When I got the chance to read Tatiana de Rosnay’s new book, I couldn’t pass it up! It did not disappoint. I love the connection of Marilyn Monroe and mustangs both of which were born to be wild and free. Paulina, Billie-Pearl, Doug and even the sorrowful Marcelle will all stay in your head for a while after the final page. Another winner from a notable author!

Tatiana De Rosnay’s latest book, “Blonde Dust,” is about Pauline Bazelet, a cleaner for the Mapes Hotel in Reno, who meets Marilyn Monroe and her entourage while cleaning her suite at the Mapes hotel during the filming of the movie, “the Misfits” in 1960. As a youth, Pauline had dreams of becoming a equine veterinarian after her experiences at a ranch that rehabilitated injured wild mustangs. These dreams were dashed when she found herself pregnant out of wedlock after a clandestine relationship with Kendall Spencer, the assistant director of the Mapes hotel. After she gives birth to her daughter, Libby, Spencer gets her a job as a cleaner at the hotel, where she is consigned to cleaning the bathrooms on the main floor.

She gets a lucky break when the cleaner for the sixth floor breaks a wrist and is forced to take a leave of absence from the hotel. Pauline takes her place cleaning Marilyn Monroe’s suite. What follows is a sweet friendship in which Marilyn pays her the respect she has sorely lacked and builds her confidence.

The book alternates in time between Pauline’s present tending to Marilyn Monroe and Pauline’s past growing up in Reno as a transplant from her native Paris, falling in love with wild mustangs, and meeting Kendall Spencer. The book is bookended by the demolition of the hotel in 2000, an event which Pauline attends, and that becomes a stimulus to reminisce about her past there.

The characters are well-drawn, including Marilyn herself, and the author does a great job recreating the feel of 1960’s Reno. On the negative side, the book seemed to move very slowly, particularly when the author went into excruciating detail describing Pauline’s cleaning routine at the hotel. However, overall it was well-written and engaging as long as the reader realizes that it is somewhat slow paced. This book should appeal to anyone who likes historical fiction with likable characters who overcome obstacles and grow throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Books for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I finished this book in 2 sittings. It was captivating.. I loved the relationship Pauline had with Marilyn. It showed the complicated and sad side of Marilyn yet she was so caring and giving, I felt sorry for her and what she did for Pauline was so generous and thoughtful. It allowed Pauline to achieve her dream. Pauline kept Marilyn’s troubles to herself. She was a good friend to her. I loved everything about this book

Pauline’s story goes back and forth between now and then and how for a short time she was befriended by the one and only Marilyn Monroe.

Pauline was born in Paris and when her mother married an American, they moved to Nevada.
That’s where little Pauline learned about the wild Mustangs and how poorly they were treated.

The dream to be a veterinarian was born and to help the wild horses became her passion, but life doesn’t always go as planned and this story will tug at your heart and put a smile on your face as well as a tear in your eye as you read how this young girl ended up being Marilyn’s maid at the Mape’s hotel while the actress was in Reno filming “The misfits “.

I loved how the story evolved and the characters were colorful and fun.
4 “Happy People “ stars

I received a free ARC ebook of <i>Blonde Dust</i> from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Marilyn Monroe epitomizes the movie star of a bygone era. Happiness, however, was elusive. Here, the author combines the supposed glamor of movie stardom with the very down to earth character of a hotel cleaning lady, Pauline.
Monroe and entourage are in Reno while filming <i>The Misfits.</>. Production is not going well, and Monroe's pill and alcohol use are on full display. Unexpectedly, the maid whose own dreams of becoming a vet had been derailed by an unexpected pregnancy is assigned to clean her suite. The two lonely women have much in common. Both are manipulated by men in power, and both have dreams of another life. Marilyn's escape comes via pills and alcohol while Pauline's comes through her connection to horses, especially the wild horses of Nevada.
The author captures the late 50s setting of Reno and the dismissive way intelligent, talented women were treated. There's lots to enjoy in this book.

This book was quite enjoyable. I’ve never read anything about Marilyn Monroe and didnt know much about her. I thought the main character was likable and I was always rooting for her. The other characters were great as well. The history of the hotel was equally interesting that I had to do a little research myself on the actual place for a visual. I haven’t read any books of this author other than Sarah’s Key, which I loved. Would highly recommend this book and the author. Thanks to Netgalley for advanced copy!

