Jacqueline in Paris: A Novel

4.75 (rounded up to 5) - I'm quite fond of Jacqueline Kennedy, though I admit her time as a Kennedy is the majority of what I know about her. Before becoming the First Lady of the United States and Jackie O, she was Jacqueline Bouvier. [b:Jacqueline in Paris 59949718 Jacqueline in Paris Ann Mah https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1647803212l/59949718.SX50.jpg 89017482] gives us a glimpse of Jacquline before she became the woman we know and admire today.Starting in 1949, we follow Jacqueline during her year abroad in Paris. Happy to escape her mother's expectations for the future and enjoy the freedom of being away from constant parental scrutiny, she seeks culture and solitude. She finds this and more, taking in the realities of post-war Europe, a different outlook on politics and intermingling with people she'd be forbidden to associate with back home, and the lasting effects war has had on those who had to suffer the greatest cruelties. Though much of this story is speculation, it's clear there that a great deal of research went into this, especially where the Renty family was involved. I found this subplot to be the most fascinating and was the source of a lot of emotion in the story. It was also interesting getting to see a bit of romance before JFK entered the picture.

I would give this 3.5 stars. I felt it dragged at times and I am not a fan of first person narration when the main character is a real person. First person should be used for autobiographies or fiction written with fictional characters.