Thank you, Mariner Books, for the gifted copy of Jacqueline in Paris. {partner}

Genre: Historical Fiction
When: 1949 – 1950
Format: 🎧
Pub Date: 9.27.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5

Summary:

“In August 1949 Jacqueline Bouvier arrives in postwar Paris to begin her junior year abroad. She’s twenty years old, socially poised but financially precarious, and all too aware of her mother’s expectations that she make a brilliant match. Before relenting to family pressure, she has one year to herself far away from sleepy Vassar College and the rigid social circles of New York, a year to explore and absorb the luminous beauty of the City of Light. Jacqueline is immediately catapulted into an intoxicating new world of champagne and châteaux, art and avant-garde theater, cafés and jazz clubs. She strikes up a romance with a talented young writer who shares her love of literature and passion for culture – even though her mother would think him most unsuitable.

But beneath the glitter and rush, France is a fragile place still haunted by the Occupation. Jacqueline lives in a rambling apartment with a widowed countess and her daughters, all of whom suffered as part of the French Resistance just a few years before. In the aftermath of World War II, Paris has become a nest of spies, and suspicion, deception, and betrayal lurk around every corner. Jacqueline is stunned to watch the rise of communism – anathema in America, but an active movement in France – never guessing she is witnessing the beginning of the political environment that will shape the rest of her life—and that of her future husband.”

Review:

This coming-of-age story allowed me to see a glimpse of Jacqueline, which not many of us have seen. While I know who Jacqueline Kennedy is, and I’ve always admired her style, I can’t say that I know much about her or the person she was before she became First Lady and wife to John F. Kennedy.

I listened to this book through Harper Audio and was transported back to post-war France. I am so glad I chose to listen to this book instead of reading it because I would have mispronounced numerous names and places – the audio truly helped bring the story to life.

My only criticism about the book is that I felt the first half was sluggish. I didn’t feel like anything happened until around the 60% mark. But, after that point, many events ensued, and that’s when I saw Jacqueline’s character growth.

The entirety of Jacqueline in Paris is full of stunning descriptions of Paris and the places that Jacqueline visits. It felt like I was walking along with Jacqueline as she experienced life free from her parent’s control.

💯 Audiobook
😍 Captivating descriptions that bring the book to life
👩🏽Coming-of-age story
😔 Vivid details of their trip to Dachau
🐌 Slow start but takes off after the 60% mark

I recommend reading Jacqueline in Paris if you enjoy reading historical fiction books set in post-war Europe!

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BOOK INFO
Format: 352 pages, hardback
Published: September 2022
ISBN 0062997017 (ISBN13: 9780062997012)