I enjoyed The Kennedy Debutante as much as any book this year!!
This novel focuses on the life of “Kick,” the daughter of Joe Kennedy Sr, American Ambassador to the Great Britain, and sister to Joe Jr., Jack, Bobby, etc. She was charismatic and beautiful, and she captivated London society in the late 1930s when the family was stationed abroad. The book begins as she and her sister Rosemary are “presented” to the King and Queen as debutantes. Another fun work of historical fiction I read this year covers this annual spectacle.
As England moves towards war, Kick is falling in love with a future Duke, but this match is not acceptable to either family because she is a devout Catholic and he is Protestant. The book focuses on Kit’s story, but also covers London society, Kennedy family drama and tragedy (the sad story of Rosemary and her brothers’ many liaisons), and London pre-post war.
I have always been fascinated by the Kennedys but didn’t know much about this sister. This debut author brings this woman and the historical period to life. It is a well-written, interesting, and super entertaining book I highly recommend.
Especially if you like Downton Abbey, The Crown, etc. this is a book for you!!!
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