The Kennedy Debutante

By: Kerri Maher

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

"A riveting reimagining of a true tale of forbidden love." (People)

A captivating novel following the exploits of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy, the forgotten and rebellious daughter of one of America's greatest political dynasties.

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. And 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 finds 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....

©2018 Kerri Maher (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“An engrossing tale of the importance of family, faith, and love in the life of one remarkable woman.” (Booklist)

"Maher’s assured debut, set against the backdrop of World War II, explores the life of JFK’s younger sister Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy.... This immersive, rich portrait of a complex young woman from one of the world’s most famous families will hold readers in thrall." (Publishers Weekly)

“Maher beautifully mixes the red-blooded American iconography of the Kennedys with the delicious and Downton Abbey-esque grandeur of Britain's upper crusts…[Kick] proves a poignant and captivating subject, and her story will make your heart lurch in the best possible ways." (Allison Pataki, New York Times best-selling author of The Accidental Empress)

Surprisingly good

I didn't have high expectations but was won over. And Julia Whelan, as usual, made it a great listen. She has the right touch with different voices, accents without going too far.

Good fictional account

I enjoyed the story, I think Kick was probably more wild than portrayed. Many young women of the 30’s were expressing independence and sexual freedom, even the good catholic girls. (According to my Irish Catholic grandmother and her sisters.)

Loved it

I never knew much about Kick Kennedy before this book. I absolutely loved it. Sure wish she has been able to live a longer life.

Excellent

Loved it, I only wish writer had gone through the end of her life. Great read

Real, Truthful, Wonderful

I really loved this book. It seemed real, truthful. About a new Kennedy whom I can really respect, while also giving a view to the rest we know so well. The issues and historical views were deftly handled, with devil’s advocates planted at just the right moments. I loved how the story progressed, the worlds that were shown to me, the brave young woman who did what she must in a world that had turned upside down. If only all women could be so brave; if only it hadn’t taken Kick so long. If you’ve missed this and want to read a book that matters and entertains, read this now.

Also, of course, the audio narration was fantastic.

Great listen !!

Excellent story ! Well produced and performed ! You will not regret this purchase ! Such an enjoyable listen !

Yay Kerri Maher

Best book I’ve listened to in a while…I loved it!! Though I have had an interest in the Kennedy family for many years, I didn’t know anything about Kick except her name. She was quite a girl!!! I highly recommend.

Interesting story of Kathleen Kennedy and family

Enjoyed story of this amazing woman. Learned a lot about the Kennedys and this little known woman. Great narration, interesting story

wonderful

What a wonderful book. I loved every minute
learning Kicks story and could not stop listening.

Beautiful and tragic

From a purely fictional standpoint this novel was excellent but knowing how much work went into researching the historical details I found it stunning. Well worth the listen!