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Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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My rating truly speaks volumes.

It is an extremely long book. Like many biographies, it has its dull moments as well as its fascinating ones. Marilyn was a simple slut, yet there was something more beneath the surface. At times, I felt a bit annoyed, but overall, I had more understanding and compassion for the character or personage of this icon.

Basically, I think she's amazing. Reading this book made her seem almost like a close friend who still lives and whom I could actually know.

I loved the spiritual development and the friendships that she formed the most. Although I've forgotten a lot of this book by now, I know that I loved her. Even as I read and saw that her behavior was a bit off here and there, I still thought she was a great person.

If anyone deserves to be popular for all time, I believe she is one who does. I want to revisit this book and read it again and again.

It's as if Marilyn's story has a magnetic pull that keeps drawing me back, making me eager to explore her life and essence once more.

Her complexity and charm are what make her such an enduring and captivating figure.

Each time I pick up this book, I feel like I'm uncovering new layers of her personality and understanding her better.

It's a journey that I'm more than willing to take over and over again.

July 15,2025
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Growing up with the iconic image of Marilyn Monroe and the shock of her sudden death, I have always been deeply fascinated by her. There was an air of unreality about her that drew me in.



This meticulously researched biography has been a revelation. It has managed to dispel numerous untruths that have surrounded Marilyn over the years. For instance, it clarifies the unfounded rumors of her liaisons with Robert Kennedy and mafia connections.



The book provides a detailed account of Marilyn's astute mind, yet it also exposes the alarming depth of her low self-esteem. This combination, as the author shows, was a recipe for disaster.



One of the most provocative aspects of the book is its exploration of the reasons behind her death. Chief among them is the disturbing obsession that her Freudian psychoanalyst had with her. This new perspective adds a whole new layer of complexity to the already tragic story of Marilyn Monroe.



Overall, this biography offers a fresh and nuanced look at one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
July 15,2025
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I truly adored this read and had the feeling that I acquired an entirely new appreciation for this woman.

It was such an engaging piece that made me look at her in a different light.

However, I came across the information that this writer's research and conclusion should be regarded with a certain degree of skepticism.

This has left me in a state of conflict.

On one hand, I was so impressed by the story and the way it was presented.

But on the other hand, the doubt cast on the research and conclusion makes me question the overall validity of the piece.

I'm not sure whether to fully embrace my newfound appreciation or to be more cautious.

It's a dilemma that I'm currently grappling with as I try to decide how to view this woman and the work that was written about her.

July 15,2025
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I came across this biography, and I found it to be an extremely thorough and captivating account of one of the most renowned icons. Marilyn Monroe truly embodies all the elements of old Hollywood glamour and sensuality. However, beneath that glamorous exterior, she was insecure about her intellect and frustrated with being typecast. Reading about her life was truly enjoyable, yet it is difficult to do so while being aware of her tragic demise at the tender age of 32.


Spoto, the author, subscribes to the manslaughter theory regarding her death, and this is the one drawback for me in this book. Sometimes, when an icon passes away, people struggle to accept that something as seemingly simple as an accidental overdose could be the cause. Instead, there have to be conspiracy theories and convoluted explanations. Despite the tragic and wasteful nature of her death, it is impossible to deny Marilyn's profound impact on popular culture, even to this day.

July 15,2025
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This was truly riveting!

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, which was around 24 hours long, and I can firmly say that I was never once bored throughout the entire experience.

Spoto does an excellent job of debunking conspiracy theories that many other authors have put forward. Instead, he details the connection between the actress, the therapist, and the housekeeper, along with the untimely death, in a very convincing argument.

If you have already read Goddess, then you should definitely give this a read as well.

In any case, Monroe's therapist and housekeeper are rather spooky figures. I'm extremely glad that Spoto has shed more light on them, providing a deeper understanding of their roles and the events surrounding Monroe's life and death.

Overall, this is a captivating and thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on a well-known and tragic story.
July 15,2025
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By far, this is one of the most thorough and extensive biographies I have ever had the pleasure of reading about Marilyn. It is truly a breath of fresh air. Finally, we have a biography that has the courage to put aside all the ludicrous rumors and fame-seeking tales that have surrounded Marilyn's life for so long. Instead, it approaches her life exactly as it happened, with a level of authenticity and respect that is truly remarkable.


The author corroborates all of his information with multiple eye witnesses and testimony, which makes this account not only very detailed but also highly introspective. It feels as if we are getting a firsthand look into Marilyn's life, warts and all. His gift of writing is truly extraordinary. He has the ability to make the story come to life on the page, and I found myself completely engrossed from start to finish. Every page was filled with interesting details and insights that I had never known before.


