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There are currently 24 member reviews
for When We Were Brilliant
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Carol R. (Fruitland Park, FL)
Very Personal but Nothing Really New
I read this book in its entirety, but never really enjoyed or liked it much. The facts of Monroe's life were accurate, and I appreciate the author's interpretation of her inner life. The research into both Monroe's and Arnold's lives is compelling. I knew little or nothing about Eve Arnold and do find the book engaged my interest in this successful and powerful woman. The focus on Monroe and Arnold's friendship was interesting, but both women seemed to use the other in a way I found repellent. I grasped their similar struggles with patriarchal attitudes and structures, but I just didn't like them very much. Arnold's character seemed almost whiny, and I felt both characters viewed themselves as someone special--deserving of different treatment than the rest of women of their time. I wonder if their IRL personalities might have been less narcissistic and more empathetic.
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Diane J (Western PA)
Marilyn Monroe - an entry point to an amazing photographer partner
My impression of Marilyn Monroe is a Warhol's silkscreen portrait and a short clip of "The Seven Year Itch" movie with the Rachmaninoff piano concerto. So, I read Lynn Cullen's historical fiction "When We Were Brilliant" with a neutral and minimal expectation of the famous Hollywood star. I did gain a deeper appreciation of the actress, but I am most grateful for the opportunity to learn about Ms. Monroe's photography partner, Eve Arnold.
Ms. Arnold had a fascinating career, covering current events (e.g., McCarthy hearings and Malcolm X rallies) as well as Hollywood superstars of the day. She led a new wave of female photojournalists in the mid 20th Century. As the first woman to join the Magnum Agency, she had premier magazine assignments, such as Life, Look, Harpers Bazaar and Esquire. Along the way, she faced gender discrimination and the familiar struggle of balancing work and home life.
Author Lynn Cullen gives a fresh look at Marilyn Monroe's life story by telling it from the perspective of her friendship with Ms. Arnold. Personal interactions between the two gives us a better understanding of Marilyn Monroe's health challenges and her deep desire to have a family. We also have a behind the scenes look at Marilyn's participation in the famous Actors Studio workshops.
I would recommend the book to any reader who enjoys historical fiction or loves the Golden Age of Hollywood. When We Were Brilliant would also be appreciated by anyone interested in photojournalism or the history of discriminatory situations faced by women professionals.
Thank you to BookBrowse and Berkley publishing for the opportunity to review an Advance Reader's Copy of When We Were Brilliant.
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Nancy D. (Bradenton, FL)
Women Enpowering Women
One of the things I love most about historical fiction is that not only do you have a relevant story, but you get to learn some facts about people, places, and times. When I started When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen, I knew little about Marilyn Monroe and absolutely nothing about Eve Arnold. They were both in professions that were dominated by men. But they were strong women with a plan. Through this novel, I learned about their lasting and enduring friendship. Their friendship helped each of them to seek their dreams. It is about women helping women to achieve those dreams. Marilyn was certainly not what she appeared to be, and through Eve's photographs the public was afforded to see some of the true Marilyn. The book also explores the personal relationships of each woman and how both tried to make their relationships work while working very hard to achieve success. It is a true women's book which celebrates women empowering women through friendship and trust.
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Molly Y.
A Refreshing Historical Fiction!
When We Were Brilliant is a breath of fresh air. It is, at its heart, the story of two women, Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jeane) and Eve Arnold, who recognized a kindred spirit in the other and became colleagues and friends. The story is told linearly, which I loved, and it worked well in this novel. Eve was the only female photographer to photograph Marilyn. I loved reading about their first meeting and all the subsequent encounters. The progression of their support and friendship was surprising to me. I knew very little about Marilyn Monroe's life before I began reading this novel.
Some elements of the story appear to be non-fiction facts about her life, although it is written as fiction. After Marilyn and Eve meet for the first time, they form a lasting partnership that will endure for the rest of their lives. The author did an excellent job painting vivid images of both women, as well as their personal struggles. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning. The author conducted thorough research for this book, and it shows. It feels like reading a biography about both women while also reading a fiction novel. I feel like I got a glimpse behind the curtain regarding Marilyn’s life, and I enjoyed learning Eve’s story and how it intertwined with Marilyn’s.
It’s a great book and worth the time to read if you love historical fiction or biography. There is a sense of wonder and artfulness about the book that will stay with you long after you read the last page (and what an ending)!
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Labmom55
Interesting look at Marilyn Monroe
So, everyone knows about Marilyn Monroe. But how many know of Eve Arnold, the photographer who helped document Norma Jeane Baker's transformation into Monroe? When We Were Brilliant tracks the friendship of the two and how while they used each other to advance their careers they also appreciated each other and became true friends.
Cullen takes a ballsy approach by writing some of the book in second person narrative, with Arnold addressing the narrative to Monroe. I'm usually not a fan of this writing style, but it works here. I was unaware of the extent of the hardship Monroe faced as a child. It explains a lot about her personality. But what shines through is how Norma Jeane literally creates the persona of Marilyn Monroe. She wasn't a dumb blonde, she knew exactly what she was doing. Which makes it all the sadder as she succumbs to her demons.
Cullen hammers home the sexism of the day. While Monroe certainly used her sex appeal to her advantage, at the same time, the sexist attitudes fed her insecurity. Arnold's story is more familiar - the lone female in a male dominated industry. Cullen tried to express Arnold's talent, but one really needs to see her photos to get a real feel for her talent.
Cullen has obviously done her research and it shows. She fills scenes with the little details that make them come alive. She uses secondary characters to round out the story. Joan Crawford's constantly comparing herself with Marilyn, for example. I also appreciated learning about Arnold's friendship with Gordon Parks.
And can I say what a pleasure it was to have a historical fiction told in a linear manner?
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
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Sarah L. (McKeesport, PA)
A Complicated Friendship
Two women form a complicated friendship that no one sees coming. When Norma Jean Baker (a.k.a Marilyn Monroe), and Eve Arnold meet one night, both of their lives take an unexpected turn.
Lynn Cullen's take on this dynamic duo proves that she did her research. Through her research she was able to form not just the story, but likable characters who help make the story what it is. The viewpoint she gives the readers of one the most controversial women in history, sheds light on a side of Monroe I never really knew existed.
I loved this book and I really hope there is an audiobook coming out so that I can read it again along with the audio to really make the story come to life.
I would 100 recommend this book to anyone, whether you are a historical fiction person or not.
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Suzi S. (The Villages, FL)
Interesting take on an icon
I thought I knew a lot about Marilyn Monroe, but this is a completely different take from all of the tabloid stories. It seems to be well researched and to be honest is just a great story of a complex relationship that was interesting to read.
