The Importance of Being Kennedy

By Laurie Graham

Book Overview

From bestselling author Laurie Graham comes the late-life diaries of the Kennedys' fictitious nanny: an inside look into the early years of the Kennedy dynasty--with all the juicy bits intact. When Nora Brennan, fresh to America from Ireland, lands herself a position as nursery maid to a family in Brookline, Massachusetts, she little thinks it will place her at the heart of American history. But her job is with the Kennedy family, so how could it not? Nora has charge of all nine Kennedy children, practically from the minute they're born. She sees the boys coached at their father Joe's knee to believe everything they'll ever want in life can be bought. She sees the girls trained by Rose Kennedy ("Herself") 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. World War II changes everything. When war breaks out, Nora and the Kennedys are in London, where Joseph Kennedy is the American ambassador. His reaction is to send the entire household back across the Atlantic to safety, but Nora, surprised by midlife love, chooses to stay in England and do her bit for the war effort. Separated from her Kennedys by an ocean, she nevertheless remains the warm, approachable sun around which the older children orbit: Joe Jr. and Jack, both serving in the US Navy; Rosemary, tragically unable to fit into the Kennedy mold; and Kathleen, known affectionately as "Kick," who throws a spanner in the Kennedy works by marrying an English Protestant. Dear Nora has a deliciously inside view of everything that is happening upstairs, and in this fictional diary she tells all with the humor and candor that only a nursemaid dare employ. Witty, irreverent, and a rollicking good read, The Importance of Being Kennedy is social satire at its best.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061173525
• ISBN13: 9780061173523
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Harper
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.12 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.5" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

An Engaging Read

I enjoy historical novels, and this one is no exception. It strikes the right balance between witty and touching, and sheds new light on the family life of the Kennedys.

A LOT OF FUN

This book was a surprise Laurie Graham writes with a comedic syle that has you laughing out loud I found it also well edited, as it flowed along through the years. I am sure Rose Kennedy would have hated this book, it certainly does not view her kindly

A Glimpse into the Making of America's Royal Family

The Importance of Being Kennedy is the fictional account of Nora Brennan, an Irish nanny who serves the Kennedy family by raising all nine of the Kennedy children from birth. It follows the development of the children, the high flying beliefs of Joe Kennedy and his dreams for his boys, and the mark each Kennedy left on history. It is an interesting read that sheds light on America's royal family. I thought it was a little strange to read a fictional diary about such a famous family and wondered how accurate it was to what life was truly like for a Kennedy child. It would be interesting to read a reaction by one of the family members. For a work of fiction, the characters are extremely deep and well developed. I found them easy to relate to and very believable. Rose Kennedy as a character in this book is one of the most complicated literary characters I have ever encountered. She simultaneously believes herself to be an involved, caring mother while leaving her children for weeks at a time to go traveling and shopping for pleasure. The Kennedys' hey-day was long before I was born, so it was interesting to learn about the legends. A lot of my questions were answered, including why this family was significant and how they rose to power. "The Importance of Being Kennedy" feels like you're meeting the actual people. I found myself becoming attached to the Kennedy children and even looking online for more information about the real individuals, especially the "forgotten" daughter, Rose Kennedy. Whether you like history or just want to enjoy a good novel, Laurie Graham will not disappoint you. Her book is a literary gem that shouldn't be missed. by Jennifer Melville for Story Circle Book Reviews reviewing books by, for, and about women

A Gem!

I just happened to see this book at the library in the new section. I have read alot about the Kennedy's and everyone knows about the tragedy's they have endured. This book however, was really refreshing and something entirely new. It is based on real people and events but told to us by someone that wasn't really "there". I totally enjoyed Nora's observations about the family and the war. It was a wonderful read. I highly recommend it!

Typically enjoyable Laurie Graham.

Graham writes on somewhat off-beat subjects that another novelist might be afraid to tackle. She chooses to and is usually successful. This is another good read by Graham.