107: Louise Beech | Wonderful, Historical Fiction, Marilyn Monroe & Reinvention

In this episode of In My Good Books, bestselling author Louise Beech joins me to discuss her extraordinary new novel, Wonderful.A lifelong Marilyn Monroe fan, Louise has spent years fascinated by the woman behind the icon. In Wonderful, she imagines an alternative history where Marilyn survives that fateful night in 1962 and is given the chance to walk away from fame and reinvent her life.Alongside Marilyn's story, we meet Flora, a working-class woman from Hull who is struggling with family responsibilities, grief and finding her place in the world. Connecting them both is an unexpected visitor: the Virgin Mary.We discuss:Louise's lifelong fascination with Marilyn MonroeThe real woman behind the Hollywood legendWhy Marilyn was far more intelligent and complex than popular culture suggestsThe surprising inspiration behind WonderfulWorking-class representation in fictionThemes of motherhood, identity and reinventionBlending history, spirituality and contemporary fictionThe realities of self-publishing after a successful traditionally published careerWhy Louise was determined to publish this book on Marilyn's 100th birthdayLouise also recommends two fascinating books about Marilyn Monroe, including a new release exploring the books Marilyn read throughout her life.If you've ever wondered who Marilyn Monroe really was, or love novels that explore what might have been, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Books discussed:Wonderful by Louise BeechMarilyn and Her Books by Gail CrowtherMy Sister Marilyn by Berniece Baker MiracleFollow Louise Beech and find out more about Wonderful through her website and social media channels:https://louisebeech.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/louise_beech_swanson/Link to the website Louise discussed in the episode:https://www.wkwproductions.co.uk/Subscribe to In My Good Books for more conversations with authors and book lovers.