This biography is a must-read for anyone who is interested in Marilyn Monroe. It is a fascinating and engaging look into the life of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

July 15,2025
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An in-depth biography of an intriguing woman offers a captivating journey into her life. It delves into the various aspects that have shaped her, from her early years filled with unique experiences to her later achievements. The story unfolds like a rich tapestry, revealing her personality, her dreams, and the challenges she has overcome.


As you read, you are drawn into her world, experiencing her joys and sorrows, her triumphs and failures. The detailed account allows you to gain a profound understanding of who she is and what makes her so fascinating. It is a pleasure to explore the pages of this biography, as it offers not only entertainment but also valuable insights into the human condition.


Whether you are interested in learning about a remarkable individual or simply enjoy a well-written story, this in-depth biography of an intriguing woman is sure to satisfy. It is a literary gem that will leave you inspired and with a newfound appreciation for the power of a life well-lived.

July 15,2025
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I truly enjoyed reading this biography.

It is my second one about Marilyn Monroe. I found that Mr. Spoto was able to bring Marilyn to life with a remarkable sensitivity. This was something that was lacking in the biography written about her by her ex-husband, Arthur Miller.

However, I wasn't too keen on Mr. Spoto's viewpoint on religion. But then I understand his stance considering the people who represented religion in Marilyn's story had significant shortcomings.

I have always loved the vulnerability that Marilyn brought to the screen, particularly in movies like Bus Stop and The Misfits. What a tragic loss it was, especially as it seemed that during this time in her life, aside from using drugs to induce sleep, she was becoming more and more confident in herself.

This book is large in size, but it is very easy to read. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the complex and fascinating life of Marilyn Monroe.
July 15,2025
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I was completely indifferent towards Marilyn Monroe when I first started reading this book. However, as I delved deeper into the pages, I found myself gradually falling in love with her. Donald Spoto has done an outstanding job of presenting Marilyn in a way that reveals her true nature. He shows us that she was not just a glamorous Hollywood icon, but a kind, down to earth, and all-round lovely woman. Through his detailed research and engaging writing style, Spoto brings Marilyn to life on the page. This biography is truly one of the best I've ever read. It offers a fascinating insight into the life and personality of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Marilyn Monroe or Hollywood history.

July 15,2025
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I did not finish this book because I was very disappointed in it.

The story seemed to lack a clear direction from the very beginning. The characters were not well-developed, and I found it difficult to connect with them on any level.

The writing style was also rather平淡, lacking the vivid descriptions and engaging dialogue that would have made the book more interesting to read.

Moreover, the plot was full of clichés and predictabilities. I could easily guess what was going to happen next, which took away any element of surprise or excitement.

Overall, this book failed to meet my expectations, and I decided to stop reading it before wasting any more of my time.

I would not recommend this book to others, as there are many better options available in the market.
July 15,2025
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This is a very in-depth book that takes readers on a captivating journey through Monroe's career, starting from the tender age of 16 all the way to her untimely death.

It is filled with a plethora of interviews that offer unique insights into the mind and life of this iconic figure. The author has painstakingly gathered these first-hand accounts, which provide a vivid and detailed picture of Monroe's experiences in the entertainment industry.

In addition to the interviews, the book also presents various theories that attempt to explain different aspects of Monroe's life and career. These theories add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the narrative, inviting readers to engage in their own思考 and analysis.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and times of Marilyn Monroe. It offers a comprehensive and engaging look at one of the most fascinating and influential figures of the 20th century.
July 15,2025
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I've always held a certain amount of respect for Spoto as a biographer within the film community. However, this particular work is very ponderously written.

He does have some valid points regarding Marilyn Monroe. She had no real sense of herself as she was constantly playing the role of MM and was surrounded by people who discouraged her from developing her own identity. But this is hardly a sufficient excuse for the subject to be so lacking in her own biography.

If his thesis that Robert Slatzer and Jeanne Carmen didn't actually know MM, let alone be her friends, that shows good research. Spoto is clearly attempting to distance MM from the Kennedys, and he might be correct. However, I would think that the allegation that Dr Greenson killed MM with a nembutal enema administered by housekeeper Mrs Murray must be actionable. And the claim of a re-marriage to Joe D planned for the Wednesday after her death is surely rather tenuous.

Spoto did manage to make me consider the respective influences of Natasha Lytess and Paula Strasberg. And he is right in stating that her style was much more naturalistic under Strasberg.

Overall, while there are some interesting aspects to this biography, it also has its flaws.
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