The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe Audiobook By J. Randy Taraborrelli cover art

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 months free
Try for $0.00
Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT.
Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo after 3 months. Cancel anytime.

The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe

By: J. Randy Taraborrelli
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
Try for $0.00

$0.00/mo. after 3 months. Offer ends July 31, 2025 at 11:59PM PT. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $22.49

Buy for $22.49

Confirm purchase
Pay using card ending in
Switch payment method
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use, License, and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.
Cancel
From New York Times best-selling author J. Randy Taraborrelli comes the definitive biography of the most enduring icon in popular American culture.

When Marilyn Monroe became famous in the 1950s, the world was told that her mother was either dead or simply not a part of her life. However, that was not true. In fact, her mentally ill mother was very much present in Marilyn's world, and the complex family dynamic that unfolded behind the scenes is a story that has never before been told...until now.

In this groundbreaking book, Taraborrelli draws complex and sympathetic portraits of the women so influential in the actress' life, including her mother, her foster mother, and her legal guardian. He also reveals, for the first time, the shocking scope of Marilyn's own mental illness, the identity of Marilyn's father and the half-brother she never knew, and new information about her relationship with the Kennedy's - Bobby, Jack, and Pat Kennedy Lawford.

Explosive, revelatory, and surprisingly moving, this is the final word on the life of one of the most fascinating and elusive icons of the 20th century.

©2009 J. Randy Taraborrelli (P)2009 Hachette Entertainment & Celebrities Women

Critic reviews

"As Taraborrelli brushes away cobwebs of myth and rumor, his remarkable research and fluid writing captures Marilyn's élan, sensitivity, desperation and despair with a haunting intimacy." ( Publishers Weekly)
Well-researched Content • Fascinating Story • Excellent Narration • Compassionate Portrayal • Detailed Account
Highly rated for:
All stars
Most relevant  
In depth account of the legend Monroe void of the ever murder theory . Gave a good insight into her childhood without the usual so call molestation and abuse so many historians have embellished to the point of religion.. Good and clear account . Unfortunately the murder conspiracies will always overshadow the obvious.

Finally!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This is a good capture of Marilyn's life that leaves you thinking about many of her options and society at the time.

A good Marilyn tale

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Would you listen to The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe again? Why?

No , once was enough

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe?

How she lived with her husbands, she truly was abused.

What does Robert Petkoff bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He did a good job with his narration, but I think it would have been better if it was a female narrator.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Marilyn, she really was not a dumb blonde

Truly was a secret

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I never knew how interesting biographies could be. This is a fascinating book about a fascinating woman. A great listen!

Great!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A well-performed, well-written biography of an icon. There is nothing startling in the book but it is a good all round account of the life of a Hollywood personality. Marilyn Monroe appears to be yet another personality used and abused by the system prevalent in Hollywood.

I cannot recall having heard the word "however" used more frequently by a writer. It became something of a distraction.

Interesting but not earthshaking.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would not recommend this to a friend. My first biography on Marilyn and I was disappointed. The book jumped around so much it was hard to follow. The narator was the only bright spot.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

Marilyn of course.

Could you see The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No

I was somewhat dissapointed with the story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

What about Robert Petkoff’s performance did you like?

I thoroughly enjoyed Mr Petkoff's performance, not many men would be able to give voice to Marilyn Monroe, but he certainly does. I will look for other titles which he narrates.

Any additional comments?

The life of Marilyn Monroe is surely one of the most popular biographies of modern times. Most, however, have the feeling of sensationalism. This book feels more realistic and down to earth. I feel like I have heard the 'real' story of the her life.

The ring of truth....

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The author could not use the word “moreover” more 🙄 throughout the entire book. Poorly written

Author Poor

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

What made the experience of listening to The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe the most enjoyable?

The narration and the books incredibly detailed story.

What did you like best about this story?

The details

What about Robert Petkoff’s performance did you like?

Clear and sexy voice

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

mm is brought back to life!

This book brings mm back to life!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Nothing at all new . If you've read other bios about her life don't even bother with this one.

A Fluff Piece

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews