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The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Novel
Who was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis? She was a wife, mother, artist, editor, and world traveler. A bright young woman who rose to unparalleled celebrity. One of the world's most inspiring and influential women of her day, she has become arguably the most important female icon of all time. Yet she also was a woman of passion and deep emotions, who wanted to experience all that life had to give. How did she feel about it all? She never told.Jackie said quite famously, "I want to live my life, not record it." Jackie remains elusive, her interior life hidden, her soul masked behind sunglasses and an enigmatic smile. For the first time, these fictional memoirs tell Jackie's story in Jackie's voice--with all her joy and wit, grief and bitterness, gentleness and fortitude. Ruth Francisco boldly plunges into the subtext of Jackie's public life, psychology, and sexuality, beyond her dazzling mythic exterior, reimagining Jackie's feelings and thoughts between the lines of recorded history. In this riveting epic tale, we follow Jackie's journey from her privileged yet wrenching youth, through the exaltation and suffering of her marriage to John F. Kennedy, to the shattering despair of her losses, exile, and loneliness. As she learns to forgive her jealous rival, Maria Callas, and her abusive second husband, Aristotle Onassis, Jackie begins to find redemption, ultimately discovering peace through her children and her work. Powerful, poignant, and inspiring, The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is a sweeping novel, a mythic fable of the trials and tribulations of the female soul.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2006
13 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Francisco
20 books27 followersI tend to write novels that are a little controversial. I don't intend to, but a question grabs hold of my mind--Do we have a right to say no to medical technology? What would it be like to be Jackie Kennedy? Where is Islamic extremism taking us?--and it won't let go. I have to explore it, I have to write about it.
Since my interests are varied, my books are varied, perhaps too much so. But whatever the theme, I always explore identity, trying to reconcile the physical and spiritual worlds. My characters respond sensually to the world as I do, they question and doubt. It would be easier to be a different kind of writer maybe. I hope you get something out of my little efforts.
Since my interests are varied, my books are varied, perhaps too much so. But whatever the theme, I always explore identity, trying to reconcile the physical and spiritual worlds. My characters respond sensually to the world as I do, they question and doubt. It would be easier to be a different kind of writer maybe. I hope you get something out of my little efforts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 9, 2020
Nope. And not because I didn't want to enjoy it. I like historical fiction to be reasonably tethered to reality, and this thing just isn't. On one level Francisco, who makes a weak attempt to pass it off as a "real" memoir, gets at least part of Onassis' psychology demonstrably correct. JBKO was on record as saying she had no time for memoirs; life is to be lived in the moment. In this novel Jacqueline Bouvier is dragged to I Tatti by her sister Lee during their trip to Europe together, and receives this nugget of wisdom from Bernard Berenson.
Lee and Janet regularly take it in the neck from Francisco's Jackie, but even Jack Bouvier comes in for some sharp raps from the daughter who supposedly adored him. The version of the Kennedy clan presented here is unrelievedly awful, although Francisco confines Jackie's disdain to her own generation. The nieces and nephews are unmentioned. Bobby makes a grotesque pass at her before Jack's body is cold. Joe and Rose are terrible parents. The sisters (and Ethel) are dismissed as a gaggle of Mean Girls. Joan gets the "poor Joan" treatment. Teddy is a lout, although she skips the moment where Teddy tried to grill Christina Onassis about Jackie's inheritance on the way back from burying Onassis' father. Christina just switched limos. The fastidious reader will have wanted to depart The Secret Memoirs long before then.
Here's another odd thing: Carolina and JFK Jr. pretty much disappear from the book around the same time their father does, although Jackie marries Ari to provide a safe space for her children. Since the kids pretty much spend their lives thereafter in New York , and Jackie uses that as an excuse to ditch Ari for long periods of time . . .
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis famously said that if you bungled raising children nothing else really mattered. Her kids --- even Patrick and Arabella --- were centerpieces in her life. Neither of them has been given a role in this novel commensurate with their importance.
Not recommended. Even for diehard Camelot fanatics.
Lee and Janet regularly take it in the neck from Francisco's Jackie, but even Jack Bouvier comes in for some sharp raps from the daughter who supposedly adored him. The version of the Kennedy clan presented here is unrelievedly awful, although Francisco confines Jackie's disdain to her own generation. The nieces and nephews are unmentioned. Bobby makes a grotesque pass at her before Jack's body is cold. Joe and Rose are terrible parents. The sisters (and Ethel) are dismissed as a gaggle of Mean Girls. Joan gets the "poor Joan" treatment. Teddy is a lout, although she skips the moment where Teddy tried to grill Christina Onassis about Jackie's inheritance on the way back from burying Onassis' father. Christina just switched limos. The fastidious reader will have wanted to depart The Secret Memoirs long before then.
Here's another odd thing: Carolina and JFK Jr. pretty much disappear from the book around the same time their father does, although Jackie marries Ari to provide a safe space for her children. Since the kids pretty much spend their lives thereafter in New York , and Jackie uses that as an excuse to ditch Ari for long periods of time . . .
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis famously said that if you bungled raising children nothing else really mattered. Her kids --- even Patrick and Arabella --- were centerpieces in her life. Neither of them has been given a role in this novel commensurate with their importance.
Not recommended. Even for diehard Camelot fanatics.
October 16, 2010
From the very first pages of this "fictionalized memoir," I was captivated. First of all, I have been a big Kennedy fan for years and watched the beautiful couple inaugurated in early 1961, and then, like a series of photos in an album, I saw portraits of the first family, with the adorable children; Jackie's restoration of the White House, depicted on TV; and, of course, the tragic events in Dallas, with the memorable images of the bloodied pink suit.
Even later, when scandalous allegations came to light—infidelities, mobster connections, and more—I still felt a special affinity for this family. They were, after all, human and subject to all the flaws and foibles of real people. Our iconic views were very unrealistic, and even today, I see this tendency to vilify political figures when they act as real people.
Told in the first person narrative voice of "Jackie," the author takes us through the early days of "Jacks," with a very realistic portrayal of her relationship with her father; her frustrations at the whole "debutante scene," and her desires for a life in Paris, with artistic opportunities; her rebellion against the pressure to marry well (rich, social register).
The early years of her relationship with Jack Kennedy explored her feelings about him in the beginning, and how she finally succumbed to his charms, while knowing his flaws, even then.
"The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Novel" is divided into sections, beginning with Jackie's childhood and adolescence; then her years with Jack, followed by her years as the Widow. Her time with Onassis (The Greek) seemingly fulfilled, for awhile, anyway, her need to escape the Kennedy brand and its tendency to shine a probative spotlight on all her private needs.
Overall, the story plumbed the depths of one woman's need for privacy while living a very public life, and revealed how she coped through fantasy thoughts and feelings. After the assassination and when she feared that the image and historic significance of her husband's presidency might be tarnished by rumor and innuendo, she brought in a reporter she trusted and painted the "Camelot" image. She told the reporter her thoughts about Jack Kennedy's mission: "More than policy or social programs, Jack empowered our imagination. He led us to believe that each one of us could become something greater and could contribute to society. Jack used to love to listen to this old Victrola we have, late at night. His favorite song was from Camelot, and I've been thinking about the lyrics: `Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief, shining moment that was known as Camelot.' There will never be another Camelot."
Knowing the book was based on journals kept by Jacqueline Kennedy and turned over to an editor, who then, eventually, secured a writer for them (many years later), added credibility to the "imaginings." It didn't take long into the book before I felt as though Jackie, the person, had entered the scenes and led me through the life that many envied (at first), revealing a very down-to-earth woman trapped in her iconic façade.
Five stars....definitely! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys portrayals of public figures, especially when there is controversy.
