by Tina Cassidy
Publisher: It Books
Release Date: May 1, 2012 Source: sent by publisher
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Summary from goodreads.com:
My Review:
A former "Boston Globe" reporter delivers a remarkable account of one year in the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, America's favorite first lady and international icon, as she lost her second husband, saved a landmark, and found her true calling.
I went into this book without too much prior knowledge of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' personal life. I'm glad to say that I learned a lot about this fascinating woman, both of her later life, and her life during her tumultuous years as First Lady. Gladly, the book is never gossipy, the author relies on facts and first-hand accounts to tell the story. There are many footnotes on every page so that the reader can go to the original source. That being said, the author does a great job of writing the book in an almost novel-like way. Her style made the story really exciting.
For most of the book, the author would start off by telling the reader the events happening in 1975, the year that Jackie faced a lot of big choices about where her life would lead after motherhood and wife-hood. Then, almost in a flashback style, we would see how Jackie faced similar issues during JFK's presidency.
I think the author was very sympathetic to Jackie and definitely respectful of her at all times. At the same time though, she doesn't leave out Jackie's faults. Her background might have made her spoiled, and she might have spent a lot on dresses. But that also shaped the way that she stood up to those in power, and quite often, got her way. I loved reading about her days working as an editor at Viking with her assistant/partner in crime, Rebecca Singleton. They were a no-nonsense team dealing with a lot of nonsense from fans and media concerned with Jackie's celebrity.
I had no idea that Jackie was such a great writer. Not only in speech-writing or writing articles for magazines, but also in writing personal letters. Persuasive, and always charming, personal letters from Jackie helped to restore much of the furniture in the White House that had been sold, auctioned off, or given way by previous Presidents. That's a pretty wonderful letter that influences a family to donate a priceless antique that had been owned by a US President, but that's exactly what many families did in response to Jackie's handwritten letters.
Bottom Line: I enjoyed learning more about Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' life, both during JFK's presidency, and also about the life she made for herself as a single woman later in life.
Buy the book on Amazon: Jackie After O
That sounds like a fascinating book. I had no idea that she did that about the furniture. And that furniture belongs to the people, why should the Presidents be allowed to give it away?! I think this might be a biography I'd enjoy. She's the closest to royalty we have.
ReplyDeleteHeather
Truth be told I could not care less about her so a no from me. Might be cos here she is just not an icon
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds quite fascinating. I read a novel about her years after the loss of JFK called Jack's Widow by Eve Pollard which I really enjoyed. From how you describe this one you might enjoy checking that one out too. Thanks for the recommendation.
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