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Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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A sensible and thorough investigation of the testimony of witnesses and friends to the events of Marilyn's life and death has been carried out.

This investigation delves deep into the accounts provided by those who knew Marilyn, carefully analyzing and evaluating each piece of testimony.

Based on this comprehensive examination, the author comes up with the most compelling and reasonable conclusion about the circumstances of her death.

The resulting narrative is not only readable but also highly reliable, presenting a factual and objective account of the events.

If you are truly interested in uncovering the truth behind Marilyn's life and death, rather than simply indulging in gossip and speculation, then this is the definitive read for you.

It offers a rare and valuable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
July 15,2025
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Before I embarked on this reading journey, I must admit that my knowledge about Marilyn Monroe was rather limited. However, as I delved into Spoto's biography of her, I was pleasantly surprised.


At certain moments, it did feel as if I were perusing a textbook, with the detailed accounts and extensive research presented. But despite this, I found the biography to be refreshingly honest. Spoto did not shy away from presenting the less glamorous aspects of Monroe's life, painting a more complete and accurate picture.


The level of thoroughness in this work was also impressive. Every aspect of Monroe's life, from her early years to her tragic end, was explored in great detail. And for the most part, the author remained objective, allowing the facts to speak for themselves rather than imposing his own opinions. Overall, I would highly recommend this biography to anyone interested in learning more about the iconic Marilyn Monroe.

July 15,2025
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Donald Spoto truly managed to bring out Marilyn's personality in a remarkable way.

His detailed account and in-depth exploration made it impossible for me to put this book down.

Although it is quite lengthy, every single page is ever-so worth it.

Spoto's writing style is engaging and captivating, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in Marilyn's world.

He delves into her complex emotions, her struggles, and her triumphs, painting a vivid and accurate picture of the iconic star.

This book is not just a biography; it is a journey into the heart and soul of Marilyn Monroe.

It offers a unique perspective on her life and career, and it is a must-read for any fan of Marilyn or anyone interested in the history of Hollywood.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fascinating and insightful read.
July 15,2025
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Read this because I saw My Week with Marilyn.

This is a very complete book. It provides a comprehensive look at Marilyn Monroe. However, the writer is not terribly talented. There are lots of odd sentences, the writing is awkward and very static.

Despite these flaws, I did manage to get a fuller picture of Marilyn. The book delves into her life, her personality, and her relationships. It gives insights into the woman behind the icon.

Overall, while the writing may not be the best, the content makes it worth reading for those interested in Marilyn Monroe. It offers a unique perspective and helps to fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge of this famous actress.

So, if you're a fan of Marilyn or just curious about her, give this book a try. You may be surprised by what you learn.
July 15,2025
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This book is truly a treasure trove, filled with a plethora of fascinating details regarding MM's life. It also presents quotes from those who knew her, which I had never come across before. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into its pages and believe that a great deal of the information it contains is of great value.

However, Spoto's claim that MM's fired housekeeper was the one responsible for administering the fatal enema is simply preposterous. It is evident that her death was a result of medical malpractice. There indeed appears to have been a conspiracy between MM's drug-peddling doctors and her housekeeper (who was in the employ of her doctor, Greenson) to hush up the entire affair. But the question of how the deadly enema was actually introduced remains a mystery.

Perhaps further research and investigation are needed to uncover the truth behind this tragic event. Until then, we can only speculate and wonder about the circumstances surrounding MM's untimely demise.
July 15,2025
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Donald Spoto is an outstanding biographer. His work is characterized by great thoroughness.

He leaves no stone unturned in his research, delving deep into the lives of his subjects.

Whether it's exploring their personal relationships, professional achievements, or the historical context in which they lived, Spoto is meticulous in his approach.

His biographies are not just a collection of facts but a comprehensive and engaging account of a person's life.

Readers can expect to gain a profound understanding of the subject through Spoto's detailed and well-written works.

His attention to detail and ability to bring the subject to life make him one of the most respected biographers in the field.

Overall, Donald Spoto's thoroughness and talent as a biographer make his works a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the lives of remarkable individuals.
July 15,2025
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Not the best book on Marilyn!

It is truly sad to consider that we will forever be in the dark about what actually transpired to Marilyn Monroe on that fateful evening. Every author seems to have their own version of events. In my opinion, the Kennedy's were likely more deeply involved than what this particular author is willing to admit.

