The Editor

By: Steven Rowley

Narrated by: Michael Urie

Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's Summary

From the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a novel about a struggling writer who gets his big break, with a little help from the most famous woman in America.

After years of trying to make it as a writer in 1990s New York City, James Smale finally sells his novel to an editor at a major publishing house: none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jackie - or Mrs. Onassis, as she's known in the office - has fallen in love with James' candidly autobiographical novel, one that exposes his own dysfunctional family. But when the book's forthcoming publication threatens to unravel already fragile relationships, both within his family and with his partner, James finds that he can't bring himself to finish the manuscript. 

Jackie and James develop an unexpected friendship, and she pushes him to write an authentic ending, encouraging him to head home to confront the truth about his relationship with his mother. Then a long-held family secret is revealed, and he realizes his editor may have had a larger plan that goes beyond the page....

From the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a funny, poignant, and highly original novel about an author whose relationship with his very famous book editor will change him forever - as both a writer and a son.

©2019 Steven Rowley (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

One of NPR's Favorite Books of 2019 

One of Esquire's "Best Books of 2019 (So Far)"

One of Southern Living's “25 Beach Reads Perfect for Summer”

One of PopSugar’s “Buzzy Books to Read This Spring”

One of Town & Country's “Must-Read Books of Spring 2019”

One of Cosmopolitan's “13 Best Books Coming Out in April 

"The editor makes James a better writer, and The Editor will make you want to be a better son." (NPR)

“Filled with whimsy and warmth, the Lily and the Octopus author’s second novel centers on the complex relationship between a fledgling writer and his fabulous editor, the latter of whom becomes a mentor, friend, and maternal figure. Oh, and she happens to be Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, but that’s Mrs. Onassis to you.” (O, The Oprah Magazine) 

“Steven Rowley is the best-selling author of Lily and the Octopus, and he's honestly outdone himself with The Editor.” (Cosmopolitan) 

Great story

Great story..... could have done without some of the erotic sex.... not needed for story .

The Editor

I purchased this title as soon as it was available, not knowing what it was about. Lily and the Octopus was one of the best audiobooks I have ever owned, so I didn't think twice when The Editor was available to buy. I felt it dragged at times, but still has the same heart as Rowley's previous novel. I love his honesty and his ability to touch a reader without being cheesy. I also could listen to Michael Urie read the phonebook; he's very talented as a narrator. I would definitely reccomend this book.

Wonderful!

I loved this experience. Michael Urie was absolutely the perfect person to tell Francis’ story. The story itself was a stunning picture of the complicated yet loving relationship of a mother and son; of a family; of love. I laughed out loud and cried softly. I loved Lily and the octopus and this was even more amazing, I can’t wait for his next book.

I laughed, I cried...

Right out of the gate I was hooked. Funny, compelling. Serious David Sedaris vibes. Not sure if it was a comedy, a tragedy or a drama, probably all of the above but it was so good.

Charming story and narration

The book was witty, charming, and interesting. Michael Urie made the book even more charming!

Wow

Great read!
Growing up during JFK presidency I was always fascinated with Jackie O
So glad I heard about this book!
Loved it!

The BEST

Wow, Steven went soooo deep. Read this, please. So much to love, funny, writerly, New York, mother’s and sons and fathers and lovers, Jackie, grief, forgiveness. So so so good. I need 10 stars.

Everything I didn’t expect

After reading the description I wasn’t sold on this title, thinking it might be too tricky or far-fetched. I was happily wrong. It’s a lovely, perfectly conceivable story with surprising depth. Recommend.

Whining. Hours and hours of whining.

I don’t think I’m quite to the middle of the story yet but I am really annoyed. It is like listening to this man whine on and on about everything. I mean everything. Even describing where he is sounds like he’s whining. Somebody else should have performed this book.

Great story FABULOUS narration

I really enjoyed the story. I felt like this is one of the best narrations I’ve listened to on Audible. Michael Urie is fantastic!!!!!!!