Reviews

The Secret Memoirs of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: A Novel by Ruth Francisco

anderson65's review

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4.0

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.

al836's review

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dark emotional informative sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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