Blonde Dust - by Tatiana De Rosnay

Book Synopsis

"A lovely portrait of female friendship, loss, and the unexpected ways in which a life can change. Haunting."-- Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Women

A "Hollywood tale with heart" about a reimagined friendship between Marilyn Monroe and a young maid whose life will be changed forever, from the New York Times bestselling author of Sarah's Key. (Adriana Trigiani)

Pauline, a young chambermaid who works at the legendary Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada, is asked to step in for a colleague and clean Suite 614. Although she was told the rooms were empty, a dazed, sleepy woman appears before her. This is Mrs. Miller, aka Marilyn Monroe, whose stay in Reno coincides with the breakdown of her marriage to Arthur Miller and the filming of what was to be her last film, The Misfits.

Set in the American West in 1960 where the mustang horses run wild, an unexpected friendship unfolds between the most famous movie star in the world and a young cleaning woman whose life will be changed forever through the course of a few weeks. A testament to the enduring power of female friendship and a reimagining of a side of Marilyn Monroe that has never been seen before.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR BLONDE DUST
"Tatiana de Rosnay's new novel, Blonde Dust, is a lovely portrait of female friendship, loss, and the unexpected ways in which a life can change. Their story is one of redemption and growth, a moment of magic that reveals a version of the iconic actress we haven't seen before. Haunting."
--Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Women

"An excellent read....This outstanding biography will attract Daphne du Maurier devotees of all ages." Praise for Manderley Forever--Library Journal (Starred Review)

"De Rosnay gracefully builds in a metaphor comparing Pauline and Marilyn to the wild Mustangs that have dotted Pauline's life. All of them are wilting under the realities of lives that they don't have enough control over. All of them need to find a way to be free."--Historical Novel Society

"In the poignant, compelling Blonde Dust, Tatiana de Rosnay explores the way in which an unlikely friendship--between Marilyn Monroe and a young hotel maid--changed the course of the young woman's life. A heartfelt tale about the way the future can sometimes be altered through the most surprising kindness and generosity."--Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Queens of Crimes

"Tatiana de Rosnay is a global literary treasure and Blonde Dust verifies her status. Through Monroe's unlikely friendship with Pauline, a young hotel maid, de Rosnay compassionately draws a new image of the star. One of a deeply feeling, intelligent woman seeking her personal oasis but unable to escape the dust storm of celebrity. Expertly researched and insightfully crafted, Blonde Dust is a true gem."
--Sarah McCoy, New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author of Whatever Happened To Lori Lovely?

"Tatiana De Rosnay is a master craftsman who brings characters to life in real worlds. With her keen eye for detail and with great emotional sweep, de Rosnay captures the American west, the fragility and humor of Monroe, and the unforgettable friendship the star forges with Pauline. This is a Hollywood tale with heart."--Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The View from Lake Como

"This is a remarkable historical novel, a book which brings to light a disturbing and deliberately hidden aspect of French behavior towards Jews during World War II. Like Sophie's Choice, it's a book that impresses itself upon one's heart and soul forever." Praise for Sarah's Key--Naomi Ragen, Author of THE SATURDAY WIFE and THE COVENANT

"Triumphant...de Rosnay stokes the Malegardes' histories with raw and powerful reminisces and gorgeous descriptions. This is an emotional tour de force and a thoughtful, deliberate examination of personal tragedy and the possibility of redemption." Praise for The Rain Watcher--Publishers Weekly

"With Blonde Dust, Tatiana de Rosnay is at her best, pulling the story from the captivating cracks of flawed humans and their complicated relationships. This is Marilyn Monroe like you've never seen her--intimate, tragic, and beautiful. With the chambermaid Pauline as their entree, readers of this tale will be immersed in the heat of the desert, the kinetic glow of Old Hollywood, and the relentless trajectory of the incomparable movie star's final days."
--Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of Finding Margaret Fuller

About the Author

Tatiana de Rosnay is the author of over ten novels, including the New York Times bestseller Sarah's Key, an international sensation with over 11 million copies in 44 countries worldwide. Together with Dan Brown, Stephenie Meyer, and Stieg Larsson, she has been named one of the top ten fiction writers in Europe. De Rosnay lives in Paris, France.