Review: The Blonde by Anna Godbersen

The Blonde
written by Anna Godbersen
published by Weinstein Books

release date: May 13, 2014

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Book Depository, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I was asked by the publicist to review this book. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: I like the ending.

There’s a quote on page 342 that sums up the novel beautifully. “There are already too many stories, and you know how once there’s a little scandal people love to fabricate on top of that.”

That’s what Godbersen does. She takes an over-sensationalized story and adds a lot of fabrication.  It’s too bad because I like the idea of the book. In the end, I’m just not much of a conspiracy theorist.

The other problem for me was the characters. I couldn’t cheer for any of them. The Kennedys are portrayed as wicked. Marilyn is nauseating (until the very end). Alexei, the CIA, and FBI; they’re all bad guys.  We really don’t have a protagonist in the story. Without someone to cheer for the novel falls flat.

Would I recommend it: I think there’s an audience for this book. Conspiracy theorist will love it. Otherwise, just check it out of the library and read the last three chapters. Note of caution: Anna Godbersen’s previous series was geared for young adults. This is an adult book with profanity, graphic sex, and other mature situations.

About the book: At the height of the cold war, Marilyn Monroe was the most famous woman in the world, but what if she was also a secret soviet spy?

In 1948, a young, unknown Norma Jeane Baker meets a mysterious man in Los Angeles who transforms her into Marilyn Monroe the star. Twelve years later, he comes back for his repayment, and Marilyn is given her first assignment from the KGB: Uncover something about JFK that no one else knows.

But a simple job turns complicated when Marilyn falls in love with the bright young president, and learns of plans to assassinate Kennedy. More than anything, Marilyn wants to escape her Soviet handlers and save her love — and herself. Desperate, ruthless, and brilliant, what she does next will leave readers reeling.

From New York Times bestselling author Anna Godbersen comes a whip-smart reimagining of the life of Marilyn Monroe, set in a world of silver screen glamour and political intrigue. At once a crackling portrayal of Old Hollywood, an intimate portrait of the larger-than-life star, and a cat-and-mouse thriller, The Blonde is history rewritten as it could have — and might have — been.