I liked the personal way in which this story was told. I felt like I was experiencing a day in the life of Rose Kennedy at Hyannis Port and Palm Beach. I was surprised to learn that Rose didn't really go out much. I think of her a lot in her younger days going to parties, balls, etc., but I guess when she got into her 80's, she was tired of doing that sort of thing. The author, from what she says in this book, was not a big fan of Eunice, Sarge, or Maria Shriver. That surprised me too, how Eunice and Sarge were rude to the author for really no reason at all. I couldn't believe Rose's frugality considering the Kennedy's wealth. I mean, imagine Rose asking the author to return used cosmetics for credit! Highly recommended for anyone wanting an intimate look inside the life of Rose and the daily happenings at both of her homes.
Fascinating...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
If you've read Rose Kennedy's autobiography you'll definately want to read this too for another look. This is written by a former secretary of Rose's starting around 1974 (just after her autobiography was written). It's both interesting and comical. For instance I was shocked to read the state of their Palm Beach Florida house had fallen into - it sounds like a disaster as no one seemed to have the responsiblity to maintain it (shredded curtains, everything old and dirty etc) but this is not how one thinks the Kennedy's live particularly Rose. And with only one overworked cook/maid/allaround at each home (Maine & Florida) but all the Kennedy children visiting and making demands just as if there was still the staff that there probably had been when they were growing up. Also I was surprised at some of the Kennedy children & families behavior. For instance the author mentions when she introduced herself to Sargent Shriver (Eunice Kennedy's husband and father to Maria Shriver) as Rose's new secretary, he replied to her, laadeedaa, rather unpleasantly. It's quick and easy reading and seems want to present things in a fair manner. It's very entertaining and one sees that even with all that money and power it doesn't mean that your life will be well ordered and just how you like it, like you think it would be if you had it all.
I wish that they still printed this book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
WOW... I just borrowed this book from my aunt and what a nice peice to read. Sadly, they don't print any more copies of it. It really is to bad because now i just have to keep her copy.
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