Regardless of what the truth may be, and despite the fact that we will probably never know the whole unadulterated truth, Marilyn's story persists as a deeply sad and sorrowful one. Her life was filled with glamour and tragedy, and her untimely death has left a void that can never be filled.

While this book may offer some insights into Marilyn's life and death, it fails to fully capture the complexity and mystery that surrounds her. There are still many unanswered questions, and until we have more concrete evidence, we can only speculate about what really happened.

Overall, I would not recommend this book as the definitive work on Marilyn Monroe. It is a good read, but it falls short in many areas and leaves the reader with more questions than answers.
July 15,2025
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I usually don't take this long to read a book. However, the information Spoto uncovered was incredibly detailed.

I wanted to ensure that I could completely absorb it. I have developed a much deeper respect for Ms. Monroe and the numerous trials and tribulations she had to endure in order to achieve her success.

I fully understood her anxieties and fears. I truly wish she could have had more female support during her lifetime. She was an extremely smart woman, yet she was so insecure.

I learned a great many things about Ms. Monroe that I was previously unaware of. This book has effectively dispelled so many myths and theories surrounding her childhood and her untimely death.

I have always held Ms. Monroe in high admiration, and now I respect her even more as a woman who defied the system and refused to let the studios dictate her life.

July 15,2025
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I really enjoyed this book.

It offers a very interesting insight not only into the events that made her the star she was, but also into the effects of those events on her.

It provides a very interesting look into how Norma Jeane became Marilyn and how she interacted with the world.

Reading this book, one cannot help but gain an appreciation for who she was and what she did.

It is honest without being salacious. When reading this book, I felt as if I was getting the truth behind all the rumors, from her affairs to her death.

These are the things that initially drew me to the book, but what made me stay was the character study of someone so immensely talented and beautiful, yet so frighteningly insecure.

It is truly a fascinating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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Everyone knows about Marilyn Monroe. Literally everyone. And few people know anything specific other than her movies. She is a phenomenon, a cult, a unique being. I don't even know why I started reading this book, it was just a coincidence. And now I'm a fan of Monroe :).

Marilyn Monroe's allure and charm have captivated the world for decades. Her beauty was not only physical but also had a certain magic that drew people in. Her movies were a huge success, and she became an icon of Hollywood.


Despite her fame and success, Monroe's life was filled with hardships and struggles. She faced personal and professional challenges that took a toll on her. However, she always managed to maintain her dignity and grace.


Reading about Marilyn Monroe in this book has given me a deeper understanding of her as a person. It has made me appreciate her talent and beauty even more. I now realize that she was much more than just a movie star. She was a complex and fascinating individual who left a lasting impact on the world.

July 15,2025
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A respectfully written, detailed account of the most famous woman of her time is a captivating story. She was a complex figure, misunderstood, mistreated, and misrepresented. The result of both her atrocious childhood and the unforgiving Hollywood machine, her life was a rollercoaster of emotions and events.


The ending was truly devastating. Just when she seemed to be on her way back up, with plans to remarry Joe and film roles lined up, giving her hope for the future, fate had other plans. That housekeeper/governess/spy-for-the-psychiatrist has a lot to answer for, as do the Camelot lot and the strange creeps who paid to be buried next to her or in a crypt above her, face down, forever. It's all rather disturbing.


To quote from the song 'Eat Me, Drink Me' by Marilyn Manson: "But then our star rushes in, feeling like a child and looking like a woman. She has been forecast with an attempt to kill herself, but the ending didn't test well." This song seems to capture the essence of her tragic life.

July 15,2025
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All anyone really needs to say about this particular book is that it holds a prominent position as one of the top 3 most reliable books when it comes to Monroe.

Undoubtedly, no biography can claim to be entirely perfect. However, this one manages to achieve a relatively high level of accuracy, hovering around 95%.

This means that it provides a wealth of detailed and trustworthy information about Monroe's life, his achievements, his struggles, and his overall character.

If you have a genuine interest in learning about Monroe, whether it's for academic purposes, personal curiosity, or simply to gain a deeper understanding of this historical figure, then this book is truly the perfect choice.

It offers a comprehensive and engaging account that will surely satisfy your thirst for knowledge about Monroe.

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