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There are currently 24 member reviews
for When We Were Brilliant
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Lynne B. (Somersworth, NH)
Marilyn and Eve: Unlikely Friends?
At first when we meet Eve Arnold, a documentary photographer, and understand that she is going to photograph Marilyn Monroe, it seems preposterous that these two would become friends. Even though this story is historical fiction, it soon becomes very real. Eve Arnold is a real person and through Lynne Cullen's careful research the facts turn into a real possibility in the story. Eve and Marilyn develop a strange though deeply involved friendship that benefits both women. We begin to see the real Marilyn as she recounts her background as Norma Jean and we see the true personality behind the hype. Through Eve we discover the frightened orphan that is still behind the glossy Marilyn. You will enjoy this book immensely if you are interested in what the story of Marilyn Monroe might truly have been.
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Robin S. (Tall Timbers, MD)
When We Were Brilliant
Lynn Cullen's novel was so well written that somewhere along the reading, I had to remind myself that this book was fiction. She described her characters and the lives of women of the mid-century in a manner that made it easy to care about them and their struggles. The book is lengthy but necessary to identify and feel for the characters' friendship and lives.
I enjoyed reading and even knowing part of the outcome, I was fully engaged in the story.
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Charity M. (Herndon, VA)
Not my favorite
I had a difficult time slogging through this one. The second person narration grated on my nerves after a while, and the dialogue and interactions felt unrealistic and forced. There were good points being made, but I felt they got lost in the mix. Overall, just really not a favorite with me.