Even later, when scandalous allegations came to light—infidelities, mobster connections, and more—I still felt a special affinity for this family. They were, after all, human and subject to all the flaws and foibles of real people. Our iconic views were very unrealistic, and even today, I see this tendency to vilify political figures when they act as real people.
Told in the first person narrative voice of "Jackie," the author takes us through the early days of "Jacks," with a very realistic portrayal of her relationship with her father; her frustrations at the whole "debutante scene," and her desires for a life in Paris, with artistic opportunities; her rebellion against the pressure to marry well (rich, social register).
The early years of her relationship with Jack Kennedy explored her feelings about him in the beginning, and how she finally succumbed to his charms, while knowing his flaws, even then.
"The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Novel" is divided into sections, beginning with Jackie's childhood and adolescence; then her years with Jack, followed by her years as the Widow. Her time with Onassis (The Greek) seemingly fulfilled, for awhile, anyway, her need to escape the Kennedy brand and its tendency to shine a probative spotlight on all her private needs.
Overall, the story plumbed the depths of one woman's need for privacy while living a very public life, and revealed how she coped through fantasy thoughts and feelings. After the assassination and when she feared that the image and historic significance of her husband's presidency might be tarnished by rumor and innuendo, she brought in a reporter she trusted and painted the "Camelot" image. She told the reporter her thoughts about Jack Kennedy's mission: "More than policy or social programs, Jack empowered our imagination. He led us to believe that each one of us could become something greater and could contribute to society. Jack used to love to listen to this old Victrola we have, late at night. His favorite song was from Camelot, and I've been thinking about the lyrics: `Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief, shining moment that was known as Camelot.' There will never be another Camelot."
Knowing the book was based on journals kept by Jacqueline Kennedy and turned over to an editor, who then, eventually, secured a writer for them (many years later), added credibility to the "imaginings." It didn't take long into the book before I felt as though Jackie, the person, had entered the scenes and led me through the life that many envied (at first), revealing a very down-to-earth woman trapped in her iconic façade.
Five stars....definitely! Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys portrayals of public figures, especially when there is controversy.
December 21, 2010
This fictional memoir of Jackie Kennedy Onassis is well-written engaging, and will definitely continue to hold your interest, although to me it had some cons as well.
I enjoy reading about Jackie Kennedy, and there were many parts of this book that rang fairly true to what I imagine her thinking and feeling. However, it was much too sensual and descriptive in many parts for my taste, and it seemed like any negative theory you have heard relative to things the Kennedy family may or may not have done is included and made to appear like Jackie thought they were true. My own opinion is that we have now gone into such an information age that it has made it very difficult for teenagers and young adults to have anyone to truly look up to as a role model because all of their indiscretions are
blasted over the various forms of media. The different era in which they lived is probably why at times this seemed more like Bill and Hillary Clinton than Jack and Jackie Kennedy.
Ruth Francisco does an excellent job covering Jacqueline Kennedy's life from a young child all the way through her death in a reasonably sized volume.
I enjoy reading about Jackie Kennedy, and there were many parts of this book that rang fairly true to what I imagine her thinking and feeling. However, it was much too sensual and descriptive in many parts for my taste, and it seemed like any negative theory you have heard relative to things the Kennedy family may or may not have done is included and made to appear like Jackie thought they were true. My own opinion is that we have now gone into such an information age that it has made it very difficult for teenagers and young adults to have anyone to truly look up to as a role model because all of their indiscretions are
blasted over the various forms of media. The different era in which they lived is probably why at times this seemed more like Bill and Hillary Clinton than Jack and Jackie Kennedy.
Ruth Francisco does an excellent job covering Jacqueline Kennedy's life from a young child all the way through her death in a reasonably sized volume.
January 8, 2018
This fictional, personal memoir of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis stands as one of my favorite books about 'Jackie'. A unique take on a frequently written about subject, Francisco develops a unique voice for Jackie, steamed from research and careful detail. This book is one to read again for a personal look at the high profile figure and what she may have been thinking.
