J. Randy Taraborrelli

The author wrote previous books about the Kennedys. This one held my interest and I read it in one way. An in-depth look at the fascinating life of Jackie. I appreciated that the author did not dwell on the assignation of the former president. Because it was a book about Jackie, he chose to focus on her reaction to the murder and how in impacted on her life choices which had long-lasting concequences.

She was very self- absorbed, choosing only men who had great wealth. When she discovered the architect , Jack Warnecke, with whom she had a long-term relationship, and who helped design the ambiance of her husband, slain Jack Kennedy's burial plot at Arlington National cemetery, was deeply in debt, she immediately stopped seeing him. Even though their relationship was a long-term romantic one, she refused to see him when he confessed he was eight million dollars in dept. Never mind that much of that debt was a result of providing her with very expensive dinners and vacations,

Marrying Aristotle Onasssis, the Greek tycoon who was one of the richest men in the world, she was financially well taken care of. Even he, was chagrinned at the vast amounts of money she went through in one shopping trip. Their relationship became quite cantankerous and she was given a hefty settlement when the divorce details were negotiated.

Relationships were always problematic for Jackie. Often jealous, she thought nothing of curtailing long-term relationships and moving on to another. While there was love between she and her mother, and the Kennedy family, she had her share of arguments with all of them.

Dynamic, stylistic, well-known for her pill box hats and the clothes designed by Oleg Cassini, she became known for her class and sense of design.

There were many relationships after Jack Kenney, but none as special as her love of the President. Close to her sister, still their relationship was mercurial. Her mother had a great impact on her life, and it was her mother who steered her into the high life and selfishness.

Cancer was discovered in 1984. After a valiant attempt to survive, she died on the night of May 19, 1994. She is buried by her husband and two children who sadly died shortly after birth.

Highly recommended, 4.5 stars… (mais)

I hadn’t read one of these “tell all” biographies by Randy Taraborrelli before. It was great escapist fare loaded with brilliantly researched behind the scenes stories that will have you gasping. Randy surely knows how to pull the reader into this world of politics, infidelity and class. The competitiveness between sisters Jackie and Lee is mind blowing. Who knew that Lee had an affair with Aristotle Onnasis before Jackie married him? The book documents the PTSD that Jackie suffered from after the assassination. The ambiguous sexuality of Lee’s first husband and Herbert Ross is explored. Despite the mother and daughter issues surrounding money, marriage and love you develop a sympathy for them.

… (mais)