The Life And Opinions Of Maf The Dog, And Of His Friend Marilyn Monroe

"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