Leslie Johansen Nack

The Blue Butterfly by Leslie Johansen Nack is the story of actress Marion Davies and her long committed relationship with William Randolph Hearst. Hearst, a powerful publishing baron oversaw Marion Davies career from the day they met in 1915 when Marion was a shy and rather innocent 18 year old. She was by his side until he passed away in 1951. The great tragedy of their lives was the fact that he was already married when he met her.

His wife refused to divorce him and while Marion was show more occasionally unfaithful, she truly loved WR. The book covers the highlights of their lives and is presented with Marion as the narrator. We see an ambitious, insightful young woman who struggles to find her place. Hearst sees himself as her protector and doesn’t give her enough lee-way in making either career or life choices. The lifestyle of these rich and famous people is truly breathtaking from the San Simeon estate to the jewels, real estate and fine gifts that he showers her with.

Unfortunately Marion expressed her lack of control by drinking too much and by her late twenties was an alcoholic. I found the book gave a detailed, moving portrait of Marion Davies who sacrificed a lot to be able to give her family a good life. show less

In some ways, Leslie Johansen Nack’s memoir evokes my own teenage years, in the seventies. Her father eats Grape Nuts, but the kids are excited about Froot Loops. Strumming the guitar is a nice way of spending time. The older boy who’s foxy and tan, makes out with you, and then drops you.
But then there are the unusual parts. She and her sisters are taken out of school to sail to Tahiti in their father’s boat. Their dad, Bjorn, a Norwegian tough guy, expects her and her sisters to show more procure dinner by spearfishing in the lagoon. He sends Leslie’s sisters back to the States, and keeps her on as his skipper, hiring three strangers to help him pilot a worn-out ketch (two-masted sailing boat) to California. Leslie is only fourteen, but sturdy and capable. She enjoys her father’s trust, though she’s repelled by his creepy attentions, which cross the line.
Although Leslie obviously survived to write the book, I found it hard to put down her story because of the suspense. Insane situations kept cropping up; I wondered how her parents would react—much as she herself wondered at the time. She did not grow up with stability or nurturing; yet the book isn’t just an “abuse” memoir. The simple language candidly expresses the complex emotions Leslie felt: pride in her sailing skills, joy in her friendships, disappointment in her mother’s neglect, delight in the sea, in all its capriciousness.
The photographs in the book and on her website are a plus. show less

Marion Davies was a young 18 year old dancer on Broadway when she catches the eye of William Randolph Hearst. These two develop a life long affair full of secrets and drama.

I really knew nothing about Marion Davies other than she was an actress “back in the day”. She really was an amazing woman and this author brought her to life on these pages. I also enjoyed reading about all the names from Hollywood, like Charlie Chaplin and the Gabor sisters. But, WR Hearst is the one who stole the show more story in my book. There were many places I wanted to come across the pages and give him a good “Gibbs slap” upside the head.

I rotated between 4 and 5 stars. I settled on 5 stars because this is just a fascinating tale about a real person and her life. I actually read it in one day on the beach. It read like a biography of old Hollywood! So, this book hit the spot.

Need a very good old Hollywood novel…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. show less

I knew little of Marion Davies before this book, but the tale of a young dancer who becomes the mistress of the powerful and wealthy William Randolph Hearst while also pursuing a career as a Hollywood starlet was compelling. Hearst supported her career with free publicity, inviting accusations that she had more fame than her talents deserved. Her reputation was further diminished by the movie Citizen Kane, in which she is portrayed as a talentless singer entirely supported by a wealthy man. show more Overall, an interesting novel and one that brings Marion Davies to life in all her Hollywood glory. show less