The Importance of Being Kennedy - Softcover

Graham, Laurie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061173533 ISBN 13: 9780061173530

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2009

Synopsis

From the fictitious diary of the equally fictitious Kennedy nanny comes an inside look into the early years of the dynasty--with all the juicy bits intact.

Newly arrived from Ireland, Nora Brennan finds a position as nursery maid to the Kennedys of Brookline, Massachusetts--and lands at the heart of American history. In charge of nine children practically from the minute they're born--including Joe Jr., Jack, Bobby, Teddy, vivacious "Kick," and tragic Rosemary--she sees the boys coached at their father's knee to believe everything they'll ever want in life can be bought. She sees the girls trained by mother Rose to be good Catholic wives. With her sharp eye and her quiet common sense, Nora is the perfect candidate to report on an empire in the making. Then World War II changes everything.

About this title

Review:

"Chatty and insightful...perceptive....Graham blends accurate historical detail with Nora's outspoken and gossipy vernacular in this highly entertaining read."--Booklist

"Bitter and sweet as well as affecting...tender."--New York Daily News

"Mingling history and fiction puts Graham in good literary company...romance and dry humor keep things moving.... The chance to watch Nora's employers swan in and out of view will draw readers, and Graham will keep as many as she can charm."--New York Times Book Review

"Entertaining...delves into the Kennedy family legend, with energetic pace, witty dialogue and vividly drawn characters."--The Observer

"A convincing and often moving version of the private realities behind America's most public family."--Daily Mail (London)

"Lush....The tart observations of lives of privilege may take the shine off the Camelot myth, but Graham's book is marked not by ridicule but rather by an elegant, forthright poignancy. A refreshingly nostalgia-free portrayal that breathes life into the Kennedy story."--Kirkus Reviews

"A titillating and amusing...book, because it walks such a fragile line between what is known fact and what the author has embellished and concocted....Ms. Graham's Nora is the personification of the immortal nanny who knew everything and said nothing - but took notes."--Washington Times

"Tightknit, ambitious and out to prove a point to the world, this is the fictionalised tale of the Kennedys from below the stairs....This simple yet enthralling narrative kept my interest the whole way....A lovely tale, this is another well-written offering from Laurie Graham."--Daily News (New Plymouth, New Zealand)

About the Author:

Laurie Graham's nine novels include The Future Homemakers of America and Gone with the Windsors. She lives in Venice, Italy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0061173533
• ISBN 13: 9780061173530
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384