The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

By: J. Randy Taraborrelli

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

Length: 8 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture.

When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world, and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now.

In this groundbreaking book, Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress' life, including her mother, her foster mother, and her legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn's own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn's father and the half-brother she never knew, and new information about her relationship with the Kennedy's - Bobby, Jack, and Pat Kennedy Lawford.

Explosive, revelatory, and surprisingly moving, this is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the 20th century.

©2009 J. Randy Taraborrelli (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

"As Taraborrelli brushes away cobwebs of myth and rumor, his remarkable research and fluid writing captures Marilyn's élan, sensitivity, desperation and despair with a haunting intimacy." ( Publishers Weekly)

Finally!!

In depth account of the legend Monroe void of the ever murder theory . Gave a good insight into her childhood without the usual so call molestation and abuse so many historians have embellished to the point of religion.. Good and clear account . Unfortunately the murder conspiracies will always overshadow the obvious.

A good Marilyn tale

This is a good capture of Marilyn's life that leaves you thinking about many of her options and society at the time.

Truly was a secret

Would you listen to The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe again? Why?

No , once was enough

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe?

How she lived with her husbands, she truly was abused.

What does Robert Petkoff bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He did a good job with his narration, but I think it would have been better if it was a female narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Marilyn, she really was not a dumb blonde

Great!

I never knew how interesting biographies could be. This is a fascinating book about a fascinating woman. A great listen!

Excellent story as well as narration!

This was a very fascinating story and the narrator did a great job in expressing emotions behind the words.

Great listening

Excellent book, a lot I did know about MM. very informative. You'll enjoy it. Thanks

Interesting but not earthshaking.

A well-performed, well-written biography of an icon. There is nothing startling in the book but it is a good all round account of the life of a Hollywood personality. Marilyn Monroe appears to be yet another personality used and abused by the system prevalent in Hollywood.

I cannot recall having heard the word "however" used more frequently by a writer. It became something of a distraction.

I was somewhat dissapointed with the story.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this to a friend. My first biography on Marilyn and I was disappointed. The book jumped around so much it was hard to follow. The narator was the only bright spot.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

Marilyn of course.

Could you see The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

The ring of truth....

What about Robert Petkoff’s performance did you like?

I thoroughly enjoyed Mr Petkoff's performance, not many men would be able to give voice to Marilyn Monroe, but he certainly does. I will look for other titles which he narrates.

Any additional comments?

The life of Marilyn Monroe is surely one of the most popular biographies of modern times. Most, however, have the feeling of sensationalism. This book feels more realistic and down to earth. I feel like I have heard the 'real' story of the her life.

Author Poor

The author could not use the word “moreover” more 🙄 throughout the entire book. Poorly written