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

This book helped this reader gain insight into both Marilyn Monroe's life and the photographer Eve Arnold's struggle to capture personalities in her photos. As one needs to be reminder at times, there is more to anyone's personal story than "meets the eye". The author portrayed the main characters as real heroines in a world that created "stars" on the screen and published works. The wonderful relationship between Marilyn and Eve was one based on truth and understanding. Both realized they were fighting a battle to be seen in a "man's world.

This is a very engaging, well written book that is very easy to read because the author did a splendid job of really drawing you into the story and making you feel like you 'almost' know Eve and Marilyn. It's fiction, but provides insight into a relationship that was important to both women and how their connection helped manage both of their careers. Marilyn struggling to be taken seriously and Eve struggling to succeed as a female photographer in a male dominated field. Thoroughly enjoyable.

We all know Marilyn Monroe, but how about Eve Arnold, the photographer who became her personal photographer and friend? Meticulously researched, this story brings to life a new side of Marilyn Monroe. Eve took a documentary approach to her photography, avoiding studio shots and artificial lighting, and her photos are unique. Her subjects come to life in her photos, making them memorable. I enjoyed this tale of two women forging their way through life with a complicated relationship that ultimately benefited both. Countless famous people spun through these women's orbits, and Eve photographed many of them. Eve Arnold is worth learning about, and check out her photos!

I was hesitant to read this book because I have read many books about the life of Marilyn Monroe in the past. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find that this book centered on the relationship between Ms. Monroe and a photographer with whom Ms. Monroe shared many intimate thoughts. I am a photographer, although not a portrait photographer. I was extremely interested in the life of the photographer written about in this book.

"When We Were Brilliant" by Lynn Cullen is a work of historical fiction that reads like a biography. Lynn Cullen has written many books about women whose lives she finds intriguing. Her research into her characters takes her beyond just research, but into their lives, homes, birthplaces and most importantly their thoughts. It is written that Lynn Cullen starts her books with a question and in the case of "When We Were Brilliant" that question is: Who is the woman behind the most famous face in the world? The story revolves around two women, one being Marilyn Monroe, and the other Eve Arnold a photographer. The story is written in the voice of Eve talking to Marilyn. There is a quote in the book said by Marilyn "I mean show people something they've never seen before." Between Marilyn's quote and Eve's response in the book - "As I stared at you. How'd you know I live for that? You put out your hand. 'Deal?'" we are helped to understand what these two women embark on as they journey to make their way in a man's world. Specifically, a world that views women as sex symbols, mothers and objects to enhance a man's place in the world. Lynn Cullen does a remarkable job at bringing the real Marilyn Monroe out which is so much more than what the public saw. She brings to light the brilliance of Marilyn who knew exactly what she needed to do to get what she, Norma Jean, wanted to achieve. Her friendship and partnership with Eve Arnold did not start out as an easy relationship but grew into friendship, respect and understanding. Both women knew what they had to fight against to be taken seriously in the time and place they lived. Marilyn is portrayed as a bright and driven woman, as is Eve. Eve is a photographer who really knew how to get to the heart of her subjects. Eve herself struggled to be seen - just like Marilyn. And the title "When We Were Brilliant" is perfect for describing their lives, friendship and struggles. Lynn Cullen wrote a brilliant, beautiful book that shows the lives of two remarkable women.

I loved how this book brought a totally new perspective to the life of Marilyn Monroe for me. I didn't know anything about Eve Arnold, but this prompted me to do some research into her life and look at some of the photos she took of Marilyn. I did have a bit of an obsession with Marilyn Monroe when I was in high school and knew that she lived a tormented life, but this put a new twist on it for me. I loved the story of the friendship of these two strong women through the years and how they had to fight for the respect of the men in their lives. It gave a great history but the friendship added a personal flavor that I really enjoyed.

This book was a perfect blend of fact and fiction creating an immersive story of two complex successful women simply living their lives. Cullen did not shy away from the impact these women and others like them had on the beginnings of the feminist movement growing traction at the time. She also included several cultural truths and taboos relevant of this period including race, sex, abuse, journalistic voyeurism, poverty and drug abuse, painting the complete and wholistic picture for the reader. While these themes were woven throughout the storyline, this was ultimately a book about friendship and trust and love. Eve Arnold and Marilyn Monroe both achieved fame and notoriety while grappling with their identities and striving to be seen for their personal truths. Their struggles and triumphs are given depth and purpose during each changing phase of their lives allowing the reader to sympathize with every chapter. The narrative is given through Eve's perspective speaking almost directly to Marilyn which also easily pulls the reader into their reality. I was utterly captivated by every aspect of this story and couldn't recommend it enough. I'd give it a solid 5 stars!!

This book did an exemplary job of turning my opinion of Marilyn Monroe on its head. I have seen many of her films, and have heard and have read the usual summary of her life, but this novel really made me think of her in a completely different way. I was unfamiliar with Eve Arnold (and paused the book to do my own research and look at some of the photos mentioned).

The story of their friendship amidst the patriarchal worlds of both publishing/photography and Hollywood/Broadway does shine a light on the struggles of women during that era. The book is well-researched and easily readable It makes we want to go back and watch all the Monroe films mentioned to look for the woman behind the makeup.