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Love, Jack
He was a dashing young senator pursued by an Italian contessa and the imposing forces of his destiny. She was a 21-year-old Swedish aristocrat away from home for the first time. Their accidental meeting at a port in the Riviera changed both their lives forever.
Spanning two continents and the Atlantic Ocean, unfolding over a six-year period beginning in 1953, Love, Jack is the story of a transcendent but heartbreaking love between two people at the peak of their youth and beauty, a love that seemed impossible but could not be denied. Here is an intimate portrait of John Kennedy never before a gentle, kind, and caring man, intensely passionate and full of life but a man who faces great difficulty adjusting to the demanding role history and his father have assigned him.
Driven by his love for Gunilla von Post, Jack risked the sort of exposure that might have ruined his career and was willing to endure debilitating pain to cross the ocean for her. For the sake of her passion, Gunilla risked the ostracism of her family and friends, ready to turn her back on the country she loved.
Love, Jack is the heartwarming account of a history-making romance, a "brief, shining moment" before Camelot, before an assassin's bullets shattered the hopes of a nation a moment in time that Gunilla von Post is at last ready to share with the world.
Spanning two continents and the Atlantic Ocean, unfolding over a six-year period beginning in 1953, Love, Jack is the story of a transcendent but heartbreaking love between two people at the peak of their youth and beauty, a love that seemed impossible but could not be denied. Here is an intimate portrait of John Kennedy never before a gentle, kind, and caring man, intensely passionate and full of life but a man who faces great difficulty adjusting to the demanding role history and his father have assigned him.
Driven by his love for Gunilla von Post, Jack risked the sort of exposure that might have ruined his career and was willing to endure debilitating pain to cross the ocean for her. For the sake of her passion, Gunilla risked the ostracism of her family and friends, ready to turn her back on the country she loved.
Love, Jack is the heartwarming account of a history-making romance, a "brief, shining moment" before Camelot, before an assassin's bullets shattered the hopes of a nation a moment in time that Gunilla von Post is at last ready to share with the world.
158 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 1997
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159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 13, 2019
I read this in one sitting and I can’t get over how much I enjoyed it. Bittersweet, slightly tragic, lovely. This is a story about the kind of love that hits hard and fast and burns bright - too bright to sustain - despite all of the obstacles that are standing in its way. I truly loved reading about Gunilla’s love story with JFK, despite the fact that he was married to another woman for most of it, and I’ll be running to the internet to learn even more about it.
February 6, 2016
As a huge fan of everything Kennedy, I have ready many JFK affair books. For some reason, this book did not resonate with me at all. Honestly, if it were not for the letters which were sold at an auction a couple of years ago, I would not have believed her story. She just seemed immediately so gullible to me from their first interaction and the book felt exaggerated. Yet, Jack was a charmer so I will not put it past him.
November 21, 2021
Read this as I have been working on a theatre project involving women who had been involved with JFK. I initially missed Gunilla when researching some of the women, and hers was an interesting story that I may add to the project. The book was well written and was the perfect length and amount of detail for this story. The book was, as another reviewer stated, one of the more romantic stories involving JFK, and Gunilla, like all the women involved with him, was very interesting in her own right. And it is fascinating to ponder what might have happened if he had met Gunilla "one week earlier" as he stated.
September 11, 2018
A fast read -Kennedy was a 35-year-old senator just three weeks away from marriage in the summer of 1953, when he met 21-year-old von Post on a trip to Cannes, France. Their relationship consisted of several secret meetings, the last in 1955, as well as ardent letters and transatlantic phone calls. My opinion/review? Some memories in our history/past should best be kept to ourselves. Why take the experience and share it with the world (not to mention living members of both families)? I believe that "love" turned into "power/money". (The author stated that the recent death (1994) of Jacqueline Kennedy freed her to tell this story.) Therefore, I did not too much like this book, and I also felt I was being fed a love story from an immature telling/point of view.
"They spent an evening together — dinner, dancing and a moonlit walk to the shore of the Mediterranean: “He turned and kissed me tenderly and my breath was taken away. The brightness of the moon and stars made his eyes appear bluer than the ocean beneath us. He broke the silence by saying softly: 'I fell in love with you tonight.’” But, Kennedy admitted, there was a problem: he was about to get married. “If I had met you one week before,” he told her, “I would have canceled the whole thing.” GET THE PICTURE? WOULD HAVE, WOULD HAVE, WOULD HAVE. Sound like real love? (I know, I know - he wanted to be President, and he had to listen to his Daddy.) Don't get me wrong - I loved JFK, too - but.... I love/loved him with open eyes. Ha!
