REVIEW - Can't We Be Friends ebook

 Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight (ebook)

OVERVIEW

When I saw the premise for this book, I wanted to read it badly. This historical novel did not disappoint. I read the entire novel in about twenty-four hours!!

This novel covers the timeframe when Marilyn and Ella became and were friends. The story is told from both Marilyn's and Ella's viewpoints in different chapters which makes it very intriguing. Both women were gifted artists - Marilyn as an actor and Ella as a singer. Strong women at the top of their fields who become real, not Hollywood real, friends.

I loved how this novel showed how women can be real friends who share, help each other, and are there in times of crisis. It was lovely to see this friendship start, bloom, and grow. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars

Writing: 4.5 stars

The writing was very strong and descriptive. The authors wrote so well together and created a beautiful historical novel. They both did a lot of intense research to write this amazing novel and it shows. 

My only little nitpick is at times it was a little too descriptive. I'm not sure that I needed to know about their lipstick brand/colors as well as the perfume that they wore. 

On the other hand, there were musicians/singers mentioned in Ella's storyline referred to by their first names that I was not familiar with at all, and some backstory would have been helpful.

Character development: 4.0 stars

There are two main characters - Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald. Due to the racism of the time, there is much more known and written about Marilyn than there was written about Ella which is such a shame. I would have loved to have learned a little more about Ella and her music especially as she was a self-taught artist which is extremely impressive. 

The secondary characters are the supporting characters in either or both of their lives from their agents, managers, record labels, and Hollywood studios to their friends, families, and lovers/husbands. Again, as it was a historical novel there are a lot of secondary characters needed to support the story.

The tertiary character is their friendship. Throughout their friendship, they were there for each other for the highs, lows, and in-betweens.  

Storyline:  4.5 stars 

This historical novel is all about Marilyn's and Ella's friendship including their careers and loves. It takes place between 1952-1962 when they meet until Marilyn's passing. 

The main locations were New York City, Los Angeles, and various international locations.     

Memorable/Informative:  4.5 stars

One of the biggest takeaways was that Ella endured intense prejudice not just in the U.S. due to Jim Crow laws, but in England as well as the territory of Hawaii. Honestly, I can only assume that this ugliness happened regularly to her even though she was a world-renowned singer. If she was treated this way, what was the ordinary person subjected to during this time?

Also, I learned that Marilyn was a supporter of the early Civil Rights Movement and supportive of her friend, Ella, even helping to publicize her performances with reporters. 

Book cover: 4.5 stars

Just lovely! Both Ella and Marilyn are smiling at each other!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Excellent!

HIGHLY recommend

EBOOK DETAILS

NetGalley ARC (ebook)

Can't We Be Friends by Denny S. Bryce and Eliza Knight 

384 pages 

William Morrow Paperbacks

Release date of 03/05/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Denny S Bryce; Eliza Knight

My Goodreads review

William Morris Paperbacks

NetGalley

Happy reading 📚! 

Dorothea 💜