First of all I'd like to give a huge thank you to Harper Collins Publishers and the authors, Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight for the advanced copy of Can't We Be Friends. This book had me hooked right from the start. I've always loved both Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe and I never realized they shared such a dear friendship.

Everything I've ever read about Monroe has been completely heartbreaking. She endured so much tragedy during her short lived life. I somehow felt better realizing she and Fitzgerald shared a special friendship with one another during their struggles of trying to survive in a male dominated world.

Fitzgerald and Monroe appeared to have leaned on one another and helped one another when no one else could. I also loved how their friendship first started through letter correspondence. They were there for each other during love and heartache just like any other best friends would be. It warmed my heart to see how they gave one another an unconditional love they seemed to both be lacking from their male counterparts.

Both of them had to deal with being female in an extremely prejudiced and male dominated world of entertainment. Fitzgerald encountered a double whammy since she was not only a female, but a black woman trying to push forward with her singing career when both black men and women were shunned from many public venues. She also struggled with her weight (as did Monroe) and she was apparently looked over for other more petite female artists. They not only helped one another with these prejudices, but they embraced one another and enjoyed sharing meals and outings in public with one another. Yay for female friends providing unconditional love (and food) where and when it was needed! ;)

It was such an amazing story about two famous women who shared a wonderful friendship and helped one another to see how valued each of their lives were. Both of them made great strides and fought hard to be treated fairly in the world of entertainment. Unfortunately, Monroe had too many demons and she eventually died from a barbiturates overdose.

Again, thank you to Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight for writing and sharing this touching story of friendship between two of the most beautiful and talented women of all time. *This book would make a perfect gift between best friends.

Two women going in different directions in life, and both famous. Ella Fitzgerald, the Queen of Jazz, and Marilyn Monroe, a movie star. When Marilyn Monroe has an upcoming part in a movie where she will be singing, she appeals to Ella Fitzgerald in a series of letters to be her mentor. Marilyn Monroe has long idolized Ella Fitzgerald, and she is certain that she can learn much from her.

At first, Ella's cousin and assistant answers Marilyn's letters, as Ella is no teacher, and she has a lot on her plate. She experiences both bigotry and sexism, and this is despite her incredible talent. She is also judged for being a full-figured woman. However, her talent is second to none and she works hard at her career, all while her personal life goes through many changes.

Not only does Ella have her battles, Marilyn does as well. Her relationships are filled with trouble and with more than one marriage and divorce, Marilyn continues to reach for happiness. With regard to her career, she is thriving...if only she could feel confident in her singing.

After a bevy of letters from Marilyn, Ella eventually responds personally. This is the beginning of an incredible friendship. While the women are literally as different as night and day, the time they spend together grows more special each time they meet. As they lived in a time where women were not treated as fairly as men, and this included the salaries paid to them compared to their male counterparts, each woman fought for her career. Their friendship continued to thrive, but tragically, Marilyn died young, at the age of 36 years of age, as she lost her battle with drugs.

Although this book is written as historical fiction, with more than a bit of literary license, it proved to be an excellent read. It was like looking into a window during the 1950s when the two women were friends. This book proved the intense research the authors must have done as they penned this marvelous book. Not only was this a stellar read, the authors' notes at the end provide even more insight. I thank both Ms. Bryce and Ms. Knight for writing this incredible book.

Many thanks to William Morrow Paperbacks and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

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