A unique, fascinating fictional peek into one of the most extraordinary periods of the twentieth century, from the vantage point of Maf, the dog given to Marilyn Monroe by Frank Sinatra.
In November 1960, Frank Sinatra gave Marilyn Monroe a dog. His name was Maf. He had an instinct for the twentieth century. For politics. For psychoanalysis. For literature. For interior decoration. This is his story.
Maf the dog was with Marilyn for the last two years of her life. Not only a picaresque hero himself, he was also a scholar of the adventuring rogue in literature and art, witnessing the rise of America's new liberalism, civil rights, the space race, the New York critics, and was Marilyn Monroe's constant companion. The story of Maf the dog is a hilarious and highly original peek into the life of a complex canine hero - he was very much a real historical figure, with his license and photographs sold at auction along with Marilyn's other person affects. Through the eyes of Maf we're provided with an insight into the life of Monroe herself, and a fascinating take on one of the most extraordinary periods of the twentieth century.
About The Author
Andrew O'Hagan was born in Glasgow in 1968. Our Fathers, his debut novel, was shortlisted for the 1999 Booker Prize. His second novel, Personality, won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for Fiction in 2003, and in that same year Granta named him one of the 'Best of Young British Novelists'. He lives in London.
Industry Reviews
"O'Hagan's seductively witty novel, written from the down-low but philosophically lofty vantage point of Mafia Honey, the fluffy white Maltese that was Frank Sinatra's gift to his gentle, needy friend Marilyn. Maf, a British import, is fiercely political (a Trotskyite), erudite and snootily stylish (caring about home decor, he tells us, is "part of my pedigree"). He skewers the Hollywood elite while coming to adore his "fated companion" whose tenuous dreams he can read distinctly even as they're turning to dust."-"More Magazine" "Andrew O'Hagan's book--inspired by Marilyn Monroe's real-life Maltese--is stellar. Whether Maf is buoying his owner's spirits or coolly assessing Susan Sontag, he has a nose for silliness and deep sadness. Of course, it helps that, as he notes, dogs 'can hear what people are saying to themselves, and we can sniff illusion.' This December surprise is a very real contender for the wittiest, wisest, most winning book of the year."-"Parade" "Maf's insights into the vulnerable star's psyche will make your heart stop--as will O'Hagan's writing, which is as clear and lovely as the Blonde Bombshell's seductive laugh."- "Marie Claire""Maf, equal parts erudite (a sworn Trotskyite, well-versed in philosophy and psychology), and canine (he chases rats), tells Monroe's story from the ground up." -"Interview" "With a nod to Virginia Woolf's biography of Flush, cheeky Andrew O'Hagan channels "The Life and Opinions of Maf the Dog, and of his Friend Marilyn Monroe."""-Vanity Fair""Andrew O'Hagan's novel perfectly captures the legendary actress. There are numerous scenes between famous people, some of whom I have known, and O'Hagan makes the dialogue sound absolutely authentic... There is a small but impressive tradition of canine narrators, but I can't imagine there was ever a dog as erudite and well spoken as dear old Mafia Honey. Enthralling." -Peter Bogdanovich, "Daily Telegraph" "Andrew O'Hagan's new novel The Life and Op
