ELLROY READS – Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe by Anthony Summers
October 6, 2024
For the latest episode of Ellroy Reads, I look at one of the most influential books that Ellroy has ever read – Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn Monroe by Anthony Summers. Yes, that’s right, I would rank Goddess book above Don DeLillo’s Libra or Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest in terms of its importance and weight in influencing Ellroy’s career.
I think I have your attention. Hear my argument in the video below, and if I convince you, then hit that subscribe button. And if I don’t convince you, subscribe anyway:
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The Venetian Vase 
I borrowed a copy of Goddess a few months before The Enchanters came out. Interesting book but actually seemed a bit tame/restrained compared to what I was expecting based on its reputation over the years. Also likely that after hearing much more sensational Monroe conspiracy stories over so many years, the shock may have come from the book being more professional than the tabloid reputation.
Hi Dan, it is a lot better than I expected. He builds a convincing case, even though there were moments I thought he was stretching leads, he never veered into the absurd.