Vivid descriptions and fantastic character development made this a heartwarming read. With two interwoven subjects the author takes you on an unexpected educational adventure and a behind the scenes glimpse at a Hollywood icon.

This was such an easy five star read because everything about this book had me in a chokehold. I was deeply obsessed with Marilyn Monroe and her entire biography from age 17-24, and this book showed what I imagine, was the real side of her people didn’t see. Where she noticed the background characters, loves children and animals, and doesn’t want to be known as a sex symbol. Blonde dust is written beautifully with a style that makes you want to continue reading. I didn’t know about French war brides before, so this sent me down a rabbit hole on that piece of history. Marcelle in Reno was such an interesting juxtaposition , and then Pauline becoming the epitome of someone in Nevada with loving horses added a nice layer of conflict. I loved seeing Pauline growing up and Marilyn encouraging her to spread her wings and be the person she wants to be since Marilyn didn’t seem to really get to do that herself, plus breaking away from Kendall’s grasp was inspiring. The ending too… perfection. This book was SO good and I need a paper copy for my shelf.

I absolutely loved this book. This was an easy to read, beautifully written story about a young girl and her love for horses and a lesson in treating famous people as real people. The first few chapters started out slow but once the story jumped into the past, I could not put the book down. The story is about Pauline and is told from 3 time periods in her life, present when she’s in her 60s, in 1960 when she’s a maid in a hotel who is befriended by Marilyn Monroe. The final time line starts out in 1946 post WWII Paris and continues into 1958 Reno, NV. This is my favorite timeline. Pauline is a young girl in Paris whose widow mom falls in love with an American GI and they move to the US. We see them leave Paris and travel to Reno. Pauline’s stepfather is a kind man who introduces her to horse rescuers and the plight of the wild Nevada mustangs. My heart broke reading about what was being done to these beautiful creatures. The 1960s timeline focus on Pauline in her 20s as a single mom working as a maid in a hotel where the cast and crew of the movie The Misfits was staying while the movie was being filmed. I know that Marilyn Monroe was a troubled woman but also a kind woman. This book shows that through a point of view of a young maid. Even though Marilyn is in Pauline’s life for only a few months, she leaves a dip impact on her life. The ending of the book when we come back to the present day did drag on. It did tie up the story nicely. I do wish there was a note from the author about how much of the story is true and how much is pure fiction, about both the wild Mustang horses and Marilyn Monroe and the filming of the movie.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book

Wonderfully written as all her books are and well researched. This writer writes such immersive fiction that you remember years later . Another gem by this author. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me

I loved this book. From the first sentence I was captivated. This is a story of how we can connect and change each other. The book is accurate to the filming of The Misfits, and which is important when reading historical fiction. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of this book
The story of a young girl that moved from Paris to Nevada with her mother. Pauline developed a love for wild mustangs and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian but people and things got in her way and she worked as a cleaning maid at a luxury hotel scrubbing toilets! One day another maid was unable to work and Pauline was sent to work for “Mrs miller” who she didn’t realize was actually Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn liked her so much and requested her as her permanent maid, a friendship developed and when the film Marilyn was on location to film wrapped up, she left a check for Pauline which enabled her to follow her dream of becoming a veterinarian

It has been a while since I've read a novel by Tatiana de Rosnay, and Blonde Dust has put her back on my radar. I will soon catch up on the books I've missed. The book begins when Pauline was the young daughter of a widowed French woman who marries an American GI in France, and mother and daughter traveled with other GI wives to the US, settling in Reno, NV. The mother is very much a fish out of water, a Francophile who doesn't adjust well to life in Nevada. Pauline adapts well, and she loves her stepfather and, eventually, her new brother. She develops a love of horses through her best friend who is involved with a ranch which tries to protect wild mustang horses. When she works at a hotel where the actors from The Misfits are staying, she meets and is befriended by Marilyn Monroe, then Mrs. Arthur Miller. The author does a wonderful job bringing all the characters and the locale to life. Marilyn's kindness has a huge impact on the rest of Pauline's life. It was fascinating to learn about many of the subjects covered in the book, from wild mustangs to hotel operations (reminiscent of The Maid without the humor), the film industry, veterinary medicine and, of course, Marilyn Monroe, at a very difficult period in her life. I found this very much a historical novel covering several time periods up until 20oo. It was very atmospheric. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it.

