Overview

A vivid reimagining of the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe: "A massive, magnetic story by a major American novelist writing at the peak of his powers" (San Francisco Chronicle).

When eighteen-year-old Normalyn discovers a letter asserting that Marilyn Monroe was her true mother, she travels from Texas to Los Angeles to uncover the truth . . . and ventures deep into a maze of untold Hollywood history.

Through the memories of others, Normalyn recreates Marilyn's secret life. She encounters David Lange, a prize-winning writer obsessed with the actress's legend; Mildred Meadows, who once ruled Hollywood—and Washington—with her gossip column; the fabulous nightclub entertainer Troja; Dr. and Mrs. Crouch, once hired by the movie studios to tell any lie and conceal any truth, no matter what the cost in destroyed lives; and Miss Bertha, a gentle old recluse, who may have been the confident of great stars.

This startling...