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1110
Novel • Fiction
USA • 20th century
2000
Adult
18+ years
Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates is a fictionalized account of Marilyn Monroe's life, focusing on her turbulent journey as Norma Jeane Baker from her childhood in 1932 to her death in 1962. The book explores her relationships, struggles with substance use, and her rise to fame amidst personal and professional challenges, with intricate depictions of her multiple personas like the Blonde Actress and the Showgirl. This novel includes sensitive topics such as sexual assault, substance use, mental health issues, and abortion.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Bittersweet
Joyce Carol Oates' Blonde garners praise for its ambitious and evocative reimagining of Marilyn Monroe's life, blending fact and fiction with a lyrical, powerful narrative style. However, some critics find its length and harrowing content overwhelming, potentially alienating readers. The novel's deep psychological insight is both its strength and its challenge.
Readers who would enjoy Joyce Carol Oates' Blonde are likely fans of deeply psychological, character-driven narratives. They appreciate historical fiction with introspective prose and complex portrayals of iconic figures, similar to fans of Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex and Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch.
Gladys
Norma Jeane's birth mother who struggles with mental health issues and has a strained relationship with her daughter while withholding significant family information.
Elsie
Norma Jeane's foster mother who marries her off young, attempting to protect her from potential danger within the household.
Bess Glazer
Norma Jeane's mother-in-law through her first marriage, who seeks to uphold social conventions and is displeased with Norma Jeane's choices and career.
Bucky Glazer
Norma Jeane's first husband who exploits her innocence and uses their relationship to subdue her identity while seeking traditional family values.
I. E. Shinn
Norma Jeane’s agent who is both smitten with her and instrumental in shaping her public persona, highlighting a dual relationship of affection and commodification.
Cass and Eddy G
Two men closely associated with Norma Jeane, forming part of a trio known as the Gemini, which experiences complicated dynamics of love and betrayal.
The Ex-Athlete
A former professional athlete and one of Norma Jeane's husbands, whose personal insecurities and expectations create tension in their marriage.
The Playwright
Norma Jeane’s last husband characterized by his integrity and attempts to provide stability for her amidst personal and professional challenges.
1110
Novel • Fiction
USA • 20th century
2000
Adult
18+ years
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