The Kennedy Debutante by Kerri Maher – 384 pages
ARC courtesy of Berkley Books in exchange for an honest review.
Book Blurb:
London, 1938. The effervescent “It girl” of London society since her father was named the ambassador, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy moves in rarified circles, rubbing satin-covered elbows with some of the 20th century’s most powerful figures. Eager to escape the watchful eye of her strict mother, Rose, the antics of her older brothers, Jack and Joe, and the erratic behavior of her sister Rosemary, Kick is ready to strike out on her own and is soon swept off her feet by Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire. But their love is forbidden, as Kick’s devout Catholic family and Billy’s staunchly Protestant one would never approve their match. When war breaks like a tidal wave across her world, Billy is ripped from her arms as the Kennedys are forced to return to the States. Kick gets work as a journalist and joins the Red Cross to get back to England, where she will have to decide where her true loyalties lie–with family or with love
My Review: 4.5 stars
The Kennedy Debutante is a great mix of history, romance and fiction that will keep you completely engrossed. This will for sure be on my list of favorites from 2018.
As much as I love history, it’s easy to forget that the Kennedy clan consisted of nine children. As I was reading this novel I realized how little I knew about Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy. Perhaps it’s because she was in England or just a short note in my high school history class. Whatever the reason, I’m glad to learn about this complicated woman now.
Maher beautifully reveals Kick’s complex story that includes the trials of wartime, familial love, commitment, religious contemplation and following your heart. She interweaves details about her devoted Catholic upbringing, her desire to please her strict mother, get the respect from her father that her brothers receive and her relationship with her many siblings. A large portion of the novel is dedicated to Kick’s romance with Billy Hartington, the future Duke of Devonshire, whose religion causes an underlying strain in their relationship. He is just as Protestant as she is Catholic.
I love that Maher peppered in some information about Joe Sr., JFK and Rosemary, which allowed me to learn more about them. Viewing the war in London from an American’s perspective gave me an interesting lens to look through. Kick’s heart belonged to London even during her short time back in America. This was a great tale of an independent, outspoken and courageous woman, much overshadowed by her brothers. She was entirely likable and in her tragically short life was torn by her love for her family, her religion and the love of an English man.
Congrats to Maher on her beautiful writing, impeccable research and bringing a rather unknown Kennedy to life. This is an excellent debut.
Quotes I liked:
Convince me that betraying my family for yours is a good thing?”
-“As for your mother, I don’t know her very well, but I can’t imagine not loving you no matter what. That’s what a mother does—loves her children no matter what.”
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