If you are a person of a certain age (hello!) you lived through the days of Camelot and the fascination with the Kennedy family. Do you remember that in her later years the admired and glamorous Jackie O was a book editor? She was. And is, in The Editor.
The Editor
I just love the cover design incorporating Jackie O’s iconic sunglasses and the backdrop of New York City. This photo sets the stage for a heartwarming story about a young author’s relationship with the one and only Jackie.
The protagonist is a promising young writer James Smale, thrilled to find out that his debut novel has been accepted by one of the Big 5 publishing houses. When he learns that his editor will be none other than Mrs. Onassis (as he would come to call her), he is stunned and intimidated. Well, of course he is.
But as his professional relationship with Jackie O develops, he finds her to be approachable and down to earth, a thoughtful and responsive editor as well as a trusted friend. Jackie encourages him to strengthen parts of his novel by confronting difficult truths about his family that will help him write more authentically.
Author Steven Rowley captures the essence of Jackie O perfectly — the intellect, breathy voice, graceful presence. And her talent as an editor shines through as well. James, too, is drawn well, the talented writer filled with self-doubt and beset by writer’s block. I often say that my litmus test for great writing is believable dialogue, and Rowley is spot on with all his characters.
As I read “The Editor” with a lump in my throat, I recalled when Jackie O was in her final days in her New York apartment. She was quoted as saying she was in a good place, “surrounded by my family and my beloved books,” or something similar. I think she would have been happy about this novel.
A delightful read, “The Editor” gives us a tantalizing glimpse into the life of someone we admired and adored.
One of my lucky readers will receive a copy of “The Editor.” Please leave a comment on the Books is Wonderful Facebook page, and a winner will be randomly selected. US addresses only, please.
I received a copy of “The Editor” from G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an honest review, which is the only kind of review I write.