Edith Bowman: ‘Everybody falls in love with art.’

‘As a teenager I had an infatuation with Marilyn. I would read everything about her, I was enamoured by her presence on screen which led me into wanting to try and find answers as to why she had died. I was looking for the real her.’

‘I still have my copy of this book from school. It was such an important insight into the experience of women from a different culture. It spoke to me in a way that nothing ever had prior to it. I read it cover to cover, I didn’t want the women to leave me, its one of the most important books I have ever read.’

‘I read it in one setting and thought, “woah.” It transpires it is a work of fiction by a work of fiction in a way. It is a fantastic read, its dark and troubling but it feels real. Its so fascinating, she plays Hollywood at it’s own game.’

‘I love both the era it is set in and the world of music, so I literally ate this book. I don’t think there’s any other book I’ve read that’s made me think that the people that I’m reading about are real people.’

‘It’s like Abi is sat next to you telling you this story, she has an amazing energy and specific way when she talks and this books is authentic in the way she speaks and thinks. She finds humour in difficult situations and is brutally honest in her thoughts. I think her courage should be applauded and celebrated.’