*Thank you to NetGally and Grand Central Publishers for granting me free access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own*

Blonde Dust by Tatiana De Rosnay
3.75/5 Stars - Rounding up!
Read April 2025 - ARC

Blonde Dust reimagines the life of Marilyn Monroe in a heart-wrenching, touching, and beautiful way.

Positive messages: 3/5
Things aren’t always what they seem. Just because you look happy on the outside, doesn’t mean that’s true for your heart. Fame doesn’t equal happiness and love. Don’t judge a book—or a person—by their cover. Look close enough to see someone’s good traits. Forgiveness, kindness, and empathy are displayed by many characters.

Positive role models: 3/5
Pauline, the main character, is naive and still, as an adult, learning how the world and people work. Readers will connect with her shy, quiet nature that develops into a boldness that no one can turn from.
Lily, Pauline’s daughter, understands her mother and is dear to her. Throughout the novel readers see her in two ways: the girl in the pink dress with pigtails and a huge grin and the woman with children of her own and one who is responsible and cares for her mother dearly. Either way, she’s a beautiful girl with a heart of gold.
Billie-Pearl, a friend of Pauline’s, tries to keep things between then lighthearted and help Pauline to remember how life’s supposed to be and how friendships are supposed to work.
Marcelle, Pauline’s mother, is broken and deals with alcohol addiction. Readers may be able to relate with her fragility and longing for love.
“Mrs. Miller” who turns out to be Marilyn Monroe?! seems to be dealing with a lot of pain. However, she proves to readers that people who are overestimated, underestimated…or maybe just not understood can be kind and thoughtful on the inside. You just have to look close enough.
Doug is Pauline’s step father and she described her love for him being great—just as she would love her biological dad. Doug mentions that he loves listening to Pauline and what’s going on in her life. He’s observant and honest.
Gus and Nick, two of Pauline’s lovers throughout her life, were both very kind to her.
(Negative) Kendall is deceiving and the way he looks at life and love in a sensual a and selfish way is disgusting. However, toward the end of the book, he seems like he is coming close to a change of heart. Not fully…but close

Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 3/5
Characters drink until drunk and smoke. Medicines are given to characters who are distraught and may have been overdosed on. Multiple characters are alcoholics.

Language: 1.5/5
‘Prick,’ ‘s—t,’ ‘hell,’ and ‘damned’ are used very infrequently (once of twice each) ‘Friggin’ and others alike are used scarcely.

Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 1.5/5
A character finds mutilated wild horses in a car (eyes missing, legs cut off, some dead). Characters are distraught and their pain is evident.

Sex, Romance, and Nudity: 3/5
Terms for making love are mentioned. The main character works at a hotel and walks in on a couple making love. Another time, she knocks and enters, meeting a woman who is distraught and completely nude. She isn’t embarrassed about this, and doesn’t dress. The woman’s state is described (her breasts, ‘pubic fuzz,’ etc.) Affairs and other “complicated” romantic relationships are mentioned/hinted on throughout the novel. Characters get pregnant out of wedlock and have toxic romantic relationships.

What You Should Know:
First off…I like the cover. That’s what caught my eye. I think it’s really pretty 💗
Second, I love almost everything else. At first, I was a little confused (the time periods switch a lot) and felt like it was going to be a bit boring. But…it wasn’t! It only took me a few hours (2 sittings, 1 day) to finish. After I was around ¼ through, I decided I really liked it. The novel brings to light really interesting topics for discussion—either with others or just in your own mind!
I encourage adults to read this one. It’s a gem of fiction, while also bringing in some true facts. Marilyn Monroe was broken, but also kind. Some of the topics such as alcoholism, depression, and toxic relationships are displayed and may be heavy for some readers. Keep this in mind if you decide on this book.
People aren’t always what they seem.
Stories aren’t always how they’re depicted.
This is an incomplete (not fully edited) ARC, so I am not permitted to share quotes at this time. However, if you have any questions regarding content, please reach out and I would be happy to inform you.
Happy reading!

