BLOG TOUR: Wonderful - Louise Beech

A Hollywood idol. The Virgin Mary. An everyday girl from Hull.

Three women, three eras, surprising things in common...

On 4th August 1962, the night she should have died, Marilyn Monroe – the biggest star in the world – receives a visitor who changes the course of her destiny. The Virgin Mary appears in her kitchen with a curious message. Inspired, Marilyn abandons her home, her life, her fame, and disappears into the night…

Fifty-four years later, in a Hull kitchen, Flora Baker finds Mary, bathed in light. She has a similar message for the working class woman who is on the poverty line and dreaming of a better life. Flora begins to make changes that impact not only her life but the lives of those around her…

Do Marilyn and Flora have more in common than just Mary’s visit? Are they somehow linked across time? And is Mary’s message for all the women of the world?

Wonderful is about the way women are portrayed in both history and the world of celebrity, about women not being quiet, and about women united by the shared stories that shape them.

 

What did I think?

I do love turning the first page of a Louise Beech book as you just never know what you're going to get and Wonderful is certainly unusual with characters including Marilyn Monroe and The Virgin Mary.  It sounds crazy but it really works and I absolutely loved it.

Louise Beech writes with such warmth, wit and passion as she brings Marilyn Monroe back to life on what would have been the star's centenary year.  I think it's the first time that I have read about Marilyn and not felt such devastation at her early demise as this alternative history is a much better story.

The way the characters link together is nothing short of magnificent as the threads of the story weave a magical 'what if' tale that entertained and delighted me.  Marilyn Monroe is iconic (as is The Virgin Mary, of course) and it was so refreshing to see the side of her that was often hidden from the cameras.

Incredibly powerful and thought-provoking, Wonderful is an unforgettable and unmissable novel.  Louise Beech scoops all the stars again; an easy five stars for this very highly recommended read.

I received a digital ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

My rating:

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What Happened to Marilyn - Alexander Rigby

Marilyn Monroe wakes up inside the rust-colored brick walls of an extravagant mansion in Savannah, and is informed that it’s the year 2062. 

The young man who tells her this is Jeremiah Gold, whom Marilyn met just days ago in California, a century earlier. He quickly explains how he traveled back to 1962 in the time machine he invented, to save her from the death that would have otherwise overtaken her. At first Marilyn is unable to comprehend the truth, but as Jeremiah discovers that the news of her legendary demise is still mysteriously in place, she decides to align her trust in him. 

In time, the brazen blonde emerges out into the southern city, taking caution so that none of the citizens of Savannah recognize her. Marilyn knows it’s dangerous, but she can’t quench the urge she has to explore this futuristic world, regardless of the warnings Jeremiah gives her. 

What Happened to Marilyn is a time-bending novel that gives one of the most famous women in the world a shot at redemption. As she struggles to deal with her identity and her unfulfilled dreams, Marilyn wonders if she should stay with Jeremiah, or return to the past that will never let her go.

What did I think?

I openly admit to not being a science fiction fan, but when a book about Marilyn Monroe came up for review I just had to read it, time travel or not.  It was actually a really interesting story and made me wonder about time, events and what ifs.

With flying cars and time travel, it reminded me of Back to the Future but Jeremiah Gold is a lot smarter than Marty McFly.  It is clear that Jeremiah is different, he's a clever guy and is miles ahead of his compatriots in 2062.  When his mother dies he vows to fulfil her wish of going back in time to save Marilyn Monroe from her premature death.  Alexander Rigby has paid fantastic homage to Marilyn as she felt very true to life, not that I can confirm this having not met her of course.  It begged the question as to whether you could really go back and change events in history.  Could one small change have a cataclysmic effect?

Life in 2062, apart from the flying cars, seemed very similar to today; people have the same thoughts, feelings and insecurities.  I don't think I will be still alive in 2062 but I hope some of Alexander Rigby's ideas come true.  I loved the idea of going to a dance or disco and putting in earphones to listen to the music - I could completely visualise people swaying to a silent beat.  I'm not so sure about cloning yourself to cure your ills though, but if that did come to pass then maybe I will still be around in 2062!

What Happened to Marilyn is certainly something a little bit different.  Don't be put off by not reading sci-fi, there are no space ships or aliens in here!  It's a must read for any Marilyn Monroe fan and for anyone looking to read something a bit out of the ordinary.  I certainly enjoyed it.

I received this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

My rating:

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