The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens

A Memoir of the Beales, the Maysles Brothers, and Jacqueline Kennedy

By: Jerry Torre, Tony Maietta, Albert Maysles - introduction

Narrated by: Tony Maietta

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens is Jerry Torre's touching and at times haunting memoir about his teenage days as caretaker of Grey Gardens, the now-celebrated mansion chronicled in the iconic documentary Grey Gardens and two feature-length films. The book, cowritten with film historian Tony Maietta, is a behind-the-scenes look at "Big Edie" and "Little Edie" and their bizarre and reclusive life of squalor amid the tremendous wealth of East Hampton, the family bond that developed between Jerry and them, and the day everything was turned upside down forever with the arrival of documentary filmmakers Albert and David Maysles.

What begins as a teenager coming upon what he assumed was an old, abandoned house takes on new dimensions when suddenly Edie appears on the porch draped in a shower curtain with an apron tied around her head. "You must be the Marble Faun," she tells the stunned Jerry. Rather than chasing him away as he at first feared, she invites Jerry to meet her mother upstairs. So begins a strange, unusually close friendship with the two women as Jerry takes on the task of volunteer gardener, often sleeping in their living room and staying out of mother-daughter arguments. The Marble Faun of Grey Gardens is Jerry's look back on the filming of Grey Gardens but also how the notoriety the movie achieved changed his life along with the Beales'.

©2018 Jerry Torre and Tony Maietta; Introduction copyright 2018 by the Albert Maysles estate (P)2022 Tantor

Another Perspective

Jerry Torre was there. He spent a lot of time with Edith and Edie and helping out at Grey Gardens. In this memoir he confirms much of what you saw in the documentary and much that didn't make it on film. He takes you on a deep dive into the lives of these quirky, fascinating women and from a perspective only he can give. Tony Maietta helped with writing this book and did a great job narrating. I searched and I don't believe he's read other audio books, but he should. Lastly, if you haven't seen the documentary, don't worry. You get plenty of knowledge about the Beales here, plus Torre takes you behind the scenes of it being filmed. A must listen.

A different perspective

Extremely interesting to read a memoir from JT's pov. Eye opening, engaging and ultimately entertaining.

much need fix for my grey gardens obsession

loved thos book. the narrator did a great job.
this book was one of many in my grey gardens obsession

A must listen

Really loved this book, and the story of jerry his time at grey gardens and beyond!

Awesome

Great content, storyline and beautifully read. As if you were their in the home with the writer. Highly recommend!

Amazing book, amazing read by Tony Maietta!

I read the book but hearing it is even better. You SEE this book with Tony Maietta’s brilliant narration. He plays every character to perfection. We FEEL! There needs to be mini series based on Jerry’s compelling, funny and heartbreaking story.

Eye Opening

I had seen the documentary years ago, but this book really put everything into perspective for me. I learned so much that I hadn't know before. There were really tender moments, and laugh out loud moments, thanks to the wonderful narration by Tony Maeitta. He was really able to capture the voices of the Beales which lent to overall masterful story telling. For anyone who is a fan of Grey Gardens I would highly recommend this book !!!

I highly recommend it. The co-author-narrator Tony really brings the story to life.

Such a wonderful listen! I am lucky enough to know Jerry Torre. We would message back-and-forth on Facebook. I was so thrilled to connect Jerry with two friends who helped Jerry bring his book to Palm Springs along with the screening of Grey Gardens to so many fans and friends. It was so wonderful to finally meet in person. I love all things, Grey Gardens. The films the play, and the HBO movie. 💙

Very emotional and truly respectful!

I could not put this book down. I am so grateful Jerry has share his story. He is such a wonderful human being. I have always been obsessed with Big Edie and Little Edie. And wondered what was Jerry’s story. And then we were blessed with this! It gave so much more insight on them as individuals. I love it. It is definitely one of my favorite books now. Bless you Jerry.

Beautiful

A must read or listen! This expands on what is already been filmed about Grey Gardens.