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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.

When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen — Historical Fiction | Women’s History

The Woman with the Cure by Lynn Cullen — Historical Fiction | Medical History

Writers & Lovers by Lily King — Literary Fiction | Writers & Relationships

Euphoria by Lily King — Literary Fiction | Anthropology & Love

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell — Historical Fiction | Women’s Lives

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson — Literary Fiction | Time & History

[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 & influences

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