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After Camelot: A Personal History of the Kennedy Family - 1968 to the Present
For more than half a century, Americans have been captivated by the Kennedys - their joy and heartbreak, tragedy and triumph, the dark side and the remarkable achievements. In this ambitious and sweeping account, Taraborelli continues the family chronicle begun with his bestselling Jackie, Ethel, Joan and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the years "after Camelot." He describes the challenges Bobby's children faced as they grew into adulthood; Eunice and Sargent Shriver's remarkable philanthropic work; the emotional turmoil Jackie faced after JFK's murder and the complexities of her eventual marriage to Aristotle Onassis; the the sudden death of JFK JR; and the stoicism and grace of his sister Caroline.
He also brings into clear focus the complex and intriguing story of Edward "Teddy" and shows how he influenced the sensibilities of the next generation and challenged them to uphold the Kennedy name. Based on extensive research, including hundreds of exclusive interviews, After Camelot captures the wealth, glamour, and fortitude for which the Kennedys are so well known. With this book, J. Randy Taraborrelli takes readers on an epic journey as he unfolds the ongoing saga of the nation's most famous-and controversial-family.
He also brings into clear focus the complex and intriguing story of Edward "Teddy" and shows how he influenced the sensibilities of the next generation and challenged them to uphold the Kennedy name. Based on extensive research, including hundreds of exclusive interviews, After Camelot captures the wealth, glamour, and fortitude for which the Kennedys are so well known. With this book, J. Randy Taraborrelli takes readers on an epic journey as he unfolds the ongoing saga of the nation's most famous-and controversial-family.
624 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
460 people are currently reading
2758 people want to read
About the author
J. Randy Taraborrelli
27 books503 followersJ. Randy Taraborrelli is an author known for biographies of contemporary entertainers and political figures. He is a featured writer in several entertainment magazines in Canada, England, and Australia. He also appears on television as an entertainment news reporter on shows such as Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, Today and CBS This Morning. Taraborrelli resides in Los Angeles, California.
Taraborrelli, who has written eighteen books (including updated and expanded editions), has had fourteen of them appear on the New York Times best seller list, the most recent of which was 2014's The Hiltons - The True Story of an American Dynasty. His first best seller was Call Her Miss Ross in 1989. His 2009 biography of Marilyn Monroe - The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe - made a re-appearance on the e-books best-seller list at number two in the summer of 2012.
In November of 2012, it was announced that Reelz cable channel had optioned Taraborrelli's New York Times best-selling book, After Camelot, as a miniseries. It will be his second television miniseries, the first airing on NBC in 2000 and based on his book, Jackie, Ethel, Joan.
Through his newly formed J. Randy Taraborrelli Productions, Taraborrelli is currently developing and producing a number of television projects.
Taraborrelli, who has written eighteen books (including updated and expanded editions), has had fourteen of them appear on the New York Times best seller list, the most recent of which was 2014's The Hiltons - The True Story of an American Dynasty. His first best seller was Call Her Miss Ross in 1989. His 2009 biography of Marilyn Monroe - The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe - made a re-appearance on the e-books best-seller list at number two in the summer of 2012.
In November of 2012, it was announced that Reelz cable channel had optioned Taraborrelli's New York Times best-selling book, After Camelot, as a miniseries. It will be his second television miniseries, the first airing on NBC in 2000 and based on his book, Jackie, Ethel, Joan.
Through his newly formed J. Randy Taraborrelli Productions, Taraborrelli is currently developing and producing a number of television projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
April 9, 2017
The Kennedys After Camelot is extensively researched and despite its page count a rather fast read. This book mostly focuses on The Kennedy sisters their spouses and the third generation. I liked reading about the less famous Kennedys like Sargent Shriver and William Kennedy Smith. The chapters about JFK Jr were just heartbreaking. I'm looking forward to watching the miniseries based off this book.
I would recommend this book to people interested in The Kennedy family and people who liked reading epic family dramas.
I would recommend this book to people interested in The Kennedy family and people who liked reading epic family dramas.
July 17, 2023
A glimpse into members of the American Kennedy family from 1968 to 2011.
Scandals, messy personal lives, and triumphs are evenly told.
Every member of the family is given a mini biography of sorts , such as the Kennedy women, Pat, Eunice and Jean. I knew very little about them and didn’t even know Eunice helped create the special Olympics!
No new ground is broken here but If you searching for a well done book about interesting people this one’s for you.
Scandals, messy personal lives, and triumphs are evenly told.
Every member of the family is given a mini biography of sorts , such as the Kennedy women, Pat, Eunice and Jean. I knew very little about them and didn’t even know Eunice helped create the special Olympics!
No new ground is broken here but If you searching for a well done book about interesting people this one’s for you.
February 14, 2024
A wonderfully written history of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation of the Joseph P. Kennedy family.
September 12, 2012
This was a good book. It isn’t specifically about Jack, Jackie or Bobby, all of whom have been explored - at length - in other biographies. This book focuses on the whole family: Joe, Rose and all of the second generation siblings and their spouses, as well as those of the third generation, who’ve made the headlines after 1968.
Love them or hate them, there’s plenty of material in this book to add to your emotions about the Kennedy’s. The biographer has had personal interaction with some family members over the years and obviously has a great deal of respect for his subject matter. Yet, he does not sugarcoat the facts. There’s a lot of dirt here – lots of details about the many scandals the family has endured. However, if you’re a Kennedy follower, there aren’t a lot of new, big revelations. But having all the details in one book gives the reader a better sense of the family, as well as the historical and emotional context of the events. Be prepared for the solemnly tone in the second part of the book, however, as the second generation passes on.
The resounding theme throughout the book is the much trumpeted opinion that there’s a “Kennedy Curse,” which is hard to argue, given the family’s history. However the author brings up two interesting points of view that put a spin on this perspective (although he does not contradict it). One is the Greek belief that hubris, of which the Kennedys have often been accused, often leads to tragedy. The second, as quoted by Sargent Shriver, is that if there is a curse, “So be it.” The Kennedy’s have benefited from hard work, tremendous luck and good fortune and if they’ve had to endure a curse to experience all that…”so be it.”
The author concludes with his speculation that the great days of Camelot are over. The death knoll of the fairy tale started with the tragic death of JFK Jr., and then with the passing of Ted Kennedy, the eternal flame of Camelot was all but extinguished. It’s hard to argue his point – although this was published before Taylor Swift showed up on the scene, so who knows what the future may bring…ha, ha.
Love them or hate them, there’s plenty of material in this book to add to your emotions about the Kennedy’s. The biographer has had personal interaction with some family members over the years and obviously has a great deal of respect for his subject matter. Yet, he does not sugarcoat the facts. There’s a lot of dirt here – lots of details about the many scandals the family has endured. However, if you’re a Kennedy follower, there aren’t a lot of new, big revelations. But having all the details in one book gives the reader a better sense of the family, as well as the historical and emotional context of the events. Be prepared for the solemnly tone in the second part of the book, however, as the second generation passes on.
The resounding theme throughout the book is the much trumpeted opinion that there’s a “Kennedy Curse,” which is hard to argue, given the family’s history. However the author brings up two interesting points of view that put a spin on this perspective (although he does not contradict it). One is the Greek belief that hubris, of which the Kennedys have often been accused, often leads to tragedy. The second, as quoted by Sargent Shriver, is that if there is a curse, “So be it.” The Kennedy’s have benefited from hard work, tremendous luck and good fortune and if they’ve had to endure a curse to experience all that…”so be it.”
The author concludes with his speculation that the great days of Camelot are over. The death knoll of the fairy tale started with the tragic death of JFK Jr., and then with the passing of Ted Kennedy, the eternal flame of Camelot was all but extinguished. It’s hard to argue his point – although this was published before Taylor Swift showed up on the scene, so who knows what the future may bring…ha, ha.
August 22, 2013
Kennedy "manse"??? I thought that was the home of a priest or pastor given by the church. Apparently it also means the Kennedy mansION in Palm Beech, FL.
Kennedy and "humble" in the same sentence??
This is my current audio pick. I've read tons of Kennedy stuff---the worshipful 60s stuff, the sleazy 70s-80s stuff and now, it "so long" since the assassinations we're finally to respectful, but not hiding much. I suppose that's good. I do think it's interesting that seemingly every-other-sentence is that they were "devout Catholics." True, and true too that being devout doesn't make anyone perfect or "better", but "still"...the Kennedy MEN?? Really? Truly horrific what they went thru with killing of JFK an RFK but the rest is 100% related to CHOICES. I give Jackie and Ethel a pass on some parenting--I cannot fathom living thru having my husband's brains splattered everywhere. And, all they could get was booze or valium to "help." But the 3 oldest RFK boys and Chris Lawford should have been sent to reform school--not prep school. And Chris Lawford wrote a whole book bragging about it all. I DO admire the "vision" that JFK and RFK put forward for our country--so much so that I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. And, in spite of his glaring flaws (too numerous to name here) I do admire Ted Kennedy's work for universal health care. But I do not idolize the family in any way. They are human and should be seen as such.
Kennedy and "humble" in the same sentence??
This is my current audio pick. I've read tons of Kennedy stuff---the worshipful 60s stuff, the sleazy 70s-80s stuff and now, it "so long" since the assassinations we're finally to respectful, but not hiding much. I suppose that's good. I do think it's interesting that seemingly every-other-sentence is that they were "devout Catholics." True, and true too that being devout doesn't make anyone perfect or "better", but "still"...the Kennedy MEN?? Really? Truly horrific what they went thru with killing of JFK an RFK but the rest is 100% related to CHOICES. I give Jackie and Ethel a pass on some parenting--I cannot fathom living thru having my husband's brains splattered everywhere. And, all they could get was booze or valium to "help." But the 3 oldest RFK boys and Chris Lawford should have been sent to reform school--not prep school. And Chris Lawford wrote a whole book bragging about it all. I DO admire the "vision" that JFK and RFK put forward for our country--so much so that I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. And, in spite of his glaring flaws (too numerous to name here) I do admire Ted Kennedy's work for universal health care. But I do not idolize the family in any way. They are human and should be seen as such.
January 10, 2013
This book was a disappointment to me. I checked it out, thinking it would be solid history. But it felt more like reading a gossip magazine. Not my cup of tea.
December 21, 2015
"Don't let it be forgot that for one brief shining moment there was Camelot"......I know America never forgot and although JFK was before my time I've alway been so enamoured by him and all his family....and their whole lives, loves, deaths.......a truly fascinating family.
Some of the saddest scenes in this volume were the ones about the loss of JFK, Junior, America's prince. That was just so appallingly shocking at the time.....I found it just unbelievable it could happen. So tragic....it was shocking to me too that all three were cremated just 8 hours after they were located with only a couple of cousins at the crematorium itself. An odd thing to have done, I thought.
I've read volumes on the Kennedys for years and yet there were still some things I hadn't known-such as Ethel's quite sweet relationship with Andy Williams and also how close her and Teddy turned out to be as well. Also Jackie keeping in touch with Lady Bird Johnson till her death. Pat came across as a pretty terrible mother and I'd had no idea just how many of the 3rd generation ended up hooked on booze or dabbling with drugs !! Some of them came across as entitled beyond belief as well !! I was staggered to read of Ted Kennedy Junior attempting to annul his wedding to wife Sheila after having had kids and Ted Senior managing to do the same as well !! That is utterly outrageous they're permitted to do this.
It was good to see Rosemary featured a great deal as she's always quite forgotten as is Kathleen as well, really, although for differing reasons. One passage featuring her and Eunice had me sobbing...and I'd not realised that Mary Jo Kopechne may have lived if Ted hadn't panicked and not reported the accident promptly. That was horrible to read about.
I spotted a couple of errors-1968 was written as I968 bizarrely and terra-cotta had that hyphen thrown in as did Vir-ginia, then he kept mentioning that the members of the family were staunch Roman Catholics which didn't bear repeating as often as he did and he repeatedly he used the word reductive throughout which got annoying then used was when it should've been were a couple of times, also. He also shockingly spells Sydney Lawford as Sidney near the end of the book !! I almost knocked a star off for this transgression. However, it really is so comprehensively and well written I couldn't. These aren't many mistakes at all for a book of this length. I cannot imagine the research that went into it. Many years ago I also read Jackie, Ethel and Joan and that is another to recommend to nay Kennedy buffs, too.
Some of the saddest scenes in this volume were the ones about the loss of JFK, Junior, America's prince. That was just so appallingly shocking at the time.....I found it just unbelievable it could happen. So tragic....it was shocking to me too that all three were cremated just 8 hours after they were located with only a couple of cousins at the crematorium itself. An odd thing to have done, I thought.
I've read volumes on the Kennedys for years and yet there were still some things I hadn't known-such as Ethel's quite sweet relationship with Andy Williams and also how close her and Teddy turned out to be as well. Also Jackie keeping in touch with Lady Bird Johnson till her death. Pat came across as a pretty terrible mother and I'd had no idea just how many of the 3rd generation ended up hooked on booze or dabbling with drugs !! Some of them came across as entitled beyond belief as well !! I was staggered to read of Ted Kennedy Junior attempting to annul his wedding to wife Sheila after having had kids and Ted Senior managing to do the same as well !! That is utterly outrageous they're permitted to do this.
It was good to see Rosemary featured a great deal as she's always quite forgotten as is Kathleen as well, really, although for differing reasons. One passage featuring her and Eunice had me sobbing...and I'd not realised that Mary Jo Kopechne may have lived if Ted hadn't panicked and not reported the accident promptly. That was horrible to read about.
I spotted a couple of errors-1968 was written as I968 bizarrely and terra-cotta had that hyphen thrown in as did Vir-ginia, then he kept mentioning that the members of the family were staunch Roman Catholics which didn't bear repeating as often as he did and he repeatedly he used the word reductive throughout which got annoying then used was when it should've been were a couple of times, also. He also shockingly spells Sydney Lawford as Sidney near the end of the book !! I almost knocked a star off for this transgression. However, it really is so comprehensively and well written I couldn't. These aren't many mistakes at all for a book of this length. I cannot imagine the research that went into it. Many years ago I also read Jackie, Ethel and Joan and that is another to recommend to nay Kennedy buffs, too.
August 18, 2012
For complex psychological reasons that need not concern us here, I am a complete Kennedy 'ho. But I like to read about Kennedy scandal. The recent Mary Kennedy sucide mit attendant loutish Kennedy husband (Really He hooked up with that no talent beyatch from that over-rated, supremely Not Funny HBO supposed-to-be comedy? What a piker) was like a big trough of mud in which I piggishly rolled and luxuriated.
So this is actually a disappointing book. It's just so clean.
I want scandal with my Kennedys. I want to know that Joe Sr. was a mean-spirited, greedy, skinny-lipped guy that God punished by making him sit in a wheelchair with a Foley catheter for 15 years listening to his ancient ball-and-chain Rose drone on about how it was impossible to get good Irish help anymore.
I want to read about how the Eumenides led by Mary Jo Kopechne can-canned around the bloated Teddy Kennedy's deathbed.
I's the House of Atreus aspects of the Kennedy Family that really enthrall me.
So enough with the hagiography. Give me more mud!
So this is actually a disappointing book. It's just so clean.
I want scandal with my Kennedys. I want to know that Joe Sr. was a mean-spirited, greedy, skinny-lipped guy that God punished by making him sit in a wheelchair with a Foley catheter for 15 years listening to his ancient ball-and-chain Rose drone on about how it was impossible to get good Irish help anymore.
I want to read about how the Eumenides led by Mary Jo Kopechne can-canned around the bloated Teddy Kennedy's deathbed.
I's the House of Atreus aspects of the Kennedy Family that really enthrall me.
So enough with the hagiography. Give me more mud!
March 30, 2013
This was a truly awesome account of the Kennedy clan from 1968 to present, well written and properly annotated with accredited sources cited throughout. Taraborrelli gives a sympathetic yet honest view of each branch of the Kennedys (including Shrivers, Smiths, Lawfords, Skakels, and Radziwills), presenting their achievements, struggles and even scandals artfully and tastefully. After having read the tainted and self-spotlighting crud spewed by lesser writers (like Ed Klein, Carole Radziwill, Michael Bergin) After Camelot comes across as inspiring and enlightening, and never vulgar.
January 23, 2023
I listened to 20+ hours on audible. Primarily while driving. Most of my driving is about 15-20 minutes so this took a long time but was well worth it. The book is over 600 pages.
I was always enamored with the Kennedy family, our royalty. I enjoyed the detail about the relationships between the 2nd generation siblings and their spouses and learning about the 3rd generation. So much was covered with chapters being devoted to an individual or family, so it wasn’t exactly chronological and there were things repeated. It didn’t make it difficult to follow and understandable why the repetition occurred.
No family and certainly no parent should have to endure the number of deaths this family experienced; murder, suicide, plane crashes, accidents and drug overdoses, cancer; it’s all there.
I loved Jackie and was saddened to hear the details of her (2) husbands infidelity. She seemed to have found a true companion later in life but as fate would have it, she didn’t have long enough with him. Such a classy lady who probably smoked herself to death.
The Kennedy women are impressive. Eunice (and husband Sergeant Shriver, did so much good work. It’s a shame he never had a real chance in politics.
Ted Kennedy, for all his missteps, was the backbone of the family and was there for his Bruce’s and nephews, in laws and siblings whenever there was an issue. He carried a lot on his shoulders.
Of course the chapter on John Jr’s death was a teary one. So unnecessary that he and Carolyn and Lauren died.
I could go on and on…but will leave with this. Their faith was unshakeable. Regardless of the tragedy, many of the Kennedy’s remained devout in their practice of Catholicism, attending mass daily and using prayer to help them through life.
And a bit of trivia: Where did most of Joe Sr’s money come from? How did he earn it?
I was always enamored with the Kennedy family, our royalty. I enjoyed the detail about the relationships between the 2nd generation siblings and their spouses and learning about the 3rd generation. So much was covered with chapters being devoted to an individual or family, so it wasn’t exactly chronological and there were things repeated. It didn’t make it difficult to follow and understandable why the repetition occurred.
No family and certainly no parent should have to endure the number of deaths this family experienced; murder, suicide, plane crashes, accidents and drug overdoses, cancer; it’s all there.
I loved Jackie and was saddened to hear the details of her (2) husbands infidelity. She seemed to have found a true companion later in life but as fate would have it, she didn’t have long enough with him. Such a classy lady who probably smoked herself to death.
The Kennedy women are impressive. Eunice (and husband Sergeant Shriver, did so much good work. It’s a shame he never had a real chance in politics.
Ted Kennedy, for all his missteps, was the backbone of the family and was there for his Bruce’s and nephews, in laws and siblings whenever there was an issue. He carried a lot on his shoulders.
Of course the chapter on John Jr’s death was a teary one. So unnecessary that he and Carolyn and Lauren died.
I could go on and on…but will leave with this. Their faith was unshakeable. Regardless of the tragedy, many of the Kennedy’s remained devout in their practice of Catholicism, attending mass daily and using prayer to help them through life.
And a bit of trivia: Where did most of Joe Sr’s money come from? How did he earn it?
