The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe published by Faber & Faber, is a novel by Scottish novelist Andrew O'Hagan, about the life and philosophical observations of "Maf" (short for "Mafia Honey"), a Maltese dog given to Marilyn Monroe by Frank Sinatra.
Author | Andrew O'Hagan |
---|---|
Country | UK |
Language | English |
Publisher | Faber & Faber |
Publication date | 2010 |
Reception edit
The novel won O'Hagan a Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Award.
John Banville compared it to The Great Gatsby and the oeuvre of Vladimir Nabokov.[1] Peter Bogdanovich, who knew Monroe personally, lauded O'Hagan's portrayal of her, stating that the dialogue was "absolutely authentic".[2]
National Public Radio found it "dazzling but occasionally wearying", with Maf's observations — explained as the result of dogs "absorb(ing) everything known to their owners", as well as "the thoughts of (everyone they) meet" — leading to "sometimes pretentious and convoluted but generally hilarious disquisitions" about a wide variety of subjects, but noted that "(n)ot all the philosophical ruminations work."[3]
The Scotsman called it "good fooling, with a fair quota of intellectual crackle", and observed that "(r)eaders who can [follow] the references and allusions will share [O'Hagan's] enjoyment", but faulted his portrayal of Monroe, saying that it was "entirely conventional and doesn't offer a single surprise."[4]
Adaptation edit
In 2010, The Guardian mentioned that Angelina Jolie and George Clooney were being considered for parts in a film adaptation of the novel.[5][6][7]
References edit
- ^ Banville, John (7 May 2010). "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog and of His Friend Marilyn Monroe by Andrew O'Hagan | Book review". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 July 2019.
- ^ Bogdanovich, Peter (11 June 2010). "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of his friend Marilyn Monroe by Andrew O'Hagan: review". Daily Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ Marilyn Monroe, From Her Lap Dog's Perspective, by Heller McAlpin, at National Public Radio; published July 14, 2011; retrieved July 2, 2019
- ^ Book Review: The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog and of his friend Marilyn Monroe, in The Scotsman; published April 30, 2010; retrieved July 2, 2019
- ^ Shoard, Catherine (16 August 2010). "Angelina Jolie and George Clooney 'set for Marilyn Monroe film'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ "Marilyn Monroe film to star Angelina Jolie". Daily Telegraph. 16 August 2010. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ "George Clooney Angelina Jolie Maf the Dog Andrew O'Hagan | HollywoodNews.com". www.hollywoodnews.com. Retrieved 1 July 2019.