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Marilyn: A Biography
- Narrated by: Jeff Harding
- Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Entertainment & Performing Arts
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Publisher's Summary
This extraordinary biography of the legendary screen star Marilyn Monroe was originally published in 1973 by Norman Mailer, one of America's most important writers of the second half of the Twentieth Century. Mailer, the winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, was the first writer to explore the relationship between Monroe and Bobby Kennedy. When published, this book was the subject of Time and Life magazine cover stories, was on The New York Times Bestseller List.
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What listeners say about Marilyn: A Biography
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall
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Performance
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- Diane
- 30-07-2015
Very poor book
Would you try another book written by Norman Mailer or narrated by Jeff Harding?
Not by Norman Mailer. Jeff Harding is normally quite a good reader but even he could not make this book enjoyable
What could Norman Mailer have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
He could have told a clear story about Marylin Monroe instead of the tedious one that he wrote.
Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Jeff Harding?
Nobody. Jeff Harding is a good reader provided he has a good book to read.
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Marilyn: A Biography?
Less psychological tedium and more clear description.
Any additional comments?
I have listened to only part of the book and hope that I can return and buy something better.
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Performance
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Story

- Lurain Williams
- 11-03-2015
Just Finished First Audible Book...
If you could sum up Marilyn: A Biography in three words, what would they be?
Informative, Riveting, Unbiased.
What other book might you compare Marilyn: A Biography to, and why?
First Biography I have read as audio which brings narrative alive.
Have you listened to any of Jeff Harding’s other performances? How does this one compare?
First time I have listened to a Jefff Harding narration. I found him to be very expressive throughout especially when reading quotes from various characters.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Whenever there was a reference to Marilyn's Childhood.
Any additional comments?
Look forward to my next audible
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Performance
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- Bex
- 10-12-2014
Dreadful
What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?
A different book?
What was most disappointing about Norman Mailer’s story?
The rampant objectification and sexism.
How did the narrator detract from the book?
The voices were dreadful.
If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Marilyn: A Biography?
To be honest, most of it.
Any additional comments?
Don't listen to this book.
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Overall

- Dr
- 23-12-2012
Would much prefer to read the book
Found the person voicing this to be awful, very sleezy, completely ruined what otherwise seems to be a good book. Hope to get it in book form some day but reluctant to pay again
1 person found this helpful
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Overall

- Mrs
- 22-11-2012
The best I have read on the subject
If you read only one of the dozens of books on this subjuect, make it Mailer's. It cuts through the usual sentimentality and slush to bring a totally unique perspective.
1 person found this helpful
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Performance
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Story

- Dazler
- 11-07-2015
Poor
Any additional comments?
Very disappointing. I know Norman Mailer is an award winning writer but I found his style annoying. His views and "insights" seemed to constantly miss the mark. Don't bother!
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- honeybee
- 28-10-2014
THE WORST AUDIO BOOK I'VE EVER HEARD
this book is awful, the narrator lustfuly talks about marilyn like she is his personal sex object, 4 times in the first 20 mins calling her his "sex angel" and constantly goes off on completely different subjects, so nothing in her life story is in order. I just wanted a normal book about her life, she's an icon and fascinating, not a sleazy mans waffleings. the narration is so hard to follow, he every word sounds overly thought out, almost like hes talking on a game show. i would love to return this book, but it was one of the buy 2 get one 3 deals so i know i wont be allowed.
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