jenniferlwatson's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
ashleereadsbooks692's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Super slow and boring. I also couldn’t get over the historical inaccuracies
bargainsleuth's review against another edition
5.0
I read historical fiction from time to time, and it usually frustrates me. Because I normally pick up novels based upon people and events of which I am familiar, I get frustrated with the liberties taken with facts to tell a good story. Not so with this book.
I've read over 60 books on the Kennedy family in the last few years, so I was curious about this historical novel of Jacqueline Onassis. It is about as accurate as you can get for historical fiction, and even though I knew her real story quite well, I thought the author did a good job of weaving the facts and quotes into a narrative that worked.
Read more of my reviews at www.bargain-sleuth.com
I've read over 60 books on the Kennedy family in the last few years, so I was curious about this historical novel of Jacqueline Onassis. It is about as accurate as you can get for historical fiction, and even though I knew her real story quite well, I thought the author did a good job of weaving the facts and quotes into a narrative that worked.
Read more of my reviews at www.bargain-sleuth.com
cebaute's review against another edition
5.0
Saying I love the Kennedy family is an understatement. My affection for them started with Bobby and quickly worked its way through the whole family. When I stumbled upon “And They Called It Camelot” by @stephaniemariethornton ( same author of that spectacular Alice Roosevelt novel) I dropped everything to read it. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. It did a phenomenal job at depicting her life in a believable way, not straying much from factual events. Jackie is portrayed a a strong, poised woman who understood her role in history. I want to talk about this book with everyone. It was so lovely.
prncss1204's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
haley_b's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
And They Called it Camelot fictionalizes the life of Jackie Kennedy from her first encounter with the future president to the death of Onassis.
This novel describes Jackie’s life in great detail, and I admit I knew very little about her prior to reading. However, I was also skeptical of the novel as a concept from the very beginning. It’s too grounded in a real person’s experiences to be truly historical fiction, but it doesn’t pretend to have the credibility of a biography, either. The book appears to be written for those who already have an interest in Jackie as a celebrity rather than those with an interest in the time period.
I found the characters somewhat flat, and Jackie’s troubles in particular began to feel trivial. She lamented her marriage at length despite forgiving men’s mistakes very easily and holding every other privilege imaginable in a wealthy, respected family. I did sympathize with her losses both in pregnancy and in the many deaths close to her, most famously her husband’s assassination.
Despite its emotional moments, this novel is not compelling enough to justify its own existence. Those interested in reading should consider biographies that can tell the same story with greater credibility.
llkendrick's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't know much about Jackie, minus a few things, so I really enjoyed this book! I know it's fiction but it's well researched and what's taken beyond context is readily believable. Well written, detailed & studied not to mention researched, a great read for anyone who admired Jackie and enjoys history.
ckolacki7714's review against another edition
5.0
YOU GUYS THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I’VE READ SO FAR THIS YEAR! Run and get yourself a copy of And They Called it Camelot by Stephanie Marie Thornton you will not regret it!! Absolutely loved this book!