What do readers think of When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen? Write your own review.

From Marilyn Monroe admitting, "I don't really know who I am," to photographer Eve Arnold's ability to distill truth and communicate vulnerability through her lens, Lynn Cullen pulls back the curtain to show Marilyn's fortitude in confronting chronic pain and heartbreak. In this respectful look at friendship, Cullen explores what the lives of Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold "might say to us about being human." This is an insightful, compelling character study of "dirty girl" Norma Jeane, who became the super star that we know as Marilyn Monroe. Eve Arnold, Norma Jeane's only real friend, manages to illuminate her soul through photography. Marilyn Monroe: An Appreciation holds the treasured photographs and was the springboard for this novel. Lynn Cullen spotlights Marilyn's marketing genius combined with Eve's powerful photography in When We Were BRILLIANT. As Norma Jeane would say, "Imagine!"

Having read an advanced reader copy of Lynn Cullen's latest historical novel obtained via BookBrowse, happily enough in "one go," I am struck by its cleverness and the adeptness of its author, both as researcher and writer. Award-winning photojournalist Eve Arnold serves as narrator of this engrossing tale, thus showcasing two individuals' intertwined careers - that of herself and that of movie star, Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe. The story occurs at a time of changing roles and expanding media modalities wherein only the grittiest and savviest of women can function, let alone get a foothold. The result yields much to ponder and would appeal to women's book groups as well as students of Women's History and Old Hollywood. Comparing and contrasting these two shining stars and their brilliant trajectories - one shortened by tragedy - likely would yield thoughtful analysis and lively discussion.

I enjoy historical fiction books about events and/or people I know little about. When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen perfectly fits the bill. Although I knew the basics about Marilyn Monroe prior to reading the book, I was not at all familiar with Eve Arnold, a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of photojournalism. Cullen did an amazing job of not only introducing me to Eve, but giving me the opportunity to get to know her and her work through this story. However, this book is about much more than two famous two women. It is a look at female friendship, the difficulties faced by women who desired a career in the 1950s and 60s, and the big stories of that time period. I will definitely be checking out Cullen's other works.

I always have a problem reading fiction based on real people and events. Instead of enjoying the book as written I wonder what is real and what is not. That said I did find this story so well researched and the writing exciting that I enjoyed every page.

The story explores the relationship between Marilyn Monroe and Eve Arnold The events in Marilyn's life and Eve's are both true and the dialogue is interesting and probable. Marilyn's short life was a search for respect and love Eve was searching for acceptance and success as the first female photojournalist. Their friendship sustained them when their successes came at a great cost.

We who knew of Marilyn have memories. Those who did not will learn of his icon's sad and lonely life.

I was 8 years old when Marilyn Monroe died so she was never really a part of my culture. But I've seen her movies and read the rumors about her and her many lovers. She was truly bigger than life but being big just makes the crash to earth much harder. I love Ms. Cullen's portrayal of her; a shy, insecure, dirty girl as she called herself. She really was just Norma Jeane not the bombshell, slut, killer of marriages that the press and public made her out to be. The only other book that I've read that claimed to be about Marilyn was Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates. It didn't paint a pretty picture. I didn't know anything about Eve Arnold, although I am going to look her up to read more about her. I truly felt while reading this book that it was the real Eve writing it. The writing was that brilliant and convincing. I am glad these two women were able to find each other and to know that Marilyn was able to find a true friend among all the wolves. Anyone obsessed with or in love with Marilyn Monroe should definitely read this book,

When We Were Brilliant is a book that allows us to view Marilyn Monroe through an entirely different lens and will change forever what you thought you knew about the cultural icon of the 1950s. Though a novel, the book is impeccably researched and gives the reader a detailed look at the wonderful friendship and collaboration that developed between Marilyn and Eve Arnold, a documentary photographer. Both women become empowered by this relationship. This book shows how Norma Jean Baker created Marilyn Monroe and even refers to her in the third person. We are treated to her humor, wit, intelligence and ability to manage the dialogue and the situation. Eve Arnold was able to capture Marilyn on film, like no other photographer, without the use of retouch, tripod, or studio and with only natural lighting. This book will remind the reader of those written by Marie Benedict and Patti Callahan and would make an excellent book club selection.

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.

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.