Age Range Recommendation: 15+ A Fiction
TRIGGER WARNINGS/ADULT CONTENT: DEPRESSION/GRIEF, ALCOHOLISM, ABSENT FATHER FIGURE/IMPLIED CHILD OUT OF WEDLOCK, TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS, NUDITY

Thanks to Net Galley for this ARC

Book Review: Blonde Dust by Tatiana de Rosnay

Blonde Dust by Tatiana de Rosnay is a captivating and fast-paced novel that kept me engaged from start to finish. The story, which takes place in the summer of 1960, revolves around a seemingly far-fetched premise: Marilyn Monroe requests a specific maid to assist her during a period of personal struggles. While this setup might seem unlikely, de Rosnay uses it as a vehicle to explore Marilyn’s yearning for a normal, happy life and the complexities of the relationships in her orbit.

One of the aspects I appreciated most about the book was its seamless transitions between time frames. Initially, I was concerned that the constant flashbacks to earlier years might disrupt the flow of the narrative, but de Rosnay managed these shifts with such skill that they felt natural and integral to the story. The descriptions of the years leading up to 1960 gave valuable background and depth to the characters, making their motivations and struggles more understandable.

Although the plot itself may seem improbable, particularly with the idea of Monroe specifically requesting a maid, the book uses this framework to examine the emotional intricacies of Marilyn’s life and the devotion of the people around her. The real heart of the novel, however, lies in the story of Pauline, the maid, and her own struggles with self-doubt and her desire for a better future for herself and her daughter. Pauline is a well-developed and relatable character, and her journey, both alongside and separate from Marilyn’s, adds a grounded perspective to the novel.

The description of Blonde Dust as “a testament to the enduring power of female friendship” may seem to refer to Marilyn’s brief interaction with the protagonist, but in reality, it reflects the deeper and more meaningful relationship Pauline shares with her long-time friend Billie-Pearl. Their friendship is the emotional backbone of the story and gives it a sense of authenticity and warmth.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Blonde Dust. While its premise may be unconventional, the novel offers a poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of personal aspirations. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick, emotionally engaging read.

My thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advance copy of this historical novel that takes place in the early 60's in the divorce capital of the world Reno, Nevada, about the friendship that forms between a young woman and the most famous woman working on her last movie.

I have always been a fan of biographies especially ones that go deep into the lives of others. I enjoy finding out what makes people interesting, what gave them their drive to succeed, or not to succeed. What shaped them into good people, or what might have lead them to the dark side. Memoirs on the other hand I run hot and cold on. Most memoirs are cash in quick tales, shaping a life to fit a narrative skipping over things that make the writer, or the one who has hired a ghost writer to do the writing, look positive. Conversations are remembered as are facial expressions, which as I can't remember what I had for lunch or dinner, always makes me question these books. So one would think that I would not like historical fiction stories, taking famous people and trying to make a story involving them, maybe changing things to fit the facts, for fixing facts to make a story. I must admit, I am a sucker for a good historical fiction. I love to suspend my disbelief, pretend that I am there, and fall into the story as it is laid out. Especially when one is in the hands of a writer like Tatiana de Rosnay. Blonde Dust is a story about fame, love, settling, mustangs, making movies, and making a life, set in Nevada during the early 60's, featuring one of the most beautiful and saddest actresses nearing the end of her rope.

Paulina's life is not going the way that she expected. Arriving with her mother and stepfather from France in the early 50's Paulina had hoped to have a life dealing with horses in a veterinary role. Life has gotten in the way, along with a child, and Paulina now spends her days working as a chambermaid at the Mapes Hotel in Reno, famous for the stars who stay there, and people waiting to apply for divorce. Paulina is asked to clean a room, a room thought empty and here she encounters a tired looking slightly out of it woman named Mrs. Miller, but better known as Marilyn Monroe. Mrs. Miller is in town filming a movie entitled The Misfits, a movie that seems cursed with temperamental stars, a director who feels he is slumming, script problems from Mrs. Miller's husband playwright Arthur Miller. And the fact that Mrs. Miller is starting to lose everything that matters to her, her skill, her husband and even her will to go on. Paulina is pulled into the world of Mrs. Miller, and begins to see that even people who have it all suffer. And maybe there is still a chance to chase her dreams.

