Book Review: Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight
Expected publication March 5, 2024
My Review:
Thank you to NetGalley for an Advance Reader’s e-proof courtesy of HarperCollins Publishers of ‘Can’t We Be Friends’ a novel of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight
The timeline culminates from 1952-1962. The memories they shared of lost mothers, evil stepfathers, orphanages, and early marriages gone bad. Meeting because of a song.
Marilyn Monroe grew up in the foster care system and as an adult actress, cynics and people judged her and categorized her. She must match the image that everyone wants. A sex goddess, desired by many. She holds onto a wealth of sadness (All About Eve). Marilyn wanted to be taken seriously and admired for her talent as an actress. No recent actress has had this much power over her career, owning and operating a production company, a pioneer for women in Hollywood. Inspired by her friend Ella who had control and say so over her career.
Ella was filled with guilt of a failing marriage, the time she doesn’t spend with her little boy, and her hectic recording and performance schedule, in which she forged her own path as a jazz artist, that swings, be-bops, and scats, Her voice becomes an instrument, and she rules the stage. Selling out every venue she appears in.
I love how the authors interjected quips in Marilyn’s thoughts, and responses, such as “Oh, boy, does that ever boil her goose,” or “…How about we quit moping and rattle on the dance floor.” Their mutual love of tasty food, bonding their friendship is endearing.
Is the real reason they hadn’t hired Ella to perform at a nightclub on Sunset Boulevard could have been because she had no sex appeal? They were fine with Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, and Eartha Kitt singing and dancing at the Mocambo Sunset Strip stage, wearing sleek, figure-hugging rhinestone-covered dresses with plunging necklines and breath-stealing cinched waists.
Both Ella and Marilyn had big dreams, and that’s what saved them. Ella, fighting bigotry, and racism. Marilyn, a one-woman strike with Fox and her own demands for higher pay and better scripts. They both had lost lovers, marriages and had pains that neither wanted to rehash. Marilyn struggled with addiction and mood disorders. A contrast between her stardom and troubled private life
Georgiana was my favorite character. I liked her frankness, stern demeanor, and loyalty. The author’s descriptions and mannerisms of Marilyn seem convincing, right down to her lipstick brands and color choices. This novel left me with a deep sense of sadness for both ladies, but more so for Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jean). It hurt to read how Ella tried to resuscitate the friendship between her and Marilyn on many occasions, and under many circumstances, but was constantly pushed back.
Grammar or sentence structure was at times a distraction, and some of the scenes were contradictory (People Will Say Were in Love). At times the dialogue became confusing, and I didn’t know who was saying what. Understandably this is an ARC and there was a likely possibility. The epistolary aspect of the novel is ideal, but overall I respectfully appreciate the research of this novel since 2019 between Knight and Bruce, and discovering the connection between Ella and Marilyn. The authors note at the end of the novel explains many of the creative license they chose to incorporate facts and speculation. Such as speculation about Marilyn Monroe’s final moments before she died. I in fact, watched the movie The Misfits while reading this novel and could candidly see the framing of the cruel exposure of Arthur Millers’ view of Marilyn and their marriage. This novel made me more curious and interested in further exploration into both of these legendary and iconic woman’s life stories.
#NetGalley #Can’tWeBeFriends #Onnaday_________________________________________________________________________________
Historical Facts:
- Mocambo Club. the hottest nightclub scene in America on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles Place - Zelda Wynn Valdes, Chez Zelda dress shop, Manhattan boutique, a much sought-after dress and costume designer. She is one of the first Negroes to own such a boutique in Manhattan, and president of the New York City chapter of the National Association of Fashion and Accessory Designers, founded by Mary McLeod Bethune.
Beyond The Pages:
About the Authors:
Denny S. Bryce is a best-selling, award-winning author of historical fiction. A former dancer and public relations professional, Denny is an adjunct professor in the MFA program at Drexel University, a book critic for NPR, and a freelance writer whose work has appeared in USA Today and Harper’s Bazaar. She is also a member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Tall Poppy Writers. Originally from Ohio, she likes to call Chicago her hometown but currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. You can find her online at DennySBryce.com.
Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast.While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
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