This book was written in 1997, and included only excerpts from the von Post/Kennedy love letters. Gunilla von Post died in 2011. On. Nov. 23, 2015, The Daily Mail posted the following: "The letters going on auction this week are the second batch of love letters found in von Post's estate, following her death in 2011 at the age of 79. The previous collection sold for $115,000 in 2010." (Note: von Post sold some of her JFK love letters before her death, also.)
If you are interested in the story, the affair can be found on-line, along with some of the love letters. In my opinion, no need to purchase this book!
"They spent an evening together — dinner, dancing and a moonlit walk to the shore of the Mediterranean: “He turned and kissed me tenderly and my breath was taken away. The brightness of the moon and stars made his eyes appear bluer than the ocean beneath us. He broke the silence by saying softly: 'I fell in love with you tonight.’” But, Kennedy admitted, there was a problem: he was about to get married. “If I had met you one week before,” he told her, “I would have canceled the whole thing.” GET THE PICTURE? WOULD HAVE, WOULD HAVE, WOULD HAVE. Sound like real love? (I know, I know - he wanted to be President, and he had to listen to his Daddy.) Don't get me wrong - I loved JFK, too - but.... I love/loved him with open eyes. Ha!
This book was written in 1997, and included only excerpts from the von Post/Kennedy love letters. Gunilla von Post died in 2011. On. Nov. 23, 2015, The Daily Mail posted the following: "The letters going on auction this week are the second batch of love letters found in von Post's estate, following her death in 2011 at the age of 79. The previous collection sold for $115,000 in 2010." (Note: von Post sold some of her JFK love letters before her death, also.)
If you are interested in the story, the affair can be found on-line, along with some of the love letters. In my opinion, no need to purchase this book!
June 27, 2021
I’m just old enough to remember that “’brief, shining moment’ before Camelot, before an assassin's bullets shattered the hopes of a nation.” Yeah, I’ve read another book about JFK.
This one is a memoir published in 1997. The author, a Swedish aristocrat, waited until after Jackie’s death to share her romance with a handsome, wealthy young Senator from Massachusetts. She was trying to be sensitive to the president’s memory.
In 1953, Jack Kennedy was trying to evade an Italian countess who was hell bent on catching him when he accidentally met Gunilla Von Post on the Riveria. It was love at first sight. But it was a love that was not meant to be…or in better words, a love that was not allowed to blossom.
Jack hoped to get the nod as vice president in the upcoming election, knew that a bid for the
U. S. Presidency was in his future, was engaged to marry Jacqueline Bouvier, and was under the complete control of his father, Joe Kennedy, Sr. Although Jack tried to get Joe, Sr. to let him back out of his engagement, and even his marriage, Joe would have none of it. If he left Jackie, his change to become the most powerful man in the world was at jeopardy, and he would probably lose.
Between 1953 and 1959, Jack and Gunilla carried on a love affair. But I’m not sure that I would call it a love affair. They seldom saw each other and rarely spoke. Gunilla had letters that proved his desire and need for her, but I have to wonder. Knowing what a womanizer Jack turned out to be, after reading this book, I’m convinced that, while Jack might have been smitten with Gunilla, he was truly only interested in the chase. But then, maybe I’m wrong. The world will never know.
“Love, Jack” receives 3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
This one is a memoir published in 1997. The author, a Swedish aristocrat, waited until after Jackie’s death to share her romance with a handsome, wealthy young Senator from Massachusetts. She was trying to be sensitive to the president’s memory.
In 1953, Jack Kennedy was trying to evade an Italian countess who was hell bent on catching him when he accidentally met Gunilla Von Post on the Riveria. It was love at first sight. But it was a love that was not meant to be…or in better words, a love that was not allowed to blossom.
Jack hoped to get the nod as vice president in the upcoming election, knew that a bid for the
U. S. Presidency was in his future, was engaged to marry Jacqueline Bouvier, and was under the complete control of his father, Joe Kennedy, Sr. Although Jack tried to get Joe, Sr. to let him back out of his engagement, and even his marriage, Joe would have none of it. If he left Jackie, his change to become the most powerful man in the world was at jeopardy, and he would probably lose.
Between 1953 and 1959, Jack and Gunilla carried on a love affair. But I’m not sure that I would call it a love affair. They seldom saw each other and rarely spoke. Gunilla had letters that proved his desire and need for her, but I have to wonder. Knowing what a womanizer Jack turned out to be, after reading this book, I’m convinced that, while Jack might have been smitten with Gunilla, he was truly only interested in the chase. But then, maybe I’m wrong. The world will never know.
“Love, Jack” receives 3 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
February 17, 2010
Apologies to the Kennedys, but Jack's (can I call him Jack? Okay) secret Swedish affair seems impossibly romantic. Kennedys! Joe Kennedy, you bastard. Don't worry, everyone, I'm going to read The Dark Side of Camelot next, and I'm sure I will no longer feel romanticized by baby Jack. I will probably feel grossed and creeped to the max. But for now, this is a serious 2-3 hour quick read and everything you'd want a love story about Jack Kennedy to be, and I definitely cried little baby tears.
December 11, 2012
Love, Jack was a lucky thrift shop find. This is a story about Gunilla's love affair with JFK. Gunilla isn't just some other trampy girl who wanted to get a piece of the president, she is very genuine in telling her story of how Jack and her never quite got the time they both so desired.
January 23, 2022
I don't support his decisions of infidelity towards Jackie..but damn is this book magical? So many bittersweet moments that compile a symphony of emotions.
The oldest case of forbidden romance.
Short and nice read.
The oldest case of forbidden romance.
Short and nice read.
November 13, 2022
I am surprised by the high ratings this book got. Gunilla had a chance meeting with JFK one week before he got married. Two years later, they had a one week affair. She spoke to him for two minutes at a dinner in New York, years later. This does not sound like a great love story to me. And the fact that she and her family completely ignored the fact that he was married somewhat disguted me. And the pictures she put in the book.....not one of them together. Not even one that she took of Jack alone. Makes me wonder if this was mostly a love affair in her head only. Either way, this just comes off as a grab for money/fame.
May 22, 2021
This was a quick read detailing Gunilla & JFk’s affair, which possibly under normal circumstances would have led to him divorcing Jackie, but instead left the two lovers loving one another through through a few brief visits, and behind-the-scenes communications. I did learn things I never knew about JFK and I appreciated the way Gunilla documented their meetings somehow making their love seem even more magical yet fully unattainable.
December 31, 2022
I thought this book was wonderful. It brings a whole new perspective to JFK. This book leaves me with many question.. JFK had many affairs, did he feel the same with a lot of them? - the only thing I disliked was the photos being placed in the middle of the book, revealing “spoilers” for what is to come.
This book is very well written and makes me happy that Gunilla is left with wonderful memories of the late president.
This book is very well written and makes me happy that Gunilla is left with wonderful memories of the late president.
September 8, 2025
As a lifelong fan of JFK I have to say this doesn’t paint him in the best light. He was always seen as a charismatic kind of man but this book really gave me in the ick. He sounded much more like a f**k boy than a romantic in my opinion. However, I still believe that this is a beautiful story that Gunilla tells and it taught me a lot about loving a person as they are and not expecting more or less for them. It was very inspiring and beautiful. Left me wanting more.
November 6, 2018
It was very interesting to read about President Kennedy on a personal side of his life. I learned things I never knew.
July 22, 2020
This was an interesting read. It's not my usual genre. But I think I will read more books like this in the future. It was an easy read. The story line was enjoyable.
October 15, 2020
Well-written, clear images brought to mind to being you to the places. Tastefully done. Got me down a whole rabbit hole of JFKs indiscretions against Jackie.
November 6, 2022
The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking . . . "YOU ARE MARRIED!"
November 23, 2023
What a great book
November 11, 2014
This is one of those books that reads like a Nicholas Sparks novel. I pulled this book out from the library, looked at it, and figured what the hell I'll read it. I actually enjoyed it, and was moved by it. Although the book is short, it really captured the true humanity of JFK. I would recommend this book for those who like romance, but I would take out the tissues while reading this book. It can be a tear-jerker.
February 18, 2013
Sweet little book. Read it in a day
November 25, 2013
Yes he had many affairs. I still love JFK. I am not saying it was right. I am not to judge. I think he was still s good man.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews