The authors do a wonderful job of bringing out the personalities of their subjects. With Marilyn, we get a very real and heartbreaking character arc from a vulnerable and damaged yet eager and hopeful soul, to a woman broken by drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Ella too feels real, with both her prickliness and her kindness, but I would have liked a little bit more about her singing -- not just the logistics of her career but also the songs she loved and why she loved them.

Unfortunately, the authors are a bit prone to info-dumping and on-the-nose dialogue ("Don't get mixed up with any of that Kennedy clan. They will be your downfall for sure."). Still, they effectively give you the sense of a warm and vital friendship that makes you really care about both women and wish that things could have turned out differently. A poignant and worthwhile read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I enjoyed this book. It moved at a good pace. It was engaging. It was written with great sensitivity to both women's stories without judgement. Marilyn's story seemed to take over Ella's a little bit, I think that's because her story is so much more dramatic. Ella came off at the stronger person but a less interesting character. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It made me sad, but that's to be expected in any book focusing on the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe.

Thank you to @netgalley and @williammorrow for this advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe were at the pinnacle of their respective careers and sparked a deep and unlikely friendship. For fans of either of these legends or or Hollywood or music in this remarkable era, this is a satisfying historical fiction. Of course I knew the basics of these two as most of the world would, through their music, movies, and their magazine interviews, but this book goes deeper, to the root of their friendship steeped in love, support, hardships, fears, and secrets.
Marilyn was so different from her persona but was abused by Hollywood. Ella was a gifted singer but had barriers of race and appearance. Both women had so many similarities that made them perfect friends for each other and the love they shared is enviable.
This book has it all from Hollywood to Europe, from the Rat Pack to the Kennedys. You know the story, which propels the book, but be ready to feel the story. Of course license is taken and this book is not written as a biography so there are some occasional questions that arise. If you like a book that has you looking people, places and situations up in your web browser, than this book is for you.
This would make a good book club pick, and would be great for readers advisory.
4*

Will never stop being excited about things that honor successful women & very interesting story lines! Such an interesting story & grateful for the ARC - can’t wait for the release!

Thank you to @netgalley and @WilliamMorrow for this ARC. Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe had the most unlikely friendship that spanned decades until Marilyn's death. Monroe wrote to Fitzgerald asking for voice lessons for an upcoming movie. Fitzgerald was self taught and didn't think she had anything to contribute. This started years of being penpals before they even met face to face. They shared their hardships, their love lives and all their secrets only to each other. I had no idea this sweet friendship even existed. #CantWeBeFriends #ElizaKnight #March2024 #WilliamMorrowBooks

This was a sweet book honoring two women who were forces in the entertainment industry. Both women dealt with so much. Ella had to deal with racism and Marilyn had to deal with her mental health issues. I can't help but wonder what if they had lived in a later time and if that would have made each of their lives better. Each woman was strong despite having crazy things happen in their lives and I'm glad I read this. Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the chance to read an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect for fans of either of these legends!

"Can't We Be Friends," highlights defining moments in Fitzgerald's and Monroe's lives while simultaneously paying homage to the power of female friendship. At first glance, one would assume these women have nothing in common beyond a shared experience with notoriety. However, Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald found kinship and support in each other amidst the pressures of fame and the challenges of being women in Hollywood during a misogynistic time in history.
This portrayal perfectly blends both historical fiction and creative license by imagining the conversations that took place between the two stars. The reader is perfectly immersed into the Golden Era of Hollywood as well as what life must have been like to be constantly pursued by paparazzi. As a huge fan of both women, this novel does justice to their friendship and one should walk away with a deeper understanding and compassion towards both of them.

Thank you to Knight, Bryce, William Morrow Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!

***This review, expressing my honest opinion, is voluntary, and I extend my gratitude to William Morrow, William Morrow Paperbacks, and NetGalley for providing the e-ARC***

Ella Fitzgerald, celebrated as one of the world's most renowned jazz singers, and Marilyn Monroe, an iconic actress, were not only luminaries in their respective fields but surprising friends as well. Unveiling an intriguing chapter in their lives, this narrative unfolds in 1952 when Marilyn sought out Ella to teach her to sing. Although Ella initially declined, their connection blossomed into a deep and enduring friendship that endured until Marilyn's untimely death.

The book, "Can't We Be Friends," delves into pivotal moments in both women's lives, placing a spotlight on their friendship while shedding light on the prevalent misogyny of their era. Beyond their shared stardom, Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald found solace and support in each other amidst the pressures of Hollywood. The narrative navigates through the complexities of their experiences, from their shared dreams of overcoming hunger to facing the challenges of fame.

As the pages unfold, readers are transported to a bygone era, witnessing Ella working alongside Frank Sinatra, Marilyn's marriage to Joe DiMaggio, and their performances at iconic venues. The vivid descriptions allow readers to envision the roaring crowds, the constant presence of paparazzi, and the demand for Marilyn and Ella to be "on" at every public appearance. Their lives, though charmed, were marked by both glory and adversity, and the book underscores the profound support they found in each other.

The author skillfully weaves historical fiction around two intriguing characters, offering readers a window into the lives of two extraordinary women. This exploration of Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald's friendship not only provides entertainment but also imparts a deeper understanding and compassion for the complex lives of these stars. For lovers of historical fiction, this book serves as a captivating journey into the unknown facets of familiar figures, leaving readers with enhanced knowledge and empathy for the challenges faced by those in the spotlight.

A fictionalized account of a friendship between Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald.

It reads like non-fiction, is well research and well written. I enjoyed it