Customer Reviews

The Importance of Being Kennedy: A Novel

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The Importance of Being Kennedy is the fictional account of Nora Brennan, an Irish nanny who serves the Kennedy family by raising all nine of the Kennedy children from birth. It follows the development of the children, the high flying beliefs of Joe Kennedy and his dreams for his boys, and the mark each Kennedy left on history. It is an interesting read that sheds light on America's royal family.

I thought it was a little strange to read a fictional diary about such a famous family and wondered how accurate it was to what life was truly like for a Kennedy child. It would be interesting to read a reaction by one of the family members. For a work of fiction, the characters are extremely deep and well developed. I found them easy to relate to and very believable. Rose Kennedy as a character in this book is one of the most complicated literary characters I have ever encountered. She simultaneously believes herself to be an involved, caring mother while leaving her children for weeks at a time to go traveling and shopping for pleasure.

The Kennedys' hey-day was long before I was born, so it was interesting to learn about the legends. A lot of my questions were answered, including why this family was significant and how they rose to power. "The Importance of Being Kennedy" feels like you're meeting the actual people. I found myself becoming attached to the Kennedy children and even looking online for more information about the real individuals, especially the "forgotten" daughter, Rose Kennedy. Whether you like history or just want to enjoy a good novel, Laurie Graham will not disappoint you. Her book is a literary gem that shouldn't be missed.

by Jennifer Melville
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I have long been a Laurie Graham fan. I totally loved Gone With the Windsors; needless to say I really looked forward to reading this book. But, something was lacking here. The Kennedy's were revealed realistically with "below stairs" humor. Nora the nursery maid that narrates the story was a character that I really liked. Clearly the book is based on facts; with an interesting concentration on Rose Kennedy and her rather cold approach to her children and life. Laurie Graham's usual sarcasm and wit are present throughout the book, which I have always enjoyed reading, but the plot development was awkward and inappropriate at times. I would recommend this book and even share it with friends; but I am rather sorry that I didn't wait for the paperback and save a bit of money.

I just happened to see this book at the library in the new section. I have read alot about the Kennedy's and everyone knows about the tragedy's they have endured. This book however, was really refreshing and something entirely new. It is based on real people and events but told to us by someone that wasn't really "there". I totally enjoyed Nora's observations about the family and the war. It was a wonderful read. I highly recommend it!

This book was a surprise Laurie Graham writes with a comedic syle that has you laughing out loud I found it also well edited, as it flowed along through the years. I am sure Rose Kennedy would have hated this book, it certainly does not view her kindly

The Importance of Being Kennedy is narrated by Nora Brennan, in the form of a diary. Nora was the nursemaid to the Kennedy clan, from Joe Jr. to Teddy. Since Joe Sr. was busy, y'know, trying to rule the world and all, Nora was the one who really got to know the kids. She saw firsthand how they were groomed for public life, drilled to perfection, and taught to overlook their parents' indiscretions.

Though the facts will be nothing new to anyone familiar with the family, the characterizations (especially of Rosie) are a bit more intimate than you'd get from Wikipedia or History's now-defunct miniseries. Mrs. Kennedy enjoyed raising children even less than she enjoyed having them. The only bonus for her were the rewards she got for each kid: vacations, vehicles, and the like. Kathleen's liasons dangereux are all the more tragic when you know that they'll be the literal end of her. And Rose. Poor Rose. Few of us would argue the tragedy of Rose Kennedy--fewer still would deny how it underscores her father's complete compulsion to Perfect Children. But while we are most familiar with Rosie post-procedure, the personality presented in these pages brings a fullness to her life that makes what happened even more tragic.

The book ends well before JFK's assassination, Chappaquiddick, or any of the latter-day Kennedy clan moments. But it shows a bit of the string-pulling that brought those scenes to be.

This is a divinely charming novel about the Kennedy family, as told by Nora Brennan, who was hired as nanny to the Kennedy children, and who became something more to them. The story is absorbing, following them from childhood to the late 40s, when Kathleen, middle daughter of the family, passes away.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I've read several biographies of the Kennedy women, including one that the author used for source material, and this felt like it added another layer to the story. Nora tells the story of family, which wasn't always the bright picture put forth in news clippings and happy photos like the one on the front of the book. She is a voice of normalcy to compete with Rose Kennedy's unyielding nature, being the one the children confide in. She focuses her devotion on the two Kennedy girls who history seems to ignore, Kathleen, Marchioness of Devonshire, who married a Protestant against her family's will, and Rose Marie, who was lobotomized to try to treat her willful nature. But she also tells us of the childhood of Jack, who overcame his childhood illnesses to become President, and of the sometimes-brutal nature of Joe, Jr., who was groomed to be the politician of the family.

The colorful details of the author's writings added to my enjoyment, as well as taught me a little bit more about history. Nora survives the London bombings, as well as the girls' presentation at Court, and we share in this experience through her rich writing and detail.

I was so entranced with the story, I've read it in two days. I am amazed that this book has not made more "recommended" lists and that so few people have reviewed it. It's a great book and well-worth your time to enjoy this delightful, at times sad look into one of the most famous families in American history.

I loved this book. Although fiction, it read so true to life. Imaginary Kennedy nursery/household staff, Nora Brennan watches as Joe and Rose Kennedy's children grow, surrounded by the historical events that defined them and the world. Graham is an excellent writer, and her perceptions of what happened are so real - and so right on track. Amusing, funny, sad and above all, very well written.

I was walking through my local library book shelves - and this title literly jump out at me. Ted Kennedy had just passed away the month before. I wanted to learn more about this American Royal Family.

I realize that this was a work of fiction - but somehow I tend to think the blend of history and story make for more fact. The Kennedy's have always intrigued our nation, and this book reveals some of the not so happy times for review. Nanny Nora is so easy to love - with her gentle heart and compassion for these Kennedy children, it is obvious that she cares for them all deeply. Her conection to Kick and her love for Rosie are felt from the begining. The saddness she feels at the life that Rosemary is dealt at the hands of her parents, is truly a Kennedy tragedy.

Love this book! I am using it for my book club group. I feel it offers multiple topics for a lively discussion. It's easy to read and well written by an insightful author. I read The Future Homemakers of America, I recomend it also and other books by Laurie Graham.

Presented as history based fiction, I believe it's a lot more history than fiction. From what I've read so far (I'm about 3/4 through),Nanny Nora is responsible for any concern or love the 9 Kennedy children ever received. Very interesting description of how "the haves" live and what's most important to them. Not their children..that's for sure.

I enjoy historical novels, and this one is no exception. It strikes the right balance between witty and touching, and sheds new light on the family life of the Kennedys.