The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe

Most people can easily think of historical situations where they'd like to have been a fly on the wall, quietly observing the real story of exactly what took place in those famous moments. Andrew O'Hagan's clever novel shows us we would do better to be the dog in the room, if the room belongs to Marilyn Monroe. During the last two years of her life, the American icon really did have a Scottish Maltese poodle, Mafia Honey, who was given to her by Frank Sinatra. The author transforms this companion animal into a delightfully educated and compassionate commentator on a very well-known life, and Maf becomes a deeply elegant and engaging conversationalist thanks to the talents of narrator John Keating.

Irishman Keating effuses warmth and empathy, and a good bit of humor, into Scotsman O'Hagan's respectfully intimate portrait of a classic American celebrity. Whether Maf is accompanying Marilyn to rehearsals or psychotherapy, to parties or just to the living room, the dog is equal parts thought-provoking and protective. Keating does not let one salacious vibration slip into his distinguished dog, even on the occasion of Marilyn's first meeting with President Kennedy. Although all the rough and tumble brogue is music to the ears, Keating also shines with several famous character voices. Listen especially for his terrifying and sad portrayal of Frank Sinatra throwing a macho tantrum.

Keating does a gem of a job in balancing witty treasures with the treachery of fame. O'Hagan's foreign perspective on Marilyn Monroe is a welcome departure from the persistent notions that she was a weak-willed and shallow woman who relied on her striking good looks to get by in life, instead using Maf to reveal her as an emotionally astute but unfortunately lonely lady who still has some things to prove to herself. No wonder this book has already garnered O'Hagan the Glenfiddich Writer of the Year Award.