Like so many I am fascinated by the Kennedy family. When JFK Jr and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy (along with her sister Lauren) disappeared in a plane crash, I waited and prayed hoping for good news. The news was not good. 

This is a book purported to tell the story from Carolyn’s point of view instead of the media’s. Since I didn’t know the media’s side this felt like an attack on Carolyn too. Elizabeth. Beller, the author, talks about Carolyn’s complaints, Carolyn’s anger and anxiety, and other’s concerns to such an extent that it appears much of what the media said was true. The author more than once talks about Carolyn as coming “unhinged” and mentions “she began to unravel”. Was Beller building a case against Carolyn’s instability or building a case for her being misunderstood? I lost the thread, which is sad. Beller may be right about Carolyn receiving unfair and harassing treatment, but not sure her book illustrates her premise. Beller’s research and commitment to the book are also evident. 

The book (and true story) has a heart wrenching ending that took me back to the emotions I felt when it happened. It’s crazy the connection you feel for celebrities you don’t know. I could cry right now. 

I genuinely love encouraging and supporting women, but dislike the feminist tone of this book. Frigid, depressed, and volatile are all words Beller says Carolyn was accused of… and so much damage was done when she was accused. Yet these accusations and more are repeated over and over in this book. Carolyn’s craving for privacy comes through and makes me sad I read this book. Feels disrespectful.