The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe

by Donald H. Wolfe

“Donald Wolfe has written one of the most absorbing accounts of Marilyn’s life to date.”
—Fred Lawrence Guiles, author of Norma Jean “Admirable!...Wolfe takes us very close indeed to the dark truth about Monroe, the Kennedys, and that lonely death in the California night.”
—Anthony Summers, author of The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe Fifty years after her death, the Marilyn Monroe mystique remains as strong and alluring as ever—as evidenced by Michelle Williams’ Golden Globe-winning performance in the critically acclaimed film, My Week with Marilyn , and NBC TV’s drama Smash about the creation of a Marilyn-themed Broadway musical. In The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe , author Donald H. Wolfe, a former Hollywood screenwriter and film editor, examines the tragic starlet’s final weeks and offers startling evidence to support his provocative claim that Marilyn’s alleged suicide was, in fact, a homicide. A powerful and intimate look into the dark side of Hollywood and John F. Kennedy’s Camelot, The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe is a must-read for movie buffs, true crime aficionados, and the many still enchanted by the Monroe magic.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, True Crime, History, Biography Memoir, Audiobook, Historical

544 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1998

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lawd!

One of my favorite subgenres of nonfiction is The Kennedy's Murdered Marilyn Monroe genre.

I find it endlessly entertaining and fascinating. The way these authors invent/ twist facts to fit whatever theory they have. Most of these books use the same sources who were long ago found to be liars and charlatans. Robert Slatzer being the biggest charlatan of them all. He claimed to have had a years long relationship with Marilyn and to even have secretly married her. For the record no one who actually knew Marilyn ever remembers seeing or hearing about this guy from Marilyn ever. Yet every book about the "Murder" of Marilyn Monroe uses him as a factual source. Its hilarious.

I myself love these books but don't believe anything contained in them. I consider it Fictional Nonfiction. I read it as entertainment. I don't believe Marilyn Monroe was murdered by anyone other than herself. She either committed suicide or more likely misjudged how many pills she'd taken and accidentally overdosed. I do believe she slept with one or both of the Kennedy brothers John or Robert( Teddy isn't included sorry Teddy) and I do believe that they got tired of her because she was a Level 10 clinger and also because they were probably horny assholes, but they didn't kill her.

I never recommend these books because if you're into this type of book you've probably already read it or plan on reading it.

Book Riot 2017 Read Harder Challenge: Read a book you've read before.

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Armed with suppositions, gossip and questionable eyewitness testimony, The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe advances the dubious conspiracy theory that Robert Kennedy was responsible for the death of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars, a clandestine murder committed either to cover up her affairs with Robert and John (the latter of which wasn't exactly a well-kept secret anyhow) or to prevent the star from leaking devastating secrets she presumably learned of during pillow talk. The term "evidence" is made to do some very heavy lifting along the way, and Donald H. Wolfe's book is ultimately no more convincing than Jay Margolis' terrible The Murder of Marilyn Monroe: Case Closed , although it is a more diverting read. For those looking to go down the Marilyn Monroe conspiracy rabbit hole, the podcast "The Killing of Marilyn Monroe" remains the most coherent and entertaining entry point.

[Giuseppe Sirugo · Rating 5 out of 5]

El libro es interesante. A veces es la capacidad del escritor capaz de captar la atención del lector, mientras en otras ocasiones soy yo mismo que de lector me enamoro de los libros biográficos de la actriz. Ciertamente en este volumen Donald H. Wolfe como su dramaturgo está lleno de atención. Y con muchos aspectos consiguió completar la dolorosa vida de Norma Jeane Mortenson. Probablemente haciendo un libro de los más famosos del siglo XX.

Durante la infancia la abuela de la actriz trató de ahogar a la joven Norma Jean con un cojín. De lo contrario, por una versión de Jackie Collins no habría sido un cojín por qué fue un edredón: en cualquier caso, las versiones agregadas o cambiadas han sido antes del cincuentenario de la muerte de la actriz. Cosa que sobre el libro al escritor no escapa, por ejemplo. El libro a sí mismo parece una denuncia donde la escritura desalienta lo que puede ser una historia de vida, sexo, traición, de renombre mundial y de muerte: al menos de acuerdo con un pensamiento coherente con lo que la mente del lector quisiera concebir leyendo un género específico. [...] Las primeras 100 páginas en su relativa ambigüedad tienden a traicionar la atención del lector. A partir de ahí, página despues página se van a llenar de la vida detallada de un icono mundial. Como por ejemplo: el piano blanco, el matrimonio, el desnudo en el calendario, etc. Hasta entonces para llegar a los últimos días de vida, que es el fulcro del libro mismo: la teoría de la muerte sobre otros libros fue revisada y diversificada. Donde la actriz fue asesinada por petición y de su psicoanalista. Sin embargo, en el libro actual el enigma de Donald H. Wolfe sigue siendo uno: Marilyn Monroe murió debido a una sobredosis de píldoras accidental o como acto de suicidio.

No obstante, la realidad de su muerte sobre el libro es algo más complejo, incluso más analítico. Según el médico Sidney S. Weinberg ex Chief Medical Examiner del condado de Nueva York, la muerte de la actriz es inconsistente con el elogio de muerte por la ingestión de una gran cantidad de barbitúricos: una prueba microscópica realizada y examinada por contenido gástrico no mostró cristales refractarios. Cada fármaco tiene su propia forma cristalina. Así que el médico no pudo encontrar ninguna evidencia obvia de píldoras en el estómago o por el intestino delgado. Mientras que para lo que se podía ver en casa las pruebas de las botellas de píldoras mostraron que había tragado cuarenta y dos o cincuenta Nembutal. Un gran número de píldoras de hidrato de cloral: una cantidad de barbitúricos que podrían haber matado a unas quince personas.
Desde el mismo pasaje de la muerte, el escritor vuelve a explorar las teorías alternativas que rodean la muerte de la actriz. Con la profundización de las posibilidades. Por último, en el último capítulo, con la capacidad de un reportero Donald H. Wolfe reconstruye la cronología del evento sucedido en la tarde del 4 de agosto de 1962. Y lo hace con la habilidad de un novelista del crimen. Como si estuviera construyendo un thriller. Dejando un mensaje profundo sobre la muerte de un icono mundial: la muerte por que hasta las primeras horas del 5 de agosto no se informó, y sólo al amanecer del día siguiente la noticia se precipitó por Los Ángeles.

[Constantine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
Genre: Nonfiction

An intriguing biography of Marilyn Monroe. The book covers the last days of the superstar's days but it also goes back to when it all started for her. I learned a lot about her that I had no clue about. Her relationship with the Kennedy brothers was always suspicious and until the date is questioned that it was the trigger for her murder or suicide whichever is the truth.

The book also gives you an idea about the personality of Ms. Monroe, her marriage and miscarriages, and how that affected her mentally. I think the book gives you a good insight into her life without making any conclusion about her death or who caused it. It is an enjoyable read but very sad at the same time knowing what she had to go through.

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe by Donald H Wolfe is an interesting biography of Monroe and her tragic death. Like many I have always been intrigued by this beautiful lady with a tragic start to life.

[Ilze · Rating 4 out of 5]

If ever there has been a death in history about which more questions have been asked than answered, it must be that of Marilyn Monroe. Donald H. Wolfe has written another book since this 1998 edition called The Assassination of Marilyn Monroe (1999) , so there is no question where his sentiments lie. The evidence he brings to the fore in the ±450 pages of The Last Days, is mind-boggling. Clearly actors or actresses that have made their way to the top go and see a psychiatrist at some point or another for some reason or another. These specialists get to hear all there is and more about the “patient’s” soul – not to mention their private lives and loves. Dr Greenson, the one who ended up seeing Monroe on a fairly regular basis near the end, abused this information. Monroe had access to interesting political information via her relationship with JFK (and later his brother), but that the Cold War could reach Hollywood and strike it so deeply, is uncanny. By the time 1962 came around, Monroe was surrounded not only by FBI, CIA and Mafia taps on her telephones and home, but the KGB as well, in the form of her psychiatrist! Since all the facts can’t just be spat out surrounding August 1962, Wolfe takes the reader back to Monroe’s upbringing and what the men in her life by 1962 were up to when she was still young. In a sense, the title is misleading since you get to read about “all the days” of Marilyn Monroe, ending with one key witness that the media missed out on for decades: The housekeeper/Eunice Murray/’s son in-law. Norman Jeffries was in and around 12305 Fifth Helena Drive for virtually 24 hours from the 4th to the 5th August 1962 and saw everything. If you’re still wondering whether or not this was a suicide, read this book (or the next) …

[Mary Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF.