April 23, 2019
I kept having a hard time remembering that this was a *fictional* memoir. I also wanted to punch all the Onassises and swoon over Jackie and Bobby. Stupid, stupid JFK.
January 18, 2018
Being a huge JKO fan, I really enjoyed this fictional memoir told in Jackie’s voice. I thought the author did a good job of capturing Jackie’s spirit. .
Though no fault of the author, I only wish that the editors/publishers did a better job of finding all the spelling errors in the Kindle edition!
Though no fault of the author, I only wish that the editors/publishers did a better job of finding all the spelling errors in the Kindle edition!
May 16, 2009
Full disclosure--I love, no wait, I worship Jacqueline Kennedy. So I truly cannot be objective about this book. I adore everything Jackie, from books, photos and quotes to obscure memorabilia. If you don't like Jackie, you probably won't enjoy this novel. I do, so I did. Does the book romanticize Jacke? Yes, most likely, but I turned a blind eye to that, so read the review at your own peril.
The conceit of the book is that Jackie had written her memoirs and then given them to a fellow editor with whom she had worked at Doubleday, telling her to do with them what she wished. As the book progressed, I found myself really believing that this was true. It became hard to distinguish fact from fiction, and therein lies the cleverness of Ruth Francisco's writing. She has taken scenes of famous photos of Jackie (sailing at Hyannis Port with Jack, riding her horses, wearing her fabulous designer fashions while entertaining at the White House) and woven them with stories and quotes from the time. Then, she embellishes these facts with her own imaginative fiction and takes the reader on a facsinating adventure that really feels like it could have flowed from Jackie's own pen.
Franciso's prose is very pretty and evocative, bringing to mind Jackie's own artistic nature. The scenes in Europe are particularly lovely and you can practically taste the food and revel in the sensuous air. Jackie's emotions are well captured. A perfect example--when thinking about marrying the dull, but socially appropriate, John Husted, Francisco writes "Hysteria flutters below my solar plexus. A moth caught in a Chinese lantern, her wings rasping against rice paper."
Jackie's complex relationships with the men in her life, including her father, Black Jack, Joe, Jack, and Bobby Kennedy, and Ari Onassis are well-chronicled. The book also covers the various triumphs and tragedies of Jackies life, from her years in the White House to the losses of her babies and her complete love for Caroline and John. If you've ever yearned to know more about Jackie Kennedy, or simply enjoy a beautiful book, this secret memoir is a pleasure.
The conceit of the book is that Jackie had written her memoirs and then given them to a fellow editor with whom she had worked at Doubleday, telling her to do with them what she wished. As the book progressed, I found myself really believing that this was true. It became hard to distinguish fact from fiction, and therein lies the cleverness of Ruth Francisco's writing. She has taken scenes of famous photos of Jackie (sailing at Hyannis Port with Jack, riding her horses, wearing her fabulous designer fashions while entertaining at the White House) and woven them with stories and quotes from the time. Then, she embellishes these facts with her own imaginative fiction and takes the reader on a facsinating adventure that really feels like it could have flowed from Jackie's own pen.
Franciso's prose is very pretty and evocative, bringing to mind Jackie's own artistic nature. The scenes in Europe are particularly lovely and you can practically taste the food and revel in the sensuous air. Jackie's emotions are well captured. A perfect example--when thinking about marrying the dull, but socially appropriate, John Husted, Francisco writes "Hysteria flutters below my solar plexus. A moth caught in a Chinese lantern, her wings rasping against rice paper."
Jackie's complex relationships with the men in her life, including her father, Black Jack, Joe, Jack, and Bobby Kennedy, and Ari Onassis are well-chronicled. The book also covers the various triumphs and tragedies of Jackies life, from her years in the White House to the losses of her babies and her complete love for Caroline and John. If you've ever yearned to know more about Jackie Kennedy, or simply enjoy a beautiful book, this secret memoir is a pleasure.
