Kalla mig Jackie

by C. David Heymann, Björn Olsson (Translator), Ia Olsson (Translator)

Presents a woman both creative and intelligent, and driven by ambition and an enjoyment of power, and culls the insights of friends, family, and acquaintances to portray a veteran of tremendous success and great tragedy

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir, Politics, American History, Memoir

607 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

C. David Heymann is the internationally known author of such New York Times bestselling books as The Georgetown Ladies' Social Club; RFK: A Candid Biography of Robert F. Kennedy; Poor Little Rich Girl: The Life and Legend of Barbara Hutton; and A Woman Named Jackie: An Intimate Biography of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. Three of his works have been made into award-winning NBC-TV miniseries. A three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, he lives and works in Manhattan.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always thought that a great biography allows you to come to your own conclusions about the subject of said Biography. I don't want to know how I biographer feels about the person they're writing about unless they make their opinion known upfront. If your a fan, tell me your a fan. If you think the person is vapid and awful let that be known at the beginning of the book so I can choose to either continue reading it or not.

C. David Heymann does not like Jackie Onassis but I didn't realize that until I was 150 pages in. He blames her for the following things: Her parents divorce, her father's drinking problems, her father's death, JFK's nonstop cheating, JFK's death, Ari Onassis's death, his son's death, his daughter's depression & death, everything wrong in her sisters life, and he accuses her of not fighting her terminal Cancer hard enough.

I'm serious. I probably forgot even more things Jackie is responsible for.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis was an complex woman. She always wanted to live life on her own terms and she mostly did. She had a never ending fear of going broke like her father did. Some people called her a social climber but I don't think there's anything wrong with that. She stayed married to men who didn't treat her well because she liked the life they provided her with. She raised 2 smart well adjusted kids and she got a job in her 50's when she didn't even need to.

Jackie wasn't perfect. She was aloof, she held grudges and she was unapologetically greedy.

But she was also a survivor. She was only 34 when she watched her husband be murdered. Imagine being covered in the person you love's brain matter. Holding pieces of his brain in your hands. Also imagine 3 months earlier your newborn son died. C. David Heymann seemed to think she was an awful person for needing to take sleeping pills for the rest her life and for having extreme mood swings. She obviously had PTSD you dummy!

I didn't love this book but it was still an interesting read.

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have read a number of volumes about Mrs. Onassis (you see I call her that because I respected her) the only think that Mr. Heyman( yes pronounced as you would suspect and of which he reminds me of) got right
in this loathsome tale is her name. Mrs Onassis was a smart woman who did a fairly decent job raising her children. That wasn't easy considering that she was a cultural icon. Yes, she married Onassis for his money and so what if she did. She had lost her beloved brother in law to a murderer and was fearful for her children's lives. So she didn't love him. Did she have to? She grew up in a world where things were done differently and she reflected that upbringing in her choices.
Mr. Heyman equates her with the regular folk sorry toad boy (yeah look at his picture on the cover)she never was regular people. I have always respected Mrs. Onassis because she sat in that car in that Channel suit looking into the inside of JFKs brain during that long ride to the hospital. Like her or hate her you have to give her some credit for facing the worst.

[Jessica T. · Rating 1 out of 5]

trash.

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gossip filled account of Jackie O's life. I was new to Jackie, but I'd been curious to read what exactly she was like. Certainly many people had opinions on Jackie, which are quoted in full here, for readers to come to their own conclusion, for the author is irritatingingly circumspect about giving his own take on Jackie, stating in essence 'who knows? only Jackie herself'. If you can wade throught the snitty backbiting, what emerges is a rather self-absorbed shallow park avenue princess, who one feels very little sympathy. Like Princess Diana, she married a man 12 years her senior, was an international fashion plate who endured intrusive paparazzi but unlike Diana turned a blind eye to her husbands philandering, spent lots of money, and kept up appearances at his funeral. Maybe I would have liked her more if she hadn't stood for it. It was Jackie who glossed over the presidency as 'Camelot'. Jackie's remark that she didn't want her clothes copied because she didn't want to see any 'little fat women hopping about' in them is probably most telling and damning. Life after the assasination seemd to consist of endless and meaningless rounds of parties and jet set vacations, listed adnausem here (in October she attended...in November...)I was glad when I finished it. Perhaps she was in a a way 'american royalty' but reading this cured my curiosity of the rich and famous.

[Pete daPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A shame that Heymann published his biography in 1989, (I'm unaware of any updates) just four years later he could have completed the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
My Kennedy book collection usually relates to the killings of JFK and RFK, so this book is off my customary reading trail, however, for £1 in a charity shop, I couldn't resist.
'A Woman Named Jackie' is just one of the many biogs/exposures that are available on this subject, and C. David Heymann covers over six hundred pages with the insides on the Bouvier, Kennedy and Onassis years.
Fey, was how John Kennedy described his wife, though that could be applied to so many in these three family circles.
A fascinating and exhaustively detailed life story with full supporting cast.
I have visited JFK's grave and wondered how many other women have their remains interred in Arlington?

[Ann Pierson · Rating 1 out of 5]

While reading this book, I could not help but question the truth in it. It is so over the top with what can be referred to as trashy gossip! I did a little research on the author. It's not too difficult to find that he has a very poor reputation in regard to his truthfulness.

http://www.newsweek.com/2014/09/05/c-...

Three time "Pulitzer nominee"?? Here's a great explanation of that one:
http://realhistoryarchives.blogspot.c...

I'm still reading it, but with a great deal of skepticism. The good news is that I got it for 10 cents....

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't actually get very far (pg. 183), but I was horribly disappointed. The cover is promising, but all hope should end there. What annoyed me the most was Heymann's unending description of JFK's affairs. That's not why I was reading this!!! Furthermore, the information he gave on her was basic and poorly written.

If you're interested in learning about Jackie Kennedy Onassis, look elsewhere.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I felt it gave a more measured opinion of Jackie than othe books I have read. Some interesting things that I had not heard before.

[Hannah Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Woman Named Jackie, by C. David Heymann, follows the incredibly scandalous and illustrious life of the one and only Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. It begins from the start of her slightly tragic childhood, exposing the intimate details of her formative years, from her parents’ divorce to her schooling. It follows her life on the campaign trail, issues of John F. Kennedy’s infidelity, and the years following the death of her husband. This book serves as a tell all for the incredibly controversial life of Jackie Kennedy, and depicts her as a brilliant woman that played an integral role in her husband’s success.

While some may argue that a biography about Jackie Kennedy seems a little inane, as most people think that her life’s accomplishments don’t extend beyond marrying well, I would reply that this biography truly shows how important she was to shaping a key aspect of American history. This biography demonstrates that not only did she help JFK get elected to the White House, but she actually accomplished quite a feat when she arrived there; she single handedly rassled up several committees, prized pieces of artwork, and millions of dollars worth of funding to refurbish the White House. This book tells the reader that Jackie Kennedy was a lot more than a style icon, but an incredible woman capable of incredible things.

Furthermore, this book teaches the reader about the immense difficulties of the campaign trail.Though many would think that a politician’s wife wouldn’t play as key of a role in his campaign, this book certainly proves them wrong. It clearly demonstrates instances in which Jackie worked just as hard, or even harder than JFK, and shows the reader that a first lady’s job is almost as grueling as her husband’s.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Sarah Bradford's detailed bio on Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis which covered her from birth to her death in 1994. I really enjoyed it, but this one by Heymann was more fun to read. The author unearthed a large amount of information that Bradford's biography didn't have (whether by choice or not I don't know). It certainly isn't as flattering to the late Mrs. Onassis as America's Queen is. However it isn't written to be bitchy and mean. Its just that the real woman behind the legend isn't terribly attractive. Heymann's extensive research shows her to be as self-interested, grasping and opportunistic as any East Coast socialite. The men in her life are really what brought Jackie to the attention of the World. Otherwise she would have come and gone entirely unnoticed. Heymann's book is a fascinating look into a strata of American society that I suspect has changed very little over the years. Highly recommend.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've ever been the least bit curious about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis--as a style icon, a First Lady, a cultural preservationist, a 20th century figure--read this book. Truman Capote, Little Edie Beale (Grey Gardens) and others share stories that reveal the cold-hearted, mercenary black widow she was: a secretive woman who enjoyed bleeding everyone dry, who would turn on you on a whim, who would promise financial aid and not deliver it. The JFK years are especially intriguing, with tales of her and JFK's amphetamine use, his daily womanizing, her wielding of power with an iron fist. So is the era of Onassis, a man whom she essentially lived apart from--even as he died--while draining his wealth. At 750 pages, the book may seem daunting, but it's entirely engaging.

[Sean Bozarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found A Woman Named Jackie to be an insightful and well-researched biography. It gave a great look into the life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis beyond her public image. The author really captured her resilience and grace in the face of personal struggles. If you’re interested in learning more about Jackie’s life, this book is definitely worth reading.

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is all and more that I've ever wanted to know about Jackie Onassis. It is hard to know what to believe. Although I tend to suspect very little exageration in this book as there were so many interviews etc. that make up this book. This book named names, dates, and places.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What courage, faith, and elegance this woman had. If you appreciate Jacquueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis as a woman read her story. Really appreciated the way she fought for herself using manners.

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a good read if you love hearsay (I do).

[Santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having immersed myself in countless biographies of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis, I was eager to explore the story of Jackie Kennedy with equal depth and clarity. I was recommended David Heymann's A Woman Named Jackie—and what a revelation it turned out to be.

Heymann’s work is nothing short of extraordinary. With meticulous research and literary grace, he paints an intimate, vivid, and thoroughly captivating portrait of one of the most iconic and misunderstood women of the 20th century. Jackie emerges not only as a First Lady of poise and beauty, but as a woman of resilience, intelligence, complexity, and emotional depth.

The accuracy and richness of detail in this book are astonishing. From her aristocratic upbringing to her time as First Lady, and later, her often-scrutinized life with Onassis, every chapter unveils something new. It's as though the pages whisper secrets long held behind the veil of public image. One discovers not just the woman the world saw—but the very human heart that beat beneath the elegance and silence.

This is not simply a biography; it is a joy to read, a treasure trove of facts, insight, and emotional truth. David Heymann deserves the highest praise for bringing Jackie to life with such compassion, depth, and narrative beauty.

I have enjoyed it immensely and recommend it wholeheartedly. For anyone curious about the enigmatic Jackie, or for those who think they already know her—this book is a revelation. A journey worth taking. Magnifique.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading this book, it's very clear what the author thinks of Jackie O. There are very few positive remarks about her but a lot of negative opinions. At times, it was hard to follow the narrativ. And giving that clear low opinion of Jackie, there was absolutely no form of judgment of anything the men in her life did even though we learn about them extensively. I feel that after reading this, I know way more about JFKs playboyish ways than I do know about anything Jackie ever did. For example, it was never discussed what good Jackie did at the White House. You have to read excerpts about her by other people (there is a chapter at the very end) to find out she did good things too, she wasn't just walking around being a snob without feelings all day long.
Reading this, it makes me sad how unforgiving and uncompassionate this author is.
I gave this book 2 stars because I still found it entertaining. It reads like a gossip column. I also think that there's no more to it than there is to a gossip magazine.

[Carol Fordahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually read reviews of a book before I start and this one had, “Trash,” written in several. The hundreds and hundreds of quotes included therein of people who thought negatively of Jackie Kennedy was my first clue. The author clearly disliked her and went to great lengths to put her in the absolute worst light, even the day John Kennedy was murdered. I know almost all of us are not who we appear to be. I read to the last page so I could say I did. Now I need to read a more conciliatory book to even out the destruction wreaked by C. David Herman. Why Jackie let him in her home repeatedly and confided in him is a mystery. It confirms what I’ve known all along: People pretend to talk to you like they like you but they’re really gathering information, carefully, waiting for a vulnerability. Then they destroy you to others with serious glee.

This book goes in the garbage.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an intimate portrait of Jackie O. There was a lot of filler info about JFK, too much I think and not enough weaving of why what he was like affected Jackie or how.

Quotations by people would run on and on for paragraphs, and I constantly found myself having to go back to see who was talking. There weren't enough conclusions drawn from these quotations just quotations used as examples. Which I understand works well for biographies, but having a degree in history I would have liked to have seen more conclusions drawn, more of the authors voice in the book.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It definitely feel a little bit different about Jackie and JFK, and not necessarily in a good way.

[Ami Nosh · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, on the surface, this book is fun; a fast moving journey that makes 700+ pages of non fiction feel like an easy weekend read. The issue with this book is that it is more of a shallow tabloid than an intellectual biography. Reader prepare for page after page of rumors and gossip from individuals loosely associated with the Bouvier, Kennedy, or Onassis families.

It's fun, but ultimately more vapid than groundbreaking. Strongly recommended for those looking for grocery checkout aisle type entertainment, or insight into the social circles of the uber wealthy in the 60s or 70s. For a more intellectual look at politics, perhaps there are better options.

[Meriam Alessandroni · Rating 2 out of 5]

oh thank god i’m finally done. this just dragged on and on and on for me and i wasn’t interested in half of what was going on to be honest. taking this with a huge grain of salt because the author seemed to really dislike jackie and repeatedly make her out to be a monster (especially at her lowest times which felt distasteful?). there was a lot of back and forth of opinion between every quote and account taken from people which instead of doing so in a way to lay out all the information to maybe seem unbiased, really just heightened both extreme ends of judgement of jackie - more bad than good. but hey i guess we’ll never truly know

[Julie Vavroch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was, by far, the most detailed bio that I have ever read. The author interviewed over 850 people in his writing of this book!!! I was fascinated and engrossed in her life, starting from her infancy. My rating of only 3 stars reflects the fact that I had a hard time picking up this book. Perhaps it was too detailed- at nearly 650 pages, it was more than thorough. And I usually love that, but with this one, perhaps needed to be edited down a bit. But that is personal preference, I suppose. Can't say the author didn't do his research!!!! Fascinating life, full of vanity, self-absorption, and sadness- I had no idea! Glad I trudged through it- learned a ton!

[Heather McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a bibliophile who has read dozens of books on Jackie and the Kennedys, this title remains at the top of my list and a personal favorite due to the depth and great attention given to the former first lady. While many books span only her only years, White House years, or Jackie O years, Heymann pays careful detail and respect to all aspects and corners of her life, leaving no stone unturned while telling memorable stories. Further evidence of the books's superiority is found in the TV miniseries - A Woman Named Jackie.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was like a train wreck - it went on and on with horrible stories of people I previously held in high regard. I wanted to put it down, but I couldn’t, even though it turned my stomach. I’m sure some of the things written were shaded by the author’s perspective and personal feelings, but even if a fraction of the sexual scandals, drug use, and disrespect of women is true, it is shameful that such a man could ever have held the office of the President of the United States. Also, “beloved Jackie” was just as despicable as he was. I guess they were a good fit for each other.

[David Johnston]

This book is garbage, filled with provable lies that author C. David Heymann, just made up.
I first exposed this fraudster in 1983 on the front page of the Los Angeles Times. The book he wrote then, based on bogus claims of access to heiress Barbara Hutton, had to be withdrawn from the market and pulped.

My 2014 Newsweek cover story showed in detail his many lies. Among those who denounced his work: his wife.

Over a nearly 60 year career I've exposed many fraudsters, financial and literary. Heymann was one of the most incompetent, unable to keep his lies straight.

.

[Constance · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me almost a year to read this tome. I finished it because I owe it to the book, not the author to finish it. Overall disappointing. Many books have been written about Jacqueline Kennedy; this is one your don't need to read. I found this book at an antique store for $6. I couldn't pass it up, but it will have a place on my book shelves to fill up space.

[Tanja · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually didn't finish this book, but only read about half of it... I was hoping it would be more about Jackie, but it was more about the affairs of the male figures in her life. Also an excess of name dropping by the author made it hard to follow.

[Sarah Stook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it two stars because of the detail and interesting points, but I also found it quite mean-spirited. The author clearly does not like Jacqueline Kennedy, pointing out her faults but not the ones of the men she married. Why write a biography about someone you so greatly dislike?

[Suzanne Mundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gossipy book that keeps the reader engaged. I've read better books.

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fascinating story.