Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Portrait of Her Private Years [Paperback]

Lester David (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1995

Reveals the private world of Jackie Kennedy Onassis with discussions on such topics as her suicidal depression after JFK's assassination, her real reason for marrying Aristotle Onassis, and her secret heavy smoking habit. Reprint.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Bringing the ever-alluring "Jackie" story up to date (she will turn 65 the month the book is published) seems to be the chief idea behind this effort by a Kennedy chronicler ( Good Ted, Bad Ted ). It is a pleasant enough, innocuous piece of work that makes no attempt to break new ground and is low on tattletale material. In David's view, the former First Lady, probably the most famous woman on earth, has settled well into life as a Doubleday book editor and grandmother who can still be aroused by preservationist causes. She has virtually ceased seeing any of the Kennedys, lives a quiet but seemingly affectionate life with her (married) companion, diamond merchant Maurice Tempelsman, and saves much of her comparatively meager party-going for book occasions. David glides rather too smoothly over the Onassis marriage, her hectic jet-setting middle years and her lifelong indulgence of her extravagant tastes--though he does bring a touch of acerbity to her efforts to get tell-all books out of British aristocrats while carefully guarding her own hyper-privacy. It seems unlikely that avid Jackie-watchers will find much in this mild concoction to satisfy their craving. Photos not seen by PW. 50,000 first printing; first serial to New Woman.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

This book was to be billed as an examination of Jackie O's life on the occasion of her sixty-fifth birthday. Now, sadly, inveterate Kennedy watcher David will have to rewrite his ending. Though the renewed interest in Onassis bodes well for the book, this interest is a two-edged sword. The public has had so much of her via newspapers, magazines, and the small screen, that much of this account will seem like a rehash. In any case, there are no revelations here, though there is a bit of revisionist history. David argues that Jackie, as John Kennedy's wife, was not bored with the political process, as is often claimed, but was actually an astute political observer. Unlike other biographers, he characterizes her relationship with the president as loving and portrays Jackie as sophisticated in her ability to overlook her husband's numerous liaisons. David also examines Onassis' relationship with married Maurice Tempelsman, who came to the public's attention during Jackie's illness and at her funeral. There are also the requisite musings about Onassis' facility as a mother and grandmother and her success as a book editor and occasional civic crusader. Regrettably, Onassis will not enjoy the serenity that a friend predicts for her final years. Ilene Cooper. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: St Martins Mass Market Paper (May 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312955464
• ISBN-13: 978-0312955465
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,303,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars no myths or lies here, December 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Portrait of Her Private Years (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book. It was very refreshing. There are so many books out there on the Kennedy's that are there just to sling mud, portraying rumors and myths as facts. It was nice to read a book about Jackie, the person. It's an uplifting book about a remarkable woman.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book reveals many secrets about Jackie's private life., December 10, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Portrait of Her Private Years (Paperback)

I would recommend this book to anyone but especially to women. The story of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is about a public figure who is very different from the private person. It tells the inside story of her life. There are many things she was holding from the public. Her life behind the camera as the wife of the president is particularly interesting. This book reveals many secrets about the life of Jackie and her family. There are also many good lessons to be learned. I think that this book is well written and holds you attention. Morgan Bush