Once upon a Time

The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

By: Elizabeth Beller

Narrated by: Emily Tremaine

A NEW YORK TIMES, LOS ANGELES TIMES, USA TODAY BESTSELLER

The life and legacy of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., are reexamined in this captivating and effervescent biography that is perfect for fans of My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, What Remains, and Fairy Tale Interrupted.

A quarter of a century after the plane crash that claimed the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren, the magnitude of this tragedy remains fresh. Yet, Carolyn is still an enigmatic figure, a woman whose short life in the spotlight was besieged with misogyny and cruelty.

Amidst today’s cultural reckoning about the way our media treats women, Elizabeth Beller explores the real person behind the tabloid headlines and media frenzy. When she began dating America’s prince, Carolyn was increasingly thrust into an overwhelming spotlight filled with relentless paparazzi who reacted to her reserve with a campaign of harassment and vilification.

To this day, she is still depicted as a privileged princess—icy, vapid, and drug-addicted. She has even been accused of being responsible for their untimely death, allegedly delaying take-off until she finished her pedicure. But now, she is revealed as never before.

A fiercely independent woman devoted to her adopted city and career, Carolyn relied on her impeccable eye and drive to fly up the ranks at Calvin Klein in the glossy, high-stakes fashion world of the 1990s. When Carolyn met her future husband, John was immediately drawn to her strong-willed personality, effortless charm, and high intelligence. Their relationship would change her life and catapult her to dizzying fame, but it was her vibrant life before their marriage and then hidden afterwards, that is truly fascinating.

Based on in-depth research and exclusive interviews with friends, family members, teachers, roommates, and colleagues, this comprehensive biography reveals a multi-faceted woman worthy of our attention regardless of her husband and untimely death.

©2024 Elizabeth Beller (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

An exquisite portrait

Beautifully written, poignant, supported with evidence from friends and family…. A fascinating biography of a beloved person

Pieced together from other publications

There really is nothing new in this book. Unfortunately it is pieced together with quotes from other publications, places Carolyn and John had been based on photos published, and speculation that does not seem to be fact checked.

PERFECT FOR KENNEDY FOLLOWERS OR NON FICTION ROMANCE

Thus is my second listen and I loved every minute.
I'm old enough to remember "John John " as the
three year old kittle boy saluting his father's casket in 1963. I had no idea how much his father's assassination affected him. I also was unaware of how close he was at the time pof his death to entering politics... and the plans that he had to one day assume the presidency himself.
I always admired his wife, Caroline, and this book
only cemented that admiration. She was constantly
hounded and chased by the paparazzi and suffered severe depression because of being forced to stay at home. But most of all, 0John and Caroline were deeply in love.
Truly an enjoyable listen.

Not what I expected.

Incorrect pronunciation of names was annoying and made me wonder how in depth this was researched.

The real Caroline Bissett Kennedy revealed

I admit to not knowing much about this tragedy and the woman who captured JFK Junior’s heart. It was a very quick listen to it painted a picture of someone who was vilified my the press when alive but who was was the most lovely woman married to a man who could have done incredible things in the political world, and possibly prevented a lot of the tragedies that have happened to us in the choice of our political leaders. We will never know what this duo could have accomplished, but now that I better know who she was it makes this tragedy even more pointless
Narrator was very good and despite my vision, being poor and now listening to books instead of reading them, I was able to follow the story very well will search for more from this author.

How amazing Caroline and John were as kind empathetic people Such potential wasted, heartbreaking. Boo hiss to the paparazzi

Disliked hearing how destructive the evil paparazzi were to this spectacular young woman and man
A beautiful well matched couple with their long life ahead. Heartbreaking

Well Told Story

Well told story, learned much about this interesting, beautiful woman and her relationships with family, friends and her husband.

Insightful

Provided more background on the elusive wife of “America’s Prince.” I can’t go but hear these stories and wish for a different ending. Heartbreaking even after 25 years. Would like to learn more about the surviving sister, Lisa. The devastation she and her mother must’ve gone through is unimaginable as well of course for JFK Jr family and friends, let alone the world.

Predictable Deification

Although unfairly criticized during her lifetime, this saint like portrayal doesn’t ring true either. JFK Jr’s irresponsibly and arrogance ultimately won the day. Although John’s arrogance was not evident to friends, his belief that he will never suffer any consequences drove him his entire life. It’s a shame Carolyn, the empath, never saw this. May they rest in peace.

Carolyn Bessett

Skewed opinion. Sounds like a nice person , but went overboard in angelic, perfect description. Don’t remember such negativity from press.