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The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

by J. Randy Taraborrelli
Read by Robert Petkoff

     

This seven-disc collection of CDs (running time of 8 hours) provides a fascinating look into the private life of Marilyn Monroe, away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. So many of the myths and stories I grew up with over the years Taraborrelli explodes by the use of archival material and personal interviews with people who knew her closely. There is no doubt that Marilyn had a troubled youth; how troubled came as a surprise to me. Her mental issues and addiction to prescription drugs, her need to feel loved, her mistrust of the media, all make sense and will evoke compassion from any listener of these CDs.

This audiobook is not intended to be exploitive of Marilyn’s disarrayed life; rather it tries to make sense of it and attempts to put into perspective her real life along with her myth, her loves, and her legend. Taraborrelli details even the minute incidents in Marilyn’s life that ultimately led to her death, eliciting compassion and understanding far beyond that of those who infected her life. However, this collection does not intend to paint Marilyn with the trappings of complete victimhood. She was intelligent, an accomplished actress locked into demeaning roles, true to her heart, and truly loving the men she was with. Listen to this series of CDs and you will develop an admiration for the real Marilyn far beyond any you might have had for the well-known publicity creation.

The Book

Hachette Audio
August 2009
Audiobook / 7 CDs / Abridged / Appx 8 hrs
978-1-600240-651-7
Biography
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Chris Querry
Reviewed 2009
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