And They Called It Camelot: A Novel of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis

by Stephanie Marie Thornton

” • • • Louisiana was a Cajun whirlwind spiced with the sound of Zydeco accordions and seasoned with the aromatic flavors of peppery jambalaya.

Still, every vote counted, so while Jack was off giving a speech to West Virginia local unions, I stood by the cash register of the rundown neighborhood Big Bear supermarket to greet the hardscrabble coal miners waiting in line. As at home as I’d felt in New Orleans, the gruesome reality of Appalachia coal country’s grinding poverty had me at a complete and utter loss. Black coal dust was pervasive in this county: caked into the corners of the store’s peeling linoleum, limning the deep crevices of the men’s gaunt faces, and ground beneath the ragged fingernails of women grown old far before their time.

“West Virginia makes the best glass in the country, not that you’d know it in this economy. We set aside every penny so our eldest can go to Bluefield when he gets older.”

Come what may, Jack had soared toward the sun these past months, and I’d loved sharing that vista of the White House, not just for him but also for Americans like those I’d met in Appalachia.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

weeks. “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

While he hadn’t always been the perfect husband, he was the best father Caroline and John could have asked for.

Next to all that grandeur was the glassware I’d ordered from West Virginia, fulfilling my campaign trail promise to stimulate their economy. The factory had already sent me a thank-you note and ramped up production to fill the many orders that would flood in after this broadcast.

I simply like to surround myself with interesting people.”