A story about friendship, with movie lore, divorce lore, French immigrant stories, the lives of mustangs, and the history of the Mapes hotel. The story is the standout, de Rosnay creates characters that are not only real, even when they aren't, but makes even characters that seem familiar, like Monroe, seem new and different. Though Paulina we see a Monroe that many don't like to talk about, the one doubting everything in her life, the reason why she became famous, the fear of dying alone, and sadly dying early. There is a lot of making of about The Misfits, a movie that was panned when it came out, but has grown on critics, possibly because of all stories told about the making of. de Rosnay has done a lot of research, but does not let that get in the way of telling a story about two people, one near the end of their rope, and one just finding that maybe there is more rope than she thinks. A quietly powerful story, one that sneaks up on the reader as on knows who things eventually end for one of the characters.

Fans will enjoy this. People who love historical stories with a lot of interesting facts about movies, Reno, Monroe even horses, will also be enthralled. This would be a good start for new readers, with a wealth of reading ahead of them.

Intriguing look at the time Marilyn Monroe was filming the Misfits in Nevada and her fictional interaction with a young French maid working at the hotel she is staying at. Already recommended this for purchase for our Library collection!

In "Blonde Dust," Tatiana de Rosnay presents a poignant and intimate portrait of Marilyn Monroe through the eyes of Pauline, a young chambermaid at the iconic Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada. When Pauline unexpectedly encounters the famed actress in Suite 614 during a tumultuous period in Monroe's life, a powerful friendship begins to blossom, offering both women a chance to find solace amidst their struggles.

Set against the backdrop of the American West in 1960, de Rosnay beautifully juxtaposes the glitz of Hollywood with the rawness of life’s realities. The author intricately connects the wild mustangs that symbolize freedom and vulnerability with Monroe's own longing for escape and connection. As Pauline learns about the complexities of Monroe's character—beyond the public persona—readers are treated to an emotionally rich narrative that highlights themes of empathy, resilience, and the transformative nature of female friendships.

"Blonde Dust" is a heartfelt exploration of the moments that shape us, infused with nostalgia and reflection on the bonds that can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances. De Rosnay's lyrical prose captures the beauty and fragility of both the women’s lives, making this a gripping tribute to the enduring power of connection in the face of adversity.

Tatiana de Rosnay never disappoints. This is such a well-written, touching, beautiful piece of historical fiction. It is the story of a French girl, Pauline, who moves to Nevada in the 1950s with her mother. Her mother is married to a Nevada native, but misses her native France. Pauline grows up in an environment filled with the love of her stepfather and her little brother. Pauline also meets the Johnston family and becomes best friends with their daughter, Billie-Pearl. It is through this family that she develops a love of horses and works toward fulfilling her dream of becoming an equine vet. However, her dreams are sidetracked due to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. The baby’s father finds her a job at the Mapes Hotel in Reno in housekeeping.
As a housekeeper, she is unexpectedly assigned to the suite of Mrs. Miller and the woman is impressed by her discretion and requests she be her chambermaid during her stay. A series of incidences lead to a short-lived but unforgettable friendship with Mrs.Miller, who is none other than Marilyn Monroe. It is through this encounter that Pauline finds her voice and is given another chance to follow her dream. The story is bookended with the demolition of the Mapes Hotel and Pauline revisiting her past.
My heartfelt thanks to Tatiana de Rosnay for writing such a beautiful book, NetGalley for inviting me to read an advanced copy, and to Grand Central Publishing.

This is a lovely look back at a moment in film history that movie fans will never forget. It is told through the life of Pauline who is a French immigrant and unwed mother, and was working as a maid at the Mapes Hotel in Reno when the landmark film, THE MISFITS, was being filmed in Reno, Nevada.

Pauline cleaned the room of MRS. MILLER, the sad, bedraggled woman who was the wife of the film’s writer, Arthur Miller. Of course, she turned out to be Marilyn Monroe. This became a piece of cinematic history because it was the last film for the four major stars.

This novel tells Pauline’s story as she recalls those weeks, as well as her growing love of horses in the Nevada ranch where her close friend lives.

It is Mrs Miller who makes a huge mark on her life, despite Pauline being a maid. Marilyn served as the catalyst to transform the life of Pauline and her child.

This novel tells 2 stories, one about Pauline’s life which is very timely, and about Monroe’s life during a period of agonizing unhappiness and drug abuse.

As a movie buff, I enjoyed going behind the scenes of this landmark film. As a reader, I enjoy everything I’ve read by Tatiana de Rosnay and this is no exception. I’m grateful to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this ARC.