August 6, 2018
"After Camelot" was a well written, captivating, and insightful look at the saga of the Kennedy family after the tragic loss of Bobby in 1968 to the present day. Equal parts thorough and well-researched, it is properly annotated with a massive background of sources and additional content. J Randy Taraborrelli also keeps the book surprisingly objective throughout, a daunting task when delving into such complex characters as Ted Kennedy, John Jr., and many others over the almost four decades covered. Don't be scared away by it's rather imposing size; the book is a surprisingly quick read, and an enjoyable one at that.
March 7, 2020
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; MARCH 6, 2020
Narrator: Robert Petkoff
Not being American and Kennedy's assassination being back when I was a kid, I was interested to learn more about this famous family, not just Jack himself. This book gave me an intimate look into the entire Kennedy clan post Jack's assassination. I found it easy to lose myself in the tale and was glad it did not include politics as this wasn't what I was looking for.
Narrator: Robert Petkoff
Not being American and Kennedy's assassination being back when I was a kid, I was interested to learn more about this famous family, not just Jack himself. This book gave me an intimate look into the entire Kennedy clan post Jack's assassination. I found it easy to lose myself in the tale and was glad it did not include politics as this wasn't what I was looking for.
July 7, 2022
Well written and engaging. As always Taraborrelli knows his stuff. I do think this book could’ve benefited from a family tree with all the names; I ended up making my own though, and did just fine.
December 21, 2024
I have always had an interest in family dynasties, and the Kennedy family certainly falls into that category. I probably would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I wasn't so sick of RFK JR being on my news feeds saying nonsense with his creepy voice. He is a resounding disappointment to the Kennedy family, and I wonder what the prior members would have thought about him. At any rate, this book was interesting enough to read. This author has written multiple books on the Kennedy family if you are interested.
March 7, 2024
This is my 2nd non-fiction book by this author
(hereafter J.R.T).
Most of the Kennedy men were philanderers starting
with patriarch Joe Sr., then JFK, Bobby (RFK), Ted+
many of their brothers-in-law. The Kennedy women
mostly lived with it. The exception: Patricia Kennedy
Lawford, who divorced Peter. Ironically Pat allowed
her West Coast home to be used by her brother JFK
for trysts. Huh? Per the author, these men + woman
learned to compartmentalize their feelings.
J.R.T. showed several examples of Ted's poor judgement.
Ted's son had a growth on his leg, which Ted ignored.
It ultimately was cancerous. Ted Jr's leg was amputated
above his knee @ age 12. Ted neglected to summon
medical help in a timely fashion for Mary Jo Kopeckne @
Chappaquiddick in 1969. This was the 1st time I heard Joe
Gargan, Ted's cousin's (& an attorney) version of events.
If Ted contacted authorities in a timely manner, Mary
Jo (she'd been a volunteer on his late brother Bobby's
POTUS campaign) might have been rescued from the
water & survived? But he feared manslaughter charges.
Gargan pressured Ted to do the right thing, but Ted
declined. Then Gargan should've contacted authorities
himself, no matter the reaction from Ted. Lastly already
inebriated Ted never should have gone to a bar w/ son
Patrick & nephew Will (in Florida Easter weekend, 1991).
The author explored pressure the 2nd & 3rd generation
Kennedys felt to live up to the accomplishments of Joe
Sr, JFK and RFK. But when a Kennedy appeared before
a court for drugs or reckless driving charges, he got a
minimal sentence compared to an average person.
Sargent Shriver, married to Eunice Kennedy, created the
Peace Corps and served as Ambassador to France. He
wanted to run for President. I've read in other bios that
Ted did not want to be POTUS. But yet Ted told Sgt.,
Ted always would claim the right in the family to run
1st. So Ted played cat-and mouse w/ Sgt. in 1972, 1976
and 1980 on: would Ted run for President? Ted may
have been an excellent US Senator for social legislation
(IE Head Start, sliding scale medical clinics, mental
health and substance abuse issues etc) but he was a
spoiled human being.
Jackie Kennedy was more human in this book. We learned
this via interviews, interactions with others, and her
correspondence.
(hereafter J.R.T).
Most of the Kennedy men were philanderers starting
with patriarch Joe Sr., then JFK, Bobby (RFK), Ted+
many of their brothers-in-law. The Kennedy women
mostly lived with it. The exception: Patricia Kennedy
Lawford, who divorced Peter. Ironically Pat allowed
her West Coast home to be used by her brother JFK
for trysts. Huh? Per the author, these men + woman
learned to compartmentalize their feelings.
J.R.T. showed several examples of Ted's poor judgement.
Ted's son had a growth on his leg, which Ted ignored.
It ultimately was cancerous. Ted Jr's leg was amputated
above his knee @ age 12. Ted neglected to summon
medical help in a timely fashion for Mary Jo Kopeckne @
Chappaquiddick in 1969. This was the 1st time I heard Joe
Gargan, Ted's cousin's (& an attorney) version of events.
If Ted contacted authorities in a timely manner, Mary
Jo (she'd been a volunteer on his late brother Bobby's
POTUS campaign) might have been rescued from the
water & survived? But he feared manslaughter charges.
Gargan pressured Ted to do the right thing, but Ted
declined. Then Gargan should've contacted authorities
himself, no matter the reaction from Ted. Lastly already
inebriated Ted never should have gone to a bar w/ son
Patrick & nephew Will (in Florida Easter weekend, 1991).
The author explored pressure the 2nd & 3rd generation
Kennedys felt to live up to the accomplishments of Joe
Sr, JFK and RFK. But when a Kennedy appeared before
a court for drugs or reckless driving charges, he got a
minimal sentence compared to an average person.
Sargent Shriver, married to Eunice Kennedy, created the
Peace Corps and served as Ambassador to France. He
wanted to run for President. I've read in other bios that
Ted did not want to be POTUS. But yet Ted told Sgt.,
Ted always would claim the right in the family to run
1st. So Ted played cat-and mouse w/ Sgt. in 1972, 1976
and 1980 on: would Ted run for President? Ted may
have been an excellent US Senator for social legislation
(IE Head Start, sliding scale medical clinics, mental
health and substance abuse issues etc) but he was a
spoiled human being.
Jackie Kennedy was more human in this book. We learned
this via interviews, interactions with others, and her
correspondence.
May 15, 2012
For those into all things Kennedy this is a pretty objective account, albeit not as interesting as a single book on JFK Jr. can be. All the 3rd-generation family members are updated here and all the tragedies post-1968 detailed. Can there be too many Kennedy books? As long as there is anything new to report, I guess not.
November 8, 2023
Not too much new here and after reading the author's latest book about Jackie some of this is outdated. Starting in 1968 it follows a lot of the Kennedy clan. It was interesting to read about little known family members as most books focus on Jackie, Ted, Ethel or John Jr. It also talks about the so called Kennedy curse. I'm not sure I believe there's a Kennedy curse. First being in the public eye as they are you are bound to tick people off which leads to horrible things happening especially in America. It's even worse now than back then. And of course there are so many of them. Rose and Joe had nine, each of them had more than one child except Rosemary and Kathleen and Joe Jr. Bobby had eleven. There are more people and so odds are bad things are going to happen to at least some of them. Of course some of it is their own reckless stupid behavior. I mean skiing while playing football? Flying visual flight rules over water at night? When you have little to no instrument training? Sadly those were dumb mistakes that could've bern avoided and why they did them who knows? But it was at times touching, watching Ethel struggle with her many children raising them without a father, poor Joan dealing with Ted as a husband, Ted did not come out that great in here. He might've done good things but he basically murdered Mary Jo Kopechne on Chappaquidick something that often gets swept under the rug which happens to a lot of rich people. We also see the tragedy of David Kennedy, out if the whole family I'd say he and Rosemary had the saddest stories. There are a few other scandals thrown in. The deaths of Jackie and John Jr. did bring a tear to my eye, poor Caroline being left as the sole survivor of Camelot. I was never sure why so much hope was put on her brother when if she wanted I'm sure Caroline would do just as good a job as senator/congresswoman/president as her little brother. My favourite part in the whole book was Rosemary making an escape to walk on the beach alone as Eunice and one of the nuns caring for her follow slowly along keeping an eye on her. Afterward instead of scolding her for running away they keep quiet allowing her to enjoy her perfect day. Out of all of them Rosemary is my favourite followed closely by Eunice for all the good things Eunice achieved in the name of her beloved sister. This was a long but quite quick read not terribly new but it is over ten years old as well. It did have me searching to see if Joan and Ethel are still with us which happily they both are, Joan unfortunately listed as Ted's ex wife. Destined ro forever live in that shadow it seems. Definitely a good read for anyone interested in the Kennedy clan.
July 6, 2017
Millons of words have been written about the Kennedys and the life they lived after the death of JFK and RFK and this is the area this book focuses on. The lives of the Kennedys Ethal widow of RFK, Jackie widow of JFK, Joan wife of Teddy, as well as the Kennedy sisters and their familes. The first thing I should say is the J. Randy Taraborrelli comes across as a huge fan of the Kennedys. The book is well written and tells a story which anyone who is intrested in the family would want to read. For me personally the heros of this book are Eunice and Sergent Shiver, remakable people who did remakable things. Teddy Kennedy does not come out of this too well in parts but then again his behaviour in parts after the death of his brothers was not always good. The book tells the story of the life and marriage of Jackie Kennedy to Ari Onaissis and her rasing of JFK jr and Caroline. The troubles of caused by the children of Ethal Kennedy and to be honest Ethal Kennedy does not come out of it too well. For me she never allowed her children to deal with the murder of RFK and comes across as a poor Mother and a bit of a bully. It also tells the story of Pat Kennedy Lawford and her family, Jean Kennedy Smith and hers and the famous rape trial. What I got out of the book was that the Kennedys have done good but have also ruined lives, by being daredevils their own and others. Pam Kelly will never walk again because Joe Kennedy Jr turned a jeep over aged 20, Lauren and Caroline Bassett died with JFK Jr in a plane and we all know about Teddy and Mary Jo. It also tells the story of David Kennedy who lost his life to drugs and to be honest I think the Kennedys failed him badly. Good book well researched.
