy.

Author Wendy Leigh has created a daring concept and delivers it in glorious detail Each letter is replete with factual research on both women, the dramatic and turbulent era in which they lived and love, and the star-crossed people in their lives.

A brilliant tour de force of imagination and empathy, The Secret Letters is an enchanting page turner.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Booklist
Leigh, biographer to the stars (including Liza Minelli, Prince Edward, and JFK Jr.), has apparently discovered a more innovative method for exploiting celebrities. In this weird novel, Leigh has imagined several years of correspondence between Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy. Although it is not badly written and is fairly compelling to read, the stereotypes (emotional nutcase and slutty sex-maniac Marilyn versus the Queen of all established society, Jacqueline Kennedy) are overblown, and reading it feels somehow inappropriate. The novel takes place during the years between Marilyn's marriage to Joe DiMaggio (who doesn't come off looking very good here) and her alleged affair with President Kennedy (which she confesses to Mrs. Kennedy in full, lurid detail). In addition, while Leigh clearly states that this is a novel, she incorporates actual events as well as footnotes that blur the line between fiction and reality. There will likely be many, many readers requesting this book.

[Marianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be honest, this isn't a great book or a great testament to two iconic women, but it has a soapy quality that makes you keep reading just to watch it unfold and as such, I finished it quickly but then felt kinda flat - like why did I devour what was pretty average writing?

The women in question are what makes this book - the idea that they could have had a correspondence is actually delivered well so you realise that although this is fictionalised, it isn't outwith the realm of possibility that in another universe, they could have been friends. Some letters work better than others, some nuances of the women's character and relationship are hit, others miss...it's all just ok. The thing that keeps you reading is eagerly waiting for the discovery - for Jackie to catch on, for what she'll do...and then it happens and it's all a bit meh.

I love Marilyn Monroe, I don't know much about Jackie O, but regardless, I can't help but feel like the allure of them both is what makes this book readable and not so much the writing.

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the yearly 1960s Jacqueline Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe were probably the two most famous women alive and although they appeared to have little in common, this book takes a look behind these legends and imagines a friendship growing between them. Yes, it is a little far-fetched, and yet I often found myself having to remind myself that this was fiction because the author has quoted so many things that we now know about Jacqueline Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. Were they equals? They were from completely different worlds and yet they found common ground, and not only with their love of Jack Kennedy.

I would like to give this book 2.5 stars, but it kept me turning the pages more than I thought it would, and while this is a book I would never choose to read with all the celebrity gossip, etc. I “needed” to read a book of letters for my PopSugar 2017 Reading Challenge and this was free at hand. Now I want to get back into something with a little more substance. On a side note – it needed a lot of editing which I found ironic since Jackie Kennedy became an editor later in her life.

[Linda]

I recommend the book.
I gave the book two stars because of all the grammatical errors in it. I was a child when Richard and Elizabeth, Jack and Jackie, Marilyn and whoever made headlines. Those were fascinating times. The stories were written in my mother's prim and proper ladies' magazines. I never saw any of these aforementioned people do anything improper, so please do your own research as to the truth of what was written and said about them. Reading this author's take on the subject may or may not be true. It certainly gives rise to the conspiracy theories surrounding the deaths of Jack, Marilyn, and Bobby. I have read credible biographies of the main characters in this book and biographies of Joe and Rose Kennedy. Read about Joe and Rose first.

Thank you, Ms. Leigh, for a good read.

[Katieosborn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited for this book, and, in some ways, it was neat to hear the author's opinion of what an exchange between these two. I liked learning more about each of the famous women, as many of the events and characteristics were factual. However, I felt the novel was a bit contrived. My biggest issue with this novel was Jackie's reaction to the affair when it was finally revealed to her. She was very sympathetic to Marilyn, and I do not believe this would have happened had it played out the same way. Marilyn was portrayed as much too needy and naive, and Jackie was portrayed as stiff and prudish. I think that the author really exasperated their stereotypes.

I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't as believable as I had hoped the author would have written it.

[Adam Vanzant · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO, I'm a huge Marilyn fan and I read every book pertaining to her I can find. This book is amazing. I felt like i could almost hear her reading these letters out loud. Some books on Marilyn disappoint me and feel watered down but this made me feel as though I were digging through her belongings and finding her intimate pieces and splaying them upon my bed for my own enjoyment.
I must add that I have never really care for Jackie, she had impeccable style but she was never someone that seemed open enough for me to want to get to know her. However, after reading this, I am intrigued by her and her motivations and find her almost fascinating.
Some people may complain about the footnotes but they just provide validity to the story. Excellent book

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was my first Marilyn Monroe book, but will not be my last. After reading this, I must know more about both Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe. I found myself wanting this book to have been nonfiction. I wanted these two women to have been friends. I wanted this story to have been the way things were for all of them. A part of me will always believe this is the way it all happened,even though I know there is no way it could have. I laughed and cringed with these two women. Marilyn Monroe is now more than just a tragic story, she is real to me, just as now Jackie O, holds a place of interest to me. Now to read more!

[Trisha Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

JFK is my favorite president. I was not even born before his death, but throughout learning about history I decided that his politics were to my liking. In knowing about the life story of JFK I know that he may, or may not, have had an affair with the famous Marilyn Monroe. To read this book and learn some of the behind the scenes of these letters to Jackie was very intriguing to me. It didn't give all that I thought it would, but there did seem to be a ulterior motive of Marilyn in writing to Jackie. You sort of see the decline in Marilyn as well in the letters. She didn't really keep the best company. It's just a good read to get more information.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine reading letters sent from Marilyn & Jackie Kennedy, what a trip. Wendy Leigh did such a great job researching both of these famous ladies I almost felt like the letters were real! It was a real page turner, I couldn't wait to read the response from the other lady. I also learned more about each family and maybe a little bit about how they lived and their dreams. (Not to mention the behind the scenes of Hollywood and Washington) This is a quick read, not easy to multi-task with, but if you have a chance to sit and read (kids in bed, sick, or just can) I recommend it.

[Annette Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 **** for the writing. 2 ** for the editing.

It was hard to separate fact from fiction in this super little novel about the (fictionalized) secret correspondence between Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe.

The author did a great job of making each letter totally believable; each letter completely owned by the writer.

As I was reading "The Secret Letters" I kept thinking: I want more. More letters, more insight, just plain more.

My only Thumbs Down on this book was for the excruciating amount of typos, misspellings, and punctuation errors.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy was entertaining. The two women came from totally different backgrounds, had totally different styles and yet some of their outlooks on life were very much the same. Marilyn's letters contain revealing 'fact' about any man she found interesting, while Jackie's letters were understanding and classy. The contrast in content and styles along with the understanding they had for one another provided many laughs and enjoyment of the novel.

[Paul Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded the free ebook, figuring it would be a light, fluffy read, and found myself drawn into an age through which I lived but, as Elton John sings, when I was just a kid. That the letters are made-up by Wendy Leigh is forgotten as two famous women gradually establish a bond that turns to friendship, falters, and might have resumed had Marilyn not died. If you remember the 1960s or would like to get the feel of them, this is a fine book to read.