When We Were Brilliant
This novel delves deeply into the bonds between Marilyn Monroe (1926-62) and famous photographer Eve Arnold (1912-2012). Never knowing her mother or father, and abused in a series of foster homes, Marilyn learns early to flout her carnal appeal. Yet, all her adult life she craves both someone who truly loves her and respects her as a performer. Diminutive, Jewish Eve also claws her way upward. One of few female news photographers, she disdains studio sessions with staged poses and instead lets her lenses find and capture the real person. Eve immediately spots Marilyn’s “feral cat” complexity and acting talent. The two women see and feel each other’s brilliance, and Eve becomes Marilyn’s only non-judgmental friend. Many times, Marilyn calls Eve to drop everything and photo-shoot her in faraway places ranging from midwestern towns to big cities and movie sets.
The intensity and drama of Eve’s life often equal Marilyn’s. On a photoshoot in Cuba, the parents of a young girl beg Eve to take their daughter to America. They know the misery that awaits pretty, young women in Cuba. Eve encounters many other prominent people from Joan Crawford to Jackie Kennedy, from Jayne Mansfield to Malcolm X. She sees Clark Gable, in his last days, perform movie stunts despite a weak heart. Eve struggles to manage marriage, motherhood, and a career that takes her away from home too often.
The prose and dialogue superbly fit the characters. Arthur Miller’s words show the imperious jerk he was. Though spare and uncluttered, the descriptions of many settings and details work well. Joan Crawford’s Pepsi thermos with 140-proof vodka reveals much in few words. Cullen’s fascinating portrayal of two women helping each other achieve greatness in a male-controlled world is highly recommended.
