Fragments is an event—an unforgettable book that will redefine one of the greatest icons of the twentieth century and that, nearly fifty years after her death, will definitively reveal Marilyn Monroe's humanity. Marilyn's image is so universal that we can't help but believe we know all there is to know of her. Every word and gesture made headlines and garnered controversy. Her serious gifts as an actor were sometimes eclipsed by her notoriety—and by the way the camera fell helplessly in love with her. Beyond the headlines—and the too-familiar stories of heartbreak and desolation—was a woman far more curious, searching, witty, and hopeful than the one the world got to know. Now, for the first time, readers can meet the private Marilyn and understand her in a way we never have before. Fragments is an unprecedented collection of written artifacts—notes to herself, letters, even poems—in Marilyn's own handwriting, never before published, along with rarely seen intimate photos. Jotted in notebooks, typed on paper, or written on hotel letterhead, these texts reveal a woman who loved deeply and strove to perfect her craft. They show a Marilyn Monroe unsparing in her analysis of her own life, but also playful, funny, and impossibly charming. The easy grace and deceptive lightness that made her performances indelible emerge on the page, as does the simmering tragedy that made her last appearances so affecting.
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"A truly remarkable account of Marilyn Monroe's literary side! I was very engrossed in reading her free-verse poetry, and there are amazing rare photographs of Ms. Monroe reading, writing, and socializing with dear friends from various art scenes! I hope more readers discover Marilyn's poetry."
— Milan (5 out of 5 stars)
“There is delight in this picture of the icon as more sincere, striving, intellectually ambitious, and perceptive than we'd ever have guessed.
— Publishers WeeklySentences trail across the page, then merge in clumps, like paper airplanes tossed into a net; multiple cross-outs, repetitions and misspellings make them a challenge to decipher. Nonetheless, a certain potency resides in their runic quality…Passionate decoders of the Monroe legacy will have a field day..
— The New York Times" Quite an impressive historic document, though not much more than that. "
— Cecile, 2/15/2014" a little sad to read through. but it does remind you that she was indeed like most people. "
— Fuzz, 2/10/2014" The subject is obsessive and there is definitely promise there, but the book is rather underwhelming. I wanted much more, I really wanted more insight into Marilyn's inner life, but I didn't get much - a couple of letters to psychoanalysts, some interesting raw poems and some dull explanations about when that and that happened in Monroe's life and why & how it influenced her. I wanted more and I realize I already stated that. "
— Zooey, 1/31/2014" Marilyn in her words. A good reminder that this icon was just like any other girl with dreams, goals, and insecurities. "
— Cindy, 1/25/2014" nothing for Marilyn Monroe beginners - but when you are a die-hard fan: This is THE book for you. Plus: Wonderful photos - most of them show Miss Monroe reading... "
— Irene, 1/17/2014" Great insight on the lovely icon. I have a new level of appreciation for Miss Monroe. "
— The, 1/10/2014" I actually did enjoy the book but not in the usual fashion that I would say I've enjoyed a book. There was a bit of a voyeristic nature to reading her notes, letters and poems--this was one of the primary reasons I tacked off a star. However, it was a good opportunity to see Marilyn's thought process. She has such a mythic status that I was very curious to read something that was in her own words. It was difficult to read due to the unvarnished nature of it and some of the raw emotional nature of it but it was still quite a good read. "
— C.R., 1/1/2014" This book was good but very short. I feel bad for how people treated her when she was alive and even now the fact that she was cultured is still mostly hidden away. People should see her as more than just a pretty face. "
— Callie, 12/31/2013" Marilyn in her own words. This book allows you to form your own judgement without the dictation from the writer, which is rare. A true gift for all Marilyn fans! "
— Laura, 12/22/2013" This is a wonderful insight into Marilyn's thoughts and feelings, very compelling reading. "
— Ilona, 12/6/2013" I felt awful reading this as it's hard to ignore the fact that this woman has been exploited enough. And I think I would die if my private thoughts were sold after my death. However, I tackle many demons that Marilyn faced and I was interested to see if our minds worked similairly. "
— Rosehip, 10/27/2013" This book redefines Norma Jean and shows her in her true beauty, depth and light. Fantastic. "
— Barbara, 5/17/2013" Interesting. I enjoyed the pictures the best. Early into this book I felt a little strange- a little too invasive , do we really need to immortalize every scrap of paper she scribbled on? She is a fascination. "
— Mellissa, 11/27/2012" Screen goddess, fragile beauty - this everyone knows. But this book gives an insight into a complex, gifted and intelligent woman - I loved it. Highly recommended for all Monroe fans. "
— Kate, 8/2/2012" this book is the holy grail of marilyn books! very impressive! "
— Samantha, 4/16/2012" this book is the holy grail of marilyn books! very impressive! "
— Samantha, 4/17/2011" Very very interesting- gives a really private look into the more introverted, perfectionistic side of Marilyn. Fascinating- read the whole thing in one sitting "
— Natalie, 3/28/2011" Interesting insight into the mind of a world icon. Some great photos, too. "
— Mia, 2/6/2011" A lovely look into the private life of Marilyn, gives you alot to to think about. "
— Teresa, 1/21/2011" What a smart, lonely woman Marilyn was. She seemed almost destined to burn out, rather than fade away. <br/> <br/>3/24 - I was listening to Moulin Rouge today... I wonder if Satine was based on Marilyn? "
— Jessica, 1/9/2011" Sad, poignant, a shame that she wasn't recognized for her intelligence. "
— Jayme, 1/9/2011" I think this is better-suited for hard-core Marilyn Monroe fans. "
— Leslie, 1/2/2011Isabel Keating has earned several AudioFile Earphones Awards for her audiobook narration and twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. As an actress, she garnered a Drama Desk Award, Theatre World Award, and a Tony nomination for her critically acclaimed 2004 Broadway performance as Judy Garland in The Boy from Oz. She was awarded the Helen Hayes Award for Best Actress in 2000 for her portrayal of Flora Crewe in Tom Stoppard’s Indian Ink.