August 16, 2025
The Kennedy’s, perhaps America’s own vision of royalty, have always represented glamour, elegance, and statesmanship. Their large Catholic family has produced ambassadors, a war hero, a president, an attorney general, multiple senators, lawyers, and a foundation that’s created such outstanding programs such as the Special Olympics. Still, their fearlessness and risk-taking have seemed to produce more than their fair share of tragedy and scandal. Even after the plane deaths of Joe and Kick Kennedy, a botched lobotomy of Rosemary, and assassinations of both JFK and RFK, the book delves deeper into the remaining Kennedy kids and their offspring. It seems the Kennedy curse has followed with plane death of JFK Jr., a ski death, the scandalous Chappaquidick that ruined Teddy’s hopes for a presidential bid, the flight away from the country of Jackie as she marries the notorious billionaire Aristotle Onassis, divorces, affairs, alcoholism, overdoses, drug problems, rape accusations and more. The regal, elegant, classy family still remains close with regular gatherings at the famed Kennedy compound, and there are many successes but more than a few tragedies to befall them. The luster is not as bright as it once was. Can it be regained? Only time will tell. It’s a compelling read for any fan or researcher of the younger Kennedy clan and a reminder that once upon a time there was Camelot, but nothing gold can stay forever gold. Perhaps the tragedies of the past have been too big a burden for the next generation to bear.
May 4, 2023
Very well written. I have so many mixed feelings about this book. Every chapter takes you on a journey through each Kennedy family member, starting with Joseph.
It is fascinating and disturbing at the same time. They are like royalty. They have massive amounts of money and spend it like it's going out of style—some more than others. And the alcohol and drug abuse is rampant! I can even count how many of them are alcoholics and either died of alcohol or drug-related incidents.
It's really sad. They claim to be devout Catholics and have a strong sense of family and faith, but I only see part of that.
This is a very good book that delves into every aspect of the Kennedys from 1968-2011 roughly.
You may be astonished by some of the things revealed, and you may not.
Myself, I don't understand the mentality of the Women of Camelot who condoned their men's affairs and just chalked it up to men will do that - forgive them. Not acceptable in my book!
To each his own I suppose.
It is fascinating and disturbing at the same time. They are like royalty. They have massive amounts of money and spend it like it's going out of style—some more than others. And the alcohol and drug abuse is rampant! I can even count how many of them are alcoholics and either died of alcohol or drug-related incidents.
It's really sad. They claim to be devout Catholics and have a strong sense of family and faith, but I only see part of that.
This is a very good book that delves into every aspect of the Kennedys from 1968-2011 roughly.
You may be astonished by some of the things revealed, and you may not.
Myself, I don't understand the mentality of the Women of Camelot who condoned their men's affairs and just chalked it up to men will do that - forgive them. Not acceptable in my book!
To each his own I suppose.
April 3, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this book over my vacation.
Before I go into depth about what I think of this book, I would like to tell you what it is about. This novel is about the Kennedy family. It gives a look into all the families deaths, drama, lifestyles and personal lives, while educating about the tragedies that were such a big part about of their lives and ours. But it specifically talks about the period after JFK's death. That's why the title is After Camelot,
This biography is very well written and captivating. I like the style of the sections through a persons view, and it kept me interested. Picking this book was a little risky, because the book is targeted towards adults and has some language that is confusing at some times. I would rate this book a 4/5 because sometimes the complexity of some words made it hard to follow along, but only at come points. If you choose to put this on your reading list, you're in for a treat.
Before I go into depth about what I think of this book, I would like to tell you what it is about. This novel is about the Kennedy family. It gives a look into all the families deaths, drama, lifestyles and personal lives, while educating about the tragedies that were such a big part about of their lives and ours. But it specifically talks about the period after JFK's death. That's why the title is After Camelot,
This biography is very well written and captivating. I like the style of the sections through a persons view, and it kept me interested. Picking this book was a little risky, because the book is targeted towards adults and has some language that is confusing at some times. I would rate this book a 4/5 because sometimes the complexity of some words made it hard to follow along, but only at come points. If you choose to put this on your reading list, you're in for a treat.
May 7, 2019
I found the book interesting initially, but I think it is very drawn out. It is quite disjointed at times, going backwards and forwards.
It tells us a lot about the Kennedys and how the males had a sense of entitlement. They had to win at everything...what a way to bring up children!
I found the Shrivers story uplifting as I didn't know how they were so involved with the Special Olympics. That to me is one of the greatest achievements of a Kennedy when numerous other members of the family were taking advantage of others and using their name to get out of trouble. The Kennedys lack of respect for Sargent Shriver was incredible as his achievements were far greater than most Kennedys.
