This fictionalized story of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is beautifully written, with a rhythmical tone that shares so many horrible events in the former First Lady’s life in almost a soft way. Her life story in the 1960s is closely intertwined with American history, and we follow Jackie through the courtship and marriage to John F. Kennedy, her time as First Lady, and the President’s support of the Civil Rights Movement. We watch in horror as John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Robert Kennedy are killed.. Then we watch Jackie strike out on her own and emerge from the shadow of the Kennedy family, rebuilding her life in her own way.
This book is fiction, but combines historical facts with fiction in a believable way. The writing is so eloquent and includes Jackie’s love of books and poetry. It is an enjoyable read about a tumultuous time and a woman who weathered many storms. Highly Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
BOOK TRAILER
The publisher sent me this book trailer, so I have added it to the post.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google| Kobo
Excellent review, Bonnie. Jackie certainly made an impression on the country.
Thanks. This was so well written.
I don’t ordinarily read books like this, but your review is awesome and the book sounds absolutely fascinating. Thanks for such a wonderful review!! I love the fact that it combines historical facts with fiction. That makes it even more intriguing. It reminds me of “Blonde,” by Joyce Carol Oates, a fictional account of Marilyn Monroe’s life. Have you read that one? It was optioned for a movie but I don’t know if it has been released yet. Anyway, Oates was intrigued by the mystery surrounding her death. The book is tirelessly researched and filled with intricate details and little known facts. And one of those facts (the mysterious gift Marilyn received right before she died) is what prompted Joyce to write the novel.
I haven’t read Blonde, but I will check it out!
Blonde sounds excellent.
Joyce Carol Oates is an amazing writer. She’s written over 100 novels and short story collections I think. I’ve read several of them, and many are some of my very favorites. I think you would really enjoy “Blonde” too!!
I’ve always admired Joyce Carol Oates’ work, too. I still remember when I was assigned “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?” in grad school.
I know! Some of her stories have horrifying undertones. Before COVID we had an awesome literary festival here featuring bestselling authors. I’ll never forget the year Joyce Carol Oates was the featured author. She read a new short story about a serial killer. I can still remember all the little Southern ladies (I live in South Carolina) squirming in their seats by the time she finished. I don’t think they realized back then she had a fascination with the dark side of humanity. lol!! But I’ll never forget that story. Very grizzly. A stark contrast to Joyce, who is a very funny person. She really is. She had everyone laughing before she began to read. I have always preferred her novellas and short story collections that do not magnify the darker parts of humanity like “Lovely, Dark, Deep” (stories) and “I Lock the Door Upon Myself” and “Black Water,” which may have been her first Kennedy novel.
Thank you for telling me about your experience of Joyce live and in-person! It must have been quite something.
It was!!! I’ll never forget it. There’s no one like her!! I missed the festival the year before and I still kick myself for that. John Updike was the featured author. Can you imagine?!! Wow!!!
The big name I met at a lit fest was Raymond Carver.
No way!!!!!! He’s like the King of the contemporary short story (along with Ann Beattie). You were so BLESSED to see him while he was still alive and to hear him read. Several of his short story collections are favs of mine. But I’ve always been a HUGE fan of his poetry. I much prefer it to his stories. I bought his collection poems (“All of Us”) when it was first published decades ago. But it was ruined when it was the victim of a household mildew accident. lol!! So I bought the updated version a few years ago. I’ll never forget the day I heard he had passed away. I was visiting my mother and she had the radio on in her car when the news of his death was announced. I was in shock all day. I had no idea he was ill again. Seeing him read was a memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime, I’m sure!!
Yes, listening to him read from Cathedral was a life-changing event for me as a budding short story writer.
The must have been quite a challenge to fictionalize the life of such an icon as Jackie Kennedy, particularly given how much has already been written about her. When you read the novel, were you able to tell the difference between fact and fiction?
I think so. It was very well done.
I think it would be a book I’d enjoy.
Hello, Bonnie. I hope all is well. 🙂 In case you’re interested, I have a new women’s fiction novel, “Meghan Tilley” by K. Beth Reese, available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon — suspense, dysfunctional family and friend relationships.