My opinion is that Wolfe threw every conspiracy theory regarding Marilyn into the mix and sold it as fact. I had to stop reading when the author tries to sell me on a Marilyn - JFK love child named Nancy Maniscalco Greene. It's such a ridiculous idea that I won't bother to bore you. Let's just conclude that there are many, MANY people who have claimed to be the product of a legend and a horny president. Not a single, solitary human being has proven DNA paternity. I don't like gossip in real life. I hate that someone tries to benefit from outlandish rumors. If you're going to claim something this sensational... Girrrrl, you should at least TRY to look like one of the individuals you're claiming as a parent. FYI: The Kennedy gene is as strong as Luke Skywalker's force. The Kennedy's tend to resemble one another. A lot! Most importantly, the Cusack papers that fanned some of these preposterous flames were proven to be a hoax. Lawrence (Lex) Cusack served ten years in jail for this hoax! Now, I'm not saying that Wolfe doesn't have a few relevant points. But, half of these theories have not withstood the test of time. I DO believe that Marilyn's supporting cast failed to be forthcoming with facts the night she died. Eunice Murray always appeared secretive and shady to me, as did Dr. Ralph Greenson and Dr. Engelberg. Peter Lawford could never be trusted, unless you were in the Rat Pack. Even then, nothing was sacred. To be honest, Marilyn ran with a fast crowd - a bunch of pill-poppin, booze-guzzling, womanizing, Mafia-organized MAN-ipulators. Her life was spiraling out of control. Sadly, finding Marilyn dead didn't surprise those closest to her.

Listen, I adore Marilyn. I find her endlessly fascinating. Marilyn wasn't a dumb blonde - she played the part Hollywood forced upon her. Marilyn was much more than the dazzling movie star. She was a poet (and a pretty darn good one). She was fiercely determined. Marilyn took on Hollywood bigwigs...and WON!! She was the president of her own production company, Marilyn Monroe Productions, a businesswoman way ahead of her time. In her heyday, Marilyn was the most famous woman in the world. Dumb blonde? Peeshh. Make your own conclusions. The thing is, I've read anything and everything there is about MM. My shelves are stacked with Monroe biographies. How much do I need to know? It's never enough. I think to myself, maybe one day I'll uncover something new - a tiny factoid, another Monroeism - an idea or thought that was uniquely Marilyn. I'm going to let Wolfe huff and puff about conspiracy theories. I prefer to remember Marilyn as a bright woman with stars in her eyes.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feeding my fascination with JFK and RFK and all the mysterious deaths associated with them. I think Marilyn was very likely murdered on Kennedy orders because she threatened to spill the beans about her affairs with the brothers. The book is mistitled, though - it's not just the last days, but a full bio of Marilyn that covers her whole childhood and career.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Fascinating book. After reading this I truly believe she was murdered, and I think the murderers were correctly named. So sad that she was just breaking out of her shell and becoming independent when she was silenced.

[Erik Graff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography begins with an account of Marilyn Monroe's last night, then proceeds to her life's story and finally ends, again, with a more pointed account of her death. Most of the text is the life story, presented very sympathetically.

The author's contention is that Monroe was murdered under the direction of Robert F. Kennedy, then Attorney General, after his efforts to get her to promise silence about her affairs with himself and his brother, the president, failed. Additionally, author Wolfe claims that Monroe's pillow talk with the Kennedy brothers, much of which concerned matters of foreign policy, was believed to have been compromised by her relations with her psychiatrist, her physician, her housekeeper and others who were apparently linked to the Comintern. Marilyn was thus both a personal and a national threat in their eyes and in the eyes of J. Edgar Hoover's F.B.I.

I'm no expert as regards the details of Monroe's life and approached this book with no opinion about her death. Books about the F.B.I., the C.I.A., the Mob and the Kennedys had glancingly touched on the matter so I knew there was some controversy, but I'd also read other accounts simply treating her death as a suicide. While The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe certainly fueled suspicion, it did not convince me. I'd have to pursue other accounts in order to begin formulating my own opinion.