April 5, 2022
I borrowed this book from a friend, as she took it with her as her reading material on a vacation in Italy. I took it with me to Paris (and to take a physical book rather than just read it on my kindle means I am interested!). It's always enjoyable to read about Jackie O. The author did a great job at combining facts into a story. Although I must admit it was difficult for me sometimes to respect that the thoughts were "put into" the mind of what Jackie was thinking. How could anyone ever know, what someone else was thinking? Or even to be so audacious as to try and guess? But that is what some historical fiction does, and it certainly takes you into her mind when it does so.
I don't know how she put up with such a philanderer as her husband. Was it worth the price of her title as First Lady? Is that what being a "grown up" is about? I hope not. I have always struggled with this part of the Jackie O story and the adoration she commands. Was she really a role model? But otherwise, what, she wouldn't have been known at all? It makes me sad that Jack wasn't called out more by the press and that he was allowed, especially as President, to live such a philandering life.
I do love her interest in the arts, her sense of style, her love of horses, her love of literature. I like that she was private.
I don't know how she put up with such a philanderer as her husband. Was it worth the price of her title as First Lady? Is that what being a "grown up" is about? I hope not. I have always struggled with this part of the Jackie O story and the adoration she commands. Was she really a role model? But otherwise, what, she wouldn't have been known at all? It makes me sad that Jack wasn't called out more by the press and that he was allowed, especially as President, to live such a philandering life.
I do love her interest in the arts, her sense of style, her love of horses, her love of literature. I like that she was private.
January 21, 2011
This book was excellent. I couldn't put it down. It is written as a work of fiction but all the events of Jackie's life are portrayed through her voice. I didn't know her history and found it fascinating.
She talked about the children but didn't focus on everything in their lives. I liked this because I have read Sweet Caroline and the Day John Died so I knew the kid's history.
It made me sad that both of her marriages were for money and both of her husbands had numerous mistresses. And her mother and father and sister were the same way so that was the only thing she knew. Jack had the biggest effect on her life and hurt her in so many ways. He took tons of drugs for back pain and disease and used her to get into the White House.
She talked about the children but didn't focus on everything in their lives. I liked this because I have read Sweet Caroline and the Day John Died so I knew the kid's history.
It made me sad that both of her marriages were for money and both of her husbands had numerous mistresses. And her mother and father and sister were the same way so that was the only thing she knew. Jack had the biggest effect on her life and hurt her in so many ways. He took tons of drugs for back pain and disease and used her to get into the White House.
September 7, 2011
This powerfully written fictional biography is a disturbing account of the horrors of Jacqueline Kennedy's life of physical and emotional abuse beginning in childhood and continuing through her marriage to Aristotle Onassis. She ties her survival to powerful, wealthy men due to insecurity and desire for a very high standard of living. The author has successfully created a human portrait while stripping the iconic Jackie to reveal a sensual and frequently panicked woman. The unnecessary explicit sexual descriptions are exploitative and sensationalistic without advancing the story.
Ruth Francisco is immensely talented in characterizing a self-interested woman struggling through her life of great disappointment and sorrow.
Ruth Francisco is immensely talented in characterizing a self-interested woman struggling through her life of great disappointment and sorrow.
December 16, 2012
"In the author's note at the end of The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Novel, Ruth Francisco states up front that this is definitely a work of fiction. Although most events which take place within these pages have a basis in historical fact, they have been "filtered through Ms. Francisco's imagination." She tells her readers she "approached Jackie's fictional persona as an actor approaches a new role...by writing in her character's voice and imagining her thoughts and feelings." Obviously, her goal was to portray a three dimensional woman. She succeeds brilliantly..."
Read our review on MostlyFiction.com:
http://mostlyfiction.com/history/fran...
Read our review on MostlyFiction.com:
http://mostlyfiction.com/history/fran...
March 26, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. My parents were big Kennedy fans so I knew a bit of the actual history. I found this book interesting and well written. The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Novel, is the kind of book that I reach for when I have the time to enjoy a good read, and one of those that is hard to put down. The author did a fantastic job, I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a good story, especially fans of the Kennedy legacy. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Fransico's books in the future.
November 28, 2016
While very well written and interesting, I'm not sure I agree with the author's assessment that this is not an intrusion into Jackie's life. I seriously doubt she would have kept a journal that described her sex life but I could imagine her keeping a journal of how she felt about her life events. If you're a boomer, you likely remember JFK's funeral and how stoic she was and wonder even now how she did it. Would be interesting in knowing how others feel about this book. And I have to wonder if Caroline has read it.
May 1, 2016
This book made me uncomfortable, like a voyeur peering into the sexual exploits and innermost thoughts of a real person. And because it was actually fiction, it felt like a violation of her privacy.
Jackie comes across as whiny, entitled, and sarcastic--not very likable--so at times it was hard for me to feel her pain.
However, the writing was superb, and the author did an excellent job of selecting pivotal points in history and Jackie's life to explore, which created an enjoyable read.
Jackie comes across as whiny, entitled, and sarcastic--not very likable--so at times it was hard for me to feel her pain.
However, the writing was superb, and the author did an excellent job of selecting pivotal points in history and Jackie's life to explore, which created an enjoyable read.
October 17, 2010
I was fascinated with the fictional inner dialog of Jackie and surprised at all the outward facts of her life that I didn't know. I ended up feeling pretty sorry for her and wanting to read more. Next I will read a biography by Spoto. Jackie has to be one of the most interesting women of the 20th century.
August 3, 2011
This really opened my eyes to life from Jackie's perspective. Super well written and I think it really captured what may have gone through her head. Not only did it tell about her time as first lady but her childhood, and her marriage to Ari Onassis and her relationships after. She and Jack each had such tortured, tragic souls. I hope they found happiness and peace after they left this earth.
May 29, 2008
So, I have a not so secret fascination with Jackie O...but it’s not a voyeuristic obsession. I thought this was an interesting read and possible take on her life. But since it’s a memoir I kept wondering what was real and what was fabricated in this book.
April 30, 2011
I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I did enjoy this book and much of it was fun, but there was much heartache as you can imagine and many more examples of Jack's bedroom antics than I ever wanted to know. The author did a great job of writing this story from Jackie's journals.
January 21, 2011
I won this book in the Giveaway and it is very well written. The author seems to know the details of her subject extremely well and also that period of history. I found it very interesting as I was in college during the Kennedy era. I would give it four stars.
March 5, 2012
This was a disappointing book, I thought it was going to be a memoir,but it turned out to be a type of historical fiction to me. I suppose it was my own fault for assuming it was something it didnt turn out to be. Written well.
July 1, 2012
I liked this book a lot but felt the author included some unnecessary fictitious assumptions. I would like to know whether certain ideas were founded from other sources or purely the author's imagination.
August 8, 2015
This ia a fictionalized memoir of Jackie Kennedy. As someone who has always been fascinated with Jack and Jackie, I savored it. Not a page turner, but well researched, and I imagine some of it is spot on. Thumbs up!
July 8, 2016
I gave 3 starts because the book is well written and captivating. However, having said that I'm not so sure about reading fiction about a real person. I've never read her biographies so I'm at a disadvantage but if any of the story rings true I'm at a loss as to why the world adored this family.
February 20, 2007
This novel isn't very flattering to any of the Kennedy clan (or Jacqueline), but it's hard to put down anyway.
August 6, 2009
I've always been obsessed with the Kennedy's especially Jackie and this work of fiction was deliciously juicy!!
November 23, 2009
Beautifully written fiction! Fun to read!
December 10, 2009
I really like this book a lot. For me it was one of those books I didn't want o put down because I wanted to see what was coming next.
to-check-out
October 26, 2010Let's talk about how I'm related to her so I demand to have this book! :) For real though, I am related to her!
April 13, 2011
Well written
August 5, 2013
glad i found it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews