From Publishers Weekly
First published in 1974 and out of print for many years, matriarch Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy's autobiography is by turns conventional, tedious, intimately revealing, evasive, sugar-coated, tough-minded and touching. Now 104, she began her political life at the age of five, when her father, John Francis Fitzgerald, was elected to Congress; he later becam
From Publishers Weekly
First published in 1974 and out of print for many years, matriarch Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy's autobiography is by turns conventional, tedious, intimately revealing, evasive, sugar-coated, tough-minded and touching. Now 104, she began her political life at the age of five, when her father, John Francis Fitzgerald, was elected to Congress; he later became mayor of Boston. In their warm foreword to this reissue, Rose's children?Edward Kennedy, Eunice Shriver, Patricia Lawford, Jean Smith?call her "the best politician in our family," and indeed, she relives her prominent role in accompanying her husband, Joseph Kennedy, FDR's ambassador to the Court of St. James, to Great Britain as war clouds gathered over Europe, and her vigorous campaigning for her sons, John and Bobby, in 1960 and 1968. Strewn with quotes from letters, diaries and recollections by family members and Kennedy watchers, this conversational, unpretentious memoir is particularly interesting when Rose is discussing JFK's illnesses and injuries, raising her nine children, her mentally retarded daughter, Rosemary, and the deep religious faith that sustained her through personal tragedies. Photos.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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566 pages
Published
January 1st 1975
by Pan Books
(first published 1974)
"Fusty" barely begins to cover it, although some of that is understandable. She was essentially a Victorian/Edwardian who lived well into the late 20th century, and she managed to control an exceptional series of tragedies with steel in her spine and a rosary in her hands. The real problem with this autobiography is the sheer amount of Kennedy books released since she wrote it in 1973. They have collectively blown the roof off Mrs. Kennedy's genteel descriptions of herself as the loved wife of J
"Fusty" barely begins to cover it, although some of that is understandable. She was essentially a Victorian/Edwardian who lived well into the late 20th century, and she managed to control an exceptional series of tragedies with steel in her spine and a rosary in her hands. The real problem with this autobiography is the sheer amount of Kennedy books released since she wrote it in 1973. They have collectively blown the roof off Mrs. Kennedy's genteel descriptions of herself as the loved wife of Joseph P. Kennedy, wise businessman, with herself a somewhat strict mother, as opposed to the remote figure most of her children would have remembered. One of the issues is that none of the four eldest wrote an autobiography, for various reasons. It would have been particularly interesting to hear Kathleen's and JFK's takes on their mother. Joe, Jr. inevitably emerges as a shadowy figure, and while her revelations about Rosemary's condition were mildly shocking in their day, the details were already well known by the time Mrs. Kennedy penned her memoirs. There is
no
disclosure of exactly what
did
happen to the young woman, i.e. a shattering lobotomy performed without the knowledge of her mother. If she can't admit that her husband used profanity (and she can't, even when other people document it), she certainly isn't going to task him with an act of desperation that left Rosemary with no alternative other than lifelong institutionalization.
I admire many members of this family, either those by birth or some of those who married into it. But Rose, not so much, and this book did nothing to dissuade me that I am wrong.
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I enjoyed this book a lot. Having lived through most of the "Kennedy Era", I wanted to learn what I thought was going to be the "real" stories behind the media coverage of all their lives. I was not disappointed. Mrs. Kennedy wrote the book in such a way that she inserted most of the family members' and working staff and friends' comments about the same events, which lent a pure "truism" to said events. I would recommend this book.
I've always admired the Kennedys. Much like the British Royal Family, the Kennedys combine a tradition of service to their country with glamour, tragedy, and limitless wealth. So, naturally, I have a great deal of respect for and interest in Rose Kennedy who is by all accounts a truly remarkable woman.
However, thanks to innumerable books on the Kennedy family and countless People Magazine covers, even the most casual observer knows the Kennedy saga has its glorious triumphs as well as its scanda
I've always admired the Kennedys. Much like the British Royal Family, the Kennedys combine a tradition of service to their country with glamour, tragedy, and limitless wealth. So, naturally, I have a great deal of respect for and interest in Rose Kennedy who is by all accounts a truly remarkable woman.
However, thanks to innumerable books on the Kennedy family and countless People Magazine covers, even the most casual observer knows the Kennedy saga has its glorious triumphs as well as its scandalous lows. So, it's almost humorous to read Rose's genteel take on her husband's "friendship" with Gloria Swanson or Ted's "unpleasantness" at Chappaquiddick. Rose occasionally comes across as a bit ridiculous and is often unintentionally hilarious, for no matter what sadness has befallen her or her family she never forgets to observe the proprieties. Nor does she ever miss the chance to, repeatedly, remind others to do so! Mary Worth has nothing on this lady!
Ultimately, in the guise of author I likened Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy to an old movie star like Joan Crawford or Lana Turner. Whenever one of those ladies made a film, they made best friends with the lighting guys, insisted on certain hairdressers, make-up artists and dress designers. The public wasn't going to see them looking less than their best. And, in 'Times to Remember' the public sees Rose and her family looking their absolute best. After all, appearences matter.
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Interesting look at growing up Fitzgerald/Kennedy by the matriarch herself, Rose. She does not mention at all any hint of infidelity in her husband or her children (maybe looking back with rose-colored glasses, hah). It's fascinating to me how Joe and Rose's 9 children were so close and always looking out for each other all through their lives. I can't imagine how she got through all the tragedies, but she was very religious, going to Mass every morning, and had a tremendous reliance on her fait
Interesting look at growing up Fitzgerald/Kennedy by the matriarch herself, Rose. She does not mention at all any hint of infidelity in her husband or her children (maybe looking back with rose-colored glasses, hah). It's fascinating to me how Joe and Rose's 9 children were so close and always looking out for each other all through their lives. I can't imagine how she got through all the tragedies, but she was very religious, going to Mass every morning, and had a tremendous reliance on her faith. Rose called on family and friends to send her letters to help her with this book, and it is good to get other people's perspectives. Lots of great pictures too.
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I read this when it came out so many years ago (1974)...a treasured gift from my mother-in-law. It was a very candid book about her entire life, covering, in her straight forward manner, the untold grief of a mother who buried many children, grandchildren and her husband. She was an inspiration in how to persevere in the face of the worst life has to give you by standing strong in her faith...by counting her blessings and the richly adventurous life she felt privileged to live.
This book sets the family history from Rose's point of view. Easy to read and one of the first Kennedy books I read as a child. Seems to have all the mythology wrapped up in this book...I consider the fact that Rose Kennedy is the author, so the book has value for how she cared to present her life. A fast read. It's interesting to compare her writing style with Katherine Graham's whose autobiography I think is a tremendous. Come to think of it, I'm sure this book was ghost-written.
I read this book right after the first publication. I was young and admired the Kennedy family very much. I've learned a lot since then, so I decided to re-read it. I still admire Rose Kennedy, but I now see her in a different light! She had a powerful influence on her family, especially her daughters & granddaughters. In my opinion, she really did consider herself an American "Royal"!
i've enjoyed this book but i don't know if i'm going to finish it. we'll see. it's interesting just really long.
it was long but interesting. i never knew how many people the kennedy's were connected to and knew b/c of joe kennedy's job. rose kennedy led a fascinating life albeit sad due to losing so many children to death.
this was a fantastically interesting book and i am not at all into politics. it was the story of a family and the triumphs and tragedies of their lives. i highly recommend this book to any wanting to read about a interesting life.
Was a nice depiction of Kennedy family life, even though she completely disregards anything negative about any member of the family. I guess that's to be expected.
My mother greatly admired the Kennedy family. When I visit my mother, I have the opportunity to read from her collection of "Kennedy" books. This is a favorite of mine.
“I have come to the conclusion that the most important element in human life is faith.
If God were to take away all His blessings, health, physical fitnes, wealth, intelligence, and leave me but one gift, I would ask for faith –- for with faith in Him, in His goodness, mercy, love for me, and belief in everlasting life, I believe I could suffer the loss of my other gifts and still be happy....”
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