Reclaiming Marilyn Monroe Through the Female Gaze with Lynn Cullen | Historical Fiction

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.Some historical figures feel larger than life — until you finally meet the woman behind the myth.In this episode, I’m joined by Lynn Cullen, an acclaimed historical fiction author who has spent decades uncovering the real people behind cultural legends. We dive into her latest novel about Marilyn Monroe, focusing on Marilyn’s deeply personal relationship with photographer Eve Arnold — the only woman Marilyn ever trusted to photograph her.We talk about trauma, fame, the female gaze, and what happens when a woman known entirely through images finally gets to be seen as herself. If you love feminist historical fiction, celebrity history, or stories that reclaim women’s narratives from the male gaze, this conversation is for you.📚 Books Mentioned When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen — Historical Fiction | Women’s HistoryThe Woman with the Cure by Lynn Cullen — Historical Fiction | Medical HistoryWriters & Lovers by Lily King — Literary Fiction | Writers & RelationshipsEuphoria by Lily King — Literary Fiction | Anthropology & LoveThe Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell — Historical Fiction | Women’s LivesLife After Life by Kate Atkinson — Literary Fiction | Time & History⏱️ Episode Timestamps [00:00] Lynn Cullen’s journey from children’s books to historical fiction[02:00] Why history is never boring (and always connected)[05:00] Why Marilyn Monroe still fascinates us[07:00] Eve Arnold and the female gaze[10:00] Trauma, fame, and Norma Jeane vs. Marilyn[14:00] Sleep, self-doubt, and the cost of celebrity[18:00] Women artists, recognition, and late success[22:00] Literary fiction recommendations & influencesJoin the ConversationSubscribe to our Substack for exclusive recommendations. (wtrnblog.substack.com)Follow & Subscribe: What to Read Next Blog | YouTube: What to Read NextSubscribe & leave a review!