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Marlene
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
28 posts | 18 read | 23 to read
A lush, dramatic biographical novel of one of the most glamorous and alluring legends of Hollywoods golden age, Marlene Dietrichfrom the gender-bending cabarets of Weimar Berlin to the lush film studios of Hollywood, a sweeping story of passion, glamour, ambition, art, and war from the author of Mademoiselle Chanel. Raised in genteel poverty after the First World War, Maria Magdalena Dietrich dreams of a life on the stage. When a budding career as a violinist is cut short, the willful teenager vows to become a singer, trading her familys proper, middle-class society for the free-spirited, louche world of Weimar Berlins cabarets and drag balls. With her sultry beauty, smoky voice, seductive silk cocktail dresses, and androgynous tailored suits, Marlene performs to packed houses and becomes entangled in a series of stormy love affairs that push the boundaries of social convention. For the beautiful, desirous Marlene, neither fame nor marriage and motherhood can cure her wanderlust. As Hitler and the Nazis rise to power, she sets sail for America. Rivaling the success of another European import, Greta Garbo, Marlene quickly becomes one of Hollywoods leading ladies, starring with legends such as Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and Cary Grant. Desperate for her return, Hitler tries to lure her with dazzling promises. Marlene instead chooses to become an American citizen, and after her new nation is forced into World War II, she tours with the USO, performing for thousands of Allied troops in Europe and Africa. But one day she returns to Germany. Escorted by General George Patton himself, Marlene is heartbroken by the wars devastation and the evil legacy of the Third Reich that has transformed her homeland and the family she loved. An enthralling and insightful account of this extraordinary legend, Marlene reveals the inner life of a woman of grit, glamour, and ambition who defied convention, seduced the world, and forged her own path on her own terms.
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Crazeedi
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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#12Booksof2020 @Andrew65 #Day1
A fascinating story of Dietrich. I didnt know about her true heroism in WW2

Andrew65 A great choice. Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🎄🎅🎄🎅 4y
Crazeedi @Andrew65 Merry Christmas Andrew, have a lovely day 🎄🌠🎁 4y
Andrew65 @Crazeedi 🥰🥰🥰 Hope you do too. 4y
Crazeedi @Andrew65 very quiet, will be reading!!🥰 4y
Andrew65 @Crazeedi My day is reading and Litsy. 😍 4y
52 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Crazeedi
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Better late than never! Thanks for the tag @Klou
#wondrouswednesday @Eggs
🌼 tagged book
🌼 uninspired writing, my state of mind, too much emphasis on unnecessary descriptions and trashy words/scenes
🌼 William Kent Krueger, recommended from Litsy!❤
Anyone else want to play a day late?😉😍

Eggs Love Kruger💗💗 5y
47 likes1 comment
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Crazeedi
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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#friyayintro @4thhouseontheleft @howjessreads
Thanks for tag @Andrew65 ? and @TheSpineView ?
⚘ getting my gardens ready, cutting the first daffodils and hyacinths
⚘a fake extrovert (undercover I'm introverted)
3 eleven so far. My GR app isn't posting my books under "read", not sure why (see tagged book)
 @sudi @StayCurious @JoScho @laurenslibrary @kspenmoll @veritysalter @Mitch @MicrobeMom @EadieB
And any of my sweet friends ❤???

Andrew65 Number 2 suns up a lot of people. 😍 5y
Crazeedi @Andrew65 that's bookworms for sure, I'm really good public speaker, but I'd much rather just be home 5y
TheSpineView 😊😊😊 5y
See All 10 Comments
Andrew65 @Crazeedi Likewise can do public speeches no problem and handle most part of my jobs, but around that as introverted as it comes. 5y
MicrobeMom @thanks for the tag!! 5y
wanderinglynn A fake extrovert 😂 love that answer! 5y
kspenmoll Thanks for the tag my friend!! 5y
kspenmoll Love your “ undercover introvert- I can see you hiding ) 5y
sudi Thanks for the tag and love the undercover introvert thing 😂 5y
alisiakae 🌷💚 5y
55 likes10 comments
review
CocoReads
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Pickpick

Stayed up late last night to finish this fictionalized account of Marlene Dietrich, who I knew very little about. She was a woman ahead of her time, had many experiences, entertained the troops during WW2 despite being under pressure from Goebbels to return to her native Germany. Even though half the book doesn‘t take place there, I‘m counting it for #Booked2020 #setinhollywood hope everyone is staying safe and healthy

Cinfhen She‘s quite an interesting character 5y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Great review. I‘d like to know more about her! ♥️📚👊🏻 5y
53 likes2 comments
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Crazeedi
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Pickpick

The best Gortner book I've read so far. Here is the story of Marlene Dietrich, a movie star and so much more. I never knew she performed for the boys who were stationed at the front lines of the European theater. She performed under all the conditions they fought under. She hated the Nazis. She was a woman ahead of her time in soooooo many ways. You have to read this book to understand her life.

EadieB @Crazeedi Do you know what happened to @IndoorDame - I sent her a book in December and it was returned to me just today. I looked her up and she hasn't been on here for 2 months. Her name is Adina M. (edited) 5y
Crazeedi @EadieB I do not, @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks have you heard from Adina? We have been trying to check up on our friends Eadie, so thank you for telling me. 5y
EadieB @Crazeedi No I was wondering what happened to her as her book was returned to me. Possibly she moved away? 5y
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Crazeedi @EadieB I'm going to see if we can contact her. Thank you 5y
EadieB @Crazeedi Let me know if you find her. 5y
Crazeedi @EadieB most certainly, I'll ck her address too after xhurch 5y
EadieB @Crazeedi Say some prayers for my husband. He just called me because he was broadsided by someone who went thru a stop sign. He said the airbags went off and he only feels lightheaded but I suppose they will take him to the hospital. I‘m waiting for him to call me so I know where he is and if he has any injuries. 5y
EadieB @Crazeedi just want to let you know my husband came out of the accident with just a concussion so that‘s good! 5y
Crazeedi @EadieB omg, eadie, I'm so sorry I just now saw this!!! I was away with my sister Sunday afternoon till last evening!! I'm so sorry he was hit, that had to be so scary, and I'm relieved to hear nothing serious, but he almost certainly has whiplash too. I had that happen once. Have him see chiropractor maybe or his dr. Please email me how hes doing. Hugs❤❤❤ 5y
Crazeedi @EadieB and we will pray for him and for the situation at bible study this am 5y
EadieB @Crazeedi He just has a concussion and no whiplash or pain and he can‘t wait to get back on the treadmill but I think he needs to wait a few days until he is rechecked by family doctor. (edited) 5y
Crazeedi @EadieB I think you are right to encourage him not to do too much till checked. 5y
61 likes1 stack add12 comments
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Crazeedi
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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#friyayintro @4thhouseontheleft @howjessreads
I guess I've been a bit absent, so my dear friends @Lynnsoprano @AmyK1 @TheSpineView @AmyG @julesG @gradcat and @Cinfhen all tagged me, thank you for thinking of me💖💖💖
1 yes
2 tagged, great author
3 online various sites
4 I mostly wake up if I need to be up, no alarm for us retired folk!😉
5 anyone who hasn't done!!

AmyG You got all those tags! Ha! ❤️ 5y
Cinfhen Super popular 🥰🥰🥰hope you‘re doing well! 5y
gradcat @Crazeedi Missing you, as always. Hope you both (Miles) are doing well. ♥️♥️♥️ 5y
Crazeedi @AmyG @Cinfhen I have such special friends, makes my heart sing!💕💕 5y
Crazeedi @gradcat I'll send an email soon!! I miss you!! 5y
52 likes5 comments
review
marleed
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Pickpick

This fictional biography celebrated Marlene Dietrich from 1914-1946 (she died in 1991) Now, I need to do some googling to separate fact from fiction. Did she really have that many romps in that much hay!? ..If anyone is a fan of Evelyn Hugo you might want to check this book out - serious TSHoEH vibes in this one!

#ReadingEurope2020 Germany
#Booked2020 Set In Hollywood

Crazeedi I love Gortners books, I have to get this 5y
marleed @Crazeedi I really enjoyed it. I couldn‘t help but wonder if her Hollywood story would be written in quite the same way today following MeToo. Her participation in the USO is fascinating and that‘s the part I really want to google. 5y
Crazeedi @marleed I just ordered the book, I have really enjoyed every one of this authors books, recommend them all. Just read her Sara bernhardt one, loved her coco chanel book... 5y
marleed @Crazeedi I need to read more from her. I can‘t wait to hear what you think! ...TJR often comments that Stevie Nicks and a 60s Linda Ronstadt were her inspiration for Daisy Jones. I wonder if she had specific inspirations for Evelyn because Marlene sure had her vibe. 5y
Crazeedi @marleed hmmm that's possible! The recluse etc... 5y
67 likes5 comments
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GinEyre22
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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#LitsyAtoZ update

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GinEyre22
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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#readingresolutions Day 1: February TBR
#riotgrams Day1: Shelfie

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tracyrowanreads
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Mehso-so



Marlene: A Novel is for people who want some kind of fantasy about Dietrich. That's fine, but it's not for me. Gortner gets two stars for creating a highly readable book if nothing else. And when you think about it, that's something of a triumph for someone writing in a genre this awkward.

https://goo.gl/y8dgjr

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tracyrowanreads
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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So, spang in the middle if American Gods tonight the power goes out in the neighborhood. Our neighbor goes home to check her puppy and 90+ yo aunt, and The Housemate goes up to her apartment. What to do? Fortunately I had two fully charged Kindles and one charged laptop. I probably could have held out until morning. An hour later the lights came back on, but I will never forget to keep all the gadgets charged.

12 likes1 stack add
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tracyrowanreads
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Wow, great sale week so far. Picked up: Marlene (a novel, not a bio), two Joan Didions, The White Album and Slouching Towards Bethlehem, Wild Mind by Natalie Goldberg, The Historian, Pachinko (I blame you Littens!), The Enchanted, and Six of Crows. Also two freebies: The Social Contract by Rousseau, and Strange Practice by Shaw, via Net Galley.

All ebooks so instead of book porn you get to look at the divoon Dietrich.

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Sensitivemuse
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Pickpick

Beautifully written and greatly recommended. Great descriptions of Weimar Berlin and its' age of decadence. I absolutely loved this portrayal of Marlene Dietrich. A strong willed woman who was not afraid to speak up, social and moral codes be damned! Well done and a pleasure to read. Pick this up if you're a fan of history or of the actress herself.

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Sensitivemuse
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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I love this part.

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candc320
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
Pickpick

Excellent look at both the golden age of Hollywood and both World Wars through the eyes and experiences of a remarkable woman. I was only slightly aware of who Marlene Dietrich was before reading this novel, but now I'm a super fan. A definite must read for history and Hollywood fans! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Reviewsbylola I am looking forward to this! 8y
candc320 I'm excited to hear what you think, @Reviewsbylola ! 8y
11 likes3 comments
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BookNAround
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Gonna settle in with this one while the baking perfumes the house.

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WilliamMorrowBooks
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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🎉Giveaway!🎉 Are you in a book club? We're giving away the ultimate prize pack for a Hollywood Glamour Movie Night, including copies of MARLENE and MADEMOISELLE CHANEL by CW Gortner, a DVD of Morocco, a visa gift card, champagne flutes, movie candy and tote bags! Find out more and enter for a chance to win: https://a.pgtb.me/2th56F

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candc320
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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#bookmail 2! I can't get over this cover and just keep looking at it!

11 likes1 stack add
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WilliamMorrowBooks
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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If you love old Hollywood glamour, you'll love C.W. Gortner's novels! MARLENE is coming soon in paperback. ✨✨

Reviewsbylola Definitely need to read this one! 8y
45 likes13 stack adds1 comment
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Library-Belle
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Just opened up to start and already am loving it!

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OakCliffGirl
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Started this read based on my trusted book advisor @Frontline1272 - it's a great start to my vacation!!

Frontline1272 Glad you are enjoying it. I loved it! 8y
8 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Cathleennh
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Pickpick

Excuse me while I troll 1920s Berlin with a fearless protagonist, answering only to her own sense of restlessness and destiny. Hard to remember I was actually on a beach in NH. engrossing.

Cathleennh I forgot to #24in48! 8y
2 likes1 comment
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Frontline1272
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Finally....been waiting to read this 😁📖

OakCliffGirl Let me know if you like it ! 8y
Frontline1272 @OakCliffGirl I am loving it - 1/3 of the way through it. Can't put it down. 8y
OakCliffGirl Then I'll add it to my reading list. I just finished The Nest. Wasn't impressed. 8y
2 likes3 comments
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Cyril
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
Pickpick

Terrific bio novel that conjures up 1920s Berlin and the complex mind of a young woman longing to become a star.

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WilliamMorrowBooks
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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Pickpick

A beautiful and insightful novel about the Hollywood icon, Marlene Dietrich!

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MissSusie66
Marlene: A Novel | C. W. Gortner
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I have a DRC of this but just saw that Bernadette Dunne is the narrator so will be waiting for the audio of this one!

6 likes2 stack adds