He related some their lives very well e.g Ted Kennedy and the death of Mary Jo at Chappaquiddick.
It is incredible how some of the family still thought he should be President!
The book is worth reading for information on the Kennedys but could be a bit shorter.
It tells us a lot about the Kennedys and how the males had a sense of entitlement. They had to win at everything...what a way to bring up children!
I found the Shrivers story uplifting as I didn't know how they were so involved with the Special Olympics. That to me is one of the greatest achievements of a Kennedy when numerous other members of the family were taking advantage of others and using their name to get out of trouble. The Kennedys lack of respect for Sargent Shriver was incredible as his achievements were far greater than most Kennedys.
He related some their lives very well e.g Ted Kennedy and the death of Mary Jo at Chappaquiddick.
It is incredible how some of the family still thought he should be President!
The book is worth reading for information on the Kennedys but could be a bit shorter.
July 17, 2019
This book was long but I did really enjoy it. Those who are interesting in learning about the entire family will enjoy this. There are so many people and it’s hard to keep them straight but for the most part this goes in chronological order and ends around 2009. I’m really glad that I listened to the book written about Joan, Ethel and Jackie before this because it gave me a lot of background insight about them before I started this one. This one focused on everyone but wasn’t as detailed about each individual person as that book was about those three women. I’ve enjoyed learning about them and have liked how this author tells the stories. I know their lives were interesting but this writing makes you feel like you’re listening to stories rather than dry biographies or history books. Definitely recommended for those that are interested in learning about important historical figures.
July 5, 2023
This was a good book, not great, but a good read. I typically read anything regarding the "Kennedy Dynasty," so this was always tops on my "to read" list. I think it would be better, and not for the sake of the author, but I really disliked reading how much this family has really gotten away with. Between the Chappaquidick incident, the drugs and alcohol situations that they seemed to always just "get away from" because of connections, the power and influence they used for their own benefits, it really is disgusting. There is not another family that has powered thru 10 decades by using their money and power on people throughout the northeast, down to DC and all over. It's truly sad to read this and we've all heard the stories about the Kennedy's, but this 3rd generation really put their influence and power on the judicial system to a test.
October 2, 2021
It’s either the author is just enchanted by the Kennedys or he’s just a PR guy for the family.
He’s like a proud father who always manages to make excuses for the children’s bad behaviors. When shedding positive lights on the family, he’s like a love-sick puppy trying to dramatize the myth-or-legend-or-whatever. When confronting bad situations, he tends to make it sound like they did something terrible but maybe it’s just a rumor and look at how much they have achieved or given to society. *gag*
And man! Most of the information written in this book are identical to his other book The Kennedy Heirs. Do you just write books using very similar info just to cash in, J. Randy Taraborrelli?
He’s like a proud father who always manages to make excuses for the children’s bad behaviors. When shedding positive lights on the family, he’s like a love-sick puppy trying to dramatize the myth-or-legend-or-whatever. When confronting bad situations, he tends to make it sound like they did something terrible but maybe it’s just a rumor and look at how much they have achieved or given to society. *gag*
And man! Most of the information written in this book are identical to his other book The Kennedy Heirs. Do you just write books using very similar info just to cash in, J. Randy Taraborrelli?
July 7, 2017
I thought this book to be well written as some biographies aren't. I did stumble on the back and forth transitions in time and would have appreciated a more progressive timeline. It was presented by person which was neat even though the people at the end had shorter descriptions of their lives- maybe because they are still living them. AN update to the book is much needed to keep it current and real. It's an incredibly long book which does repeat certain points several times.- most likely to tie in those people and their timelines.
April 8, 2025
The author doesn't sugar coat their accomplishments or pile on undue criticism for their failures. He does reveal them all as just ordinary people in sometimes extraordinary circumstances. A very interesting read, never boring relying on the memories of first hand witnesses to conversations and events. Still, I come away from this book feeling sad once again for all which could have been. He is essentially documenting the infamous "Kennedy Curse" which seems to continue into the lives of the 4th generation of their extended family.
January 20, 2019
Fantastic read, full of details and insights that most of the public wouldn't know. I found myself sharing fun facts and tidbits with family and friends. I wish Canada had an unofficially royal family like the Kennedys, it all seems so glamorous and drama filled, but they didn't do it to sell a reality TV show, it was just their lives. I will definitely be reading other biographies from this historic author, he hits the nail on the head and heart.
September 25, 2017
Excellent synopsis of the entire Kennedy family from Rose and Joe to the current 4th generation.This book doesn't sugar coat any of the Kennedy "scandals", but also makes the reader feel empathy for the family as they attempt to navigate their lives in a very public forum. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand the Kennedy family and their motivations more clearly.
November 28, 2017
It is a well written book telling everything that you would want to know about the Kennedy family. While the book is full of accomplishments of this family, there is much tragedy in the family. So it is quite sad--especially since I grew up during the time of the assassination. At one point in reading the book, I felt rather overwhelmed by the sadness of it.
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