Be that as it may, the author has written a real page-turner.

[Carol Lynn Scherling · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the very last, Donald H.Wolfe entertains the reader with a thoroughly researched book that intertwines Hollywood, politics and national security into one. In the middle of all this is a beautiful, but too trusting woman who today still is an Hollywood icon, long after her mysterious death. You might not agreed with his final conclusion, but of all the thoeries on Marilyn Monroe's death I have heard over the years,it's the one that fits the puzzle the best. Although I have read many books on Marilyn Monroe, this is the first book that explains what Marilyn Monroe was really like as a person.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need some time to think about this one. The first book on Monroe I have read. Full review to come.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought that the book was very interesting. I didn't gain any insight into Miss Monroe, her comings and goings other than she seemed to be (at least by the representation of the author) to be very sad but trying to overcome what got her to that point. I have always been interested in Marilyn Monroe but more because of the fact that behind the studio publicity of her lovely face and body there was a brain there and she was really truly intellectual. I was hoping to gain more insight into that but sadly it more a riff on the Kennedy connection and possibly their involvement with her death. It's all speculation of course. It was enjoyable and what I would consider a fluff read.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the fact-filled nature of this book, Wolfe managed to keep the book moving with a novel-like writing style. I began it quite skeptical, but in the end couldn't help being convinced of the conspiracy against poor Norma Jean--a victim her entire life, unable to escape her own naivete and the abuse of it by those she trusted.

[Shannon Shenaniganz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good read. It reinforced my belief that Marilyn was murdered. Very well researched information, given in this book. It's sad, disheartening.....but it's about time that truth gets out. Although, she will never have justice, as her killer/killers are long gone, at least the truth will be heard. RIP Marilyn

[Greg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part One of this book is entitled "Decades of Deception" and to me this would serve as a perfectly fine title for the book in its entirety. Much speculation, and a good read, but nothing definite or particularly revealing.

[Frieda Assouad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, Wolfe takes you step by step of not only the scene of Marilyn’s death but also her entire life. One is able to fully understand her and her actions. Wolfe also clearly maps out the intertwined relationships between her and other important figures in Hollywood and government at the time. It was sad to see how easily corruption can be silenced by people in power. Even though we can clearly see the truth behind Marilyn’s death, there is still a question of what did she know that was worth silencing her? This is something that will never be known.

[Timothy Juhl · Rating 3 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK

I will never tire of reading or viewing biographies and documentaries on the single-most influential celebrity of our time, and who's orbit, and gravity still pulls us in, even those who have no recollection of her when she was alive.

This abridged biography is an attempt to fuel the flames of conspiracy surrounding Monroe's death, speculating (and doing a bang-up job of presenting evidence) that she was possibly murdered by the Kennedys, or the FBI, or her psychiatrist, or the Communist party.

There is no question that she was a brilliant, and often abused and underappreciated actress, or that she was far more intelligent than her blond hair led people to believe. It's also without question she was fragile and naive and longed for true love. It was a volatile combination.

[Elizabeth Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and throughly researched book! It’s incredibly well written as well as astoundingly informative and knowledgeable! I’m extremely impressed with this book and shocked by the accuracy of his findings and research especially because it was published in 1998 and most authors weren’t able to publish and confirm large amounts of this information until very recently due to political and monetary pressures. To be clear the information was there, but very difficult to obtain and research and publish. Highly recommend!!

[Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow....what a read. Wolfe clearly spent a lot of time doing his research, digging into files and conducting interviews to try to find some of the truth of what happened. He gives credit to his sources and where possible gives both sides of each story. He writes in such a great voice. This could have been a dry read, but his writing and telling of some of what happened to and was done to Monroe had me near tears a few times.

[Barbara Bretton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terribly sad.

[George Presley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Perhaps "enjoyed" is the wrong word. It was a heartbreaker. It took me forever to read through it because I wanted to fully understand what made Marilyn "tick". This beautiful woman with the fragile smile conveyed all her vulnerability in it. I think this was much of her appeal. It made men want to come to her rescue and protect her. Fantasize that they could be the one, her "Knight in shining armour". To be the one to show her the love that would secure her. Perhaps even save her from herself. She knew her charm and knew she could exploit with it, however she would also be exploited by it. This orphaned child could never find the love she needed, and if she did, she sabotaged herself in needing to look for more. It was tragic how she naively loved and trusted those who would later use and manipulate her. It was criminal on their part. It is a very sad story. It is this that will keep Marilyn in the hearts and minds of those who loved her, even if only as fans. We will always be fascinated by her beauty and struggle to fully understand the pain of her conflicted soul.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book, but I'll admit that some chapters were quite disturbing to read. I have always been convinced that Marilyn Monroe was murdered, and this book delivers enough facts to corroborate my belief. The book is well researched and takes the reader through the painful labyrinth of deceit that led to Marilyn's death and the intricate cover up that took place after the event. It's nauseating to read how TPTB went to any extent to disappear evidence on her case after her murder, and how while she was alive she was treated like a liability. She was a woman for the taking, everyone was always trying to get something out of her. Yet, no one really new her true worth, probably not even herself, and that's why she was an easy prey for the predators around her. Her death and the events that led to her murder are really heartbreaking, but I guess it was expected to happen sooner or later, she was caught up in the middle of a huge mess. Everyone around her was in cahoots with questionable people: the mob, spies, communists, greedy powerful men, what not! And the knowledge that she had, and what she though was her leverage to keep her safe was exactly what got her killed.

[Jeffrey Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and I was completed engrossed in the whole thing. It seemed like a lot of research had gone into this book and all of those conspiracy theories were explored. A few never before interviews were included. It certainly made me think about what really happened.

Sadly, I personally believe she died of an accidental overdose and I don't think there was really a conspiracy. I saw an episode of "Autopsy" years later that talked about the different prescription meds she was using and how they they could interact badly with each other causing confusion, drowsiness and generally impede the body to function properly. I think her slurred final phone call was just that - a drug induced conversation.

But my opinion should not prevent you from reading this book. If you support the conspiracy theories, this book covers most of them convincingly.

[Karabina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for any Marilyn Monroe fan! It starts out with the night in question and dives right into all of the conspiracy theories (hint..JFK).

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.examiner.com/review/the-la...

[Gilda Bonelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il libro è interessante. Tal volta è l’abilità dello scrittore che riesce a catturare l’attenzione di chi legge, mentre altre volte sono io stesso che come lettore occasionale riesco a innamorarmi dei libri biografici delle star. Il certo è che su questo volume Donald H. Wolfe come suo drammaturgo prestò molta attenzione. Sotto molti aspetti è riuscito a render completa l’ex vita travagliata di Marilyn Monroe: probabilmente riuscendo a fare anche uno dei libri più famosi del XX secolo.

Durante l’infanzia pare che la nonna dell’attrice abbia tentato di soffocare la giovane Norma Jeane Mortenson con un cuscino. Diversamente, da una versione della scrittrice Jackie Collins non si sarebbe trattato di un cuscino ma di una trapunta: in ogni modo, eventuali versioni sono parte aggregate o cambiate e si hanno avuto prima del cinquantesimo anniversario della morte dell’attrice. Ed è un particolare che allo scrittore di questo libro non sfuggì. Il libro a sé pare una denuncia, dove la stesura potrebbe scoraggiare quello che poi è un racconto di vita, di sesso, di tradimento, di fama mondiale e di morte: ciò stando a un pensiero concorde con quello che la mente del lettore vorrebbe concepire da un genere specifico.
Le prime 100 pagine nella loro relativa ambiguità tendono a tradire l’attenzione del lettore. Da lì in avanti, pagina dopo pagina l’inchiostro impresso in maniera dettagliata andrà a riempie la vita di un’icona mondiale, come per esempio: il pianoforte bianco, il matrimonio, il nudo sul calendario, etc. Sino poi ad arrivare agli ultimi giorni di vita che fondamentalmente sono il fulcro del medesimo libro: successivamente la teoria della morte in altri libri venne rivista e diversificata. Dove l’attrice è stata uccisa sotto richiesta e del proprio psicanalista. Nondimeno, sul libro attuale, l’enigma di Donald H. Wolfe rimane uno: Marilyn Monroe morì a causa di un sovradosaggio di pillole in modalità accidentale, o di per sé come atto di suicidio.

La realtà della sua morte nel libro è qualcosa di più complesso tuttavia, anche analitico volendo. Stando al dottore Sidney S. Weinberg, ex Chief Medical Examiner della contea di New York, il decesso di Marilyn è incoerente con la ode di una morte per ingestione di una grande quantità di barbiturici: un test microscopico effettuato ed esaminato dal contenuto gastrico non mostrò cristalli refrattari. In quanto ogni farmaco ha la propria forma cristallina che è individuale. Quindi il dottore non ha potuto trovare assolutamente prove evidenti di pillole nello stomaco o nell'intestino tenue. Diversamente, per quanto si potette vedere in casa, le prove che provenivano dalle bottiglie delle pillole evidenziarono il fatto che aveva potuto inghiottire quarantadue, cinquanta nembutal. Un gran numero di pillole di idrato di cloralio: una quantità di barbiturici che avrebbe potuto uccidere pure una quindicina di persone. […] Da questo passaggio, sulle possibili cause di morte, lo scrittore esplora nuovamente le teorie alternative che hanno circondato il decesso dell‘attrice.

Infine, nell'ultimo capitolo, con l'abilità di un giornalista Donald H. Wolfe ricostruisce una linea temporale dell’evento accaduto la sera del 4 agosto 1962. Lo fa con la maestria di un romanziere di gialli. Tipo stesse costruendo un thriller. Lasciando un profondo messaggio sulla morte di un’icona mondiale: il decesso come mai sino alle prime ore del giorno 5 agosto 1962 non fu segnalato. E solo all’alba del giorno dopo la notizia precipitò in maniera prepotente a Los Angeles.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this and many other similar books about Marilyn Monroe's life and especially her death, one thing that becomes apparent is that Marilyn was looking forward to a future...she had recently bought a home, which she loved and was in the process of decorating. She had a movie to complete and another one coming up. All this she achieved and accomplished even with so much adversity and with many trying to discredit her. Certainly there were things in her life and connections with powerful men that may have been detrimental to her...she was mistreated by many people in her life, used and abused. If Marilyn Monroe committed suicide as was the official finding of her death, then with all the positive things that she had to look forward to, it was accidental. Marilyn was not just a pretty face, a silly blonde. She was clever, discerning, warm and kind. For me it is not far fetched that her death was more sinister, to silence her perhaps and that a huge cover up ensued. Like JFK's death the conspiracies still circulate today about how and why Marilyn died. For me she was a shining light that was tragically snuffed out way too soon. We may never know the true events surrounding her death but what is absolutely certain is that the loss of Marilyn Monroe will continue to be felt through generations. She truly was one of a kind.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Norma Jeane needed her sleep so Marilyn Monroe could be reborn with the dawn."

I grew up watching stars I loved such as Britney Spears have meltdowns before our eyes & it's heartbreaking. Poor poor Marilyn Monroe. I'm not sure she ever had a chance especially after learning about her failed childhood: abandoned by her mentally ill mother, her father refusing to meet her, and being shipped from orphanage to foster home and back again.

There are A TON of names in this account; I mean honestly someone would need an evidence board (or multiples) to keep track of them all. I feel bad that she could never have a solid relationship or find a man (or friend) to show her the love she needed and to show her that SHE was enough. She didn't have to prove herself or over sexualize herself or be JFK's wife to be happy; she was enough. She was also smart and a great actress with a huge heart.

The conspiracy is fascinating & entertaining to read, but in the end, Marilyn Monroe's story is simply sad. I don't think she was murdered but I don't think she committed suicide either; I think she was given an accidental amount of drugs to suppress or calm her and those involved kept it quiet. Wolfe's novel has definitely sparked a new interest in me to pick up more MM biographies.

[Larissa ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-researched, somewhat bonkers account of Marilyn Monroe’s life and the conspiracy surrounding her death. Four stars for getting under my skin and making me ache for this vulnerable, lonely goddess. (For the record, I believe Marilyn may have been murdered, but I don’t believe she had a secret daughter. Marilyn yearned to have a child and would have insisted on seeking out and adopting any secret child she had as a teen. She wouldn’t have visited the child once or twice and called it a day.)

A beautiful quote, from one of Marilyn’s interviews:

“I stood and stared at the ocean for a long time. It always had sort of a hypnotic effect on me. It was like something in a dream, full of gold and lavender colors, blue and foaming white.”