From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a novel about a struggling writer who gets his big break, with a little help from the most famous woman in America.After years of trying to make it as a writer in 1990s New York City, James Smale finally sells his novel to an editor at a major publishing house: none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jackie–or Mrs. Onassis, as she’s … Mrs. Onassis, as she’s known in the office–has fallen in love with James’s candidly autobiographical novel, one that exposes his own dysfunctional family. But when the book’s forthcoming publication threatens to unravel already fragile relationships, both within his family and with his partner, James finds that he can’t bring himself to finish the manuscript.
Jackie and James develop an unexpected friendship, and she pushes him to write an authentic ending, encouraging him to head home to confront the truth about his relationship with his mother. Then a long-held family secret is revealed, and he realizes his editor may have had a larger plan that goes beyond the page…
From the bestselling author of Lily and the Octopus comes a funny, poignant, and highly original novel about an author whose relationship with his very famous book editor will change him forever–both as a writer and a son.
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Just finished reading this and loved it! It’s about a debut author who unexpectedly learns that Jackie Kennedy Onassis will be his editor. His novel is based on his own troubled relationship with his mother, and Mrs. Onassis urges him to mend fences and connect more authentically with his mom. It hit a lot of buttons for me–wonderful writing, a great story, and a fascinating 20th century icon as a pivotal character.
I loved that the writer brought you right into his world and his world wasn’t so neat and tidy. His family was a work in progress which most families are. I enjoyed every word. the icing on the cake was of course Jackie O.
The writing seems like the real “Jackie” that some of us knew and loved.
Wonderful story. I love this writer and can’t wait for his next book coming in May. ( they tease w a significant preview at the end of this book). Highly recommend.
A struggling author finally sells a book and the editor is Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis. I was hooked before I ever started the book. I was a child during Kennedy’s presidency and enjoyed revisiting that time in history, as did the protagonist, James. As he develops a relationship with “Mrs. Onassis,” she pushes him to dig deeper into his relationship with his mother to write a more authentic conclusion to his book. A fun and poignant read.
When I noticed this book in our “All the Buzz” section of our library, it caught my attention due to mention of JFK’s wife as the book editor. Heart warming, it tells the story of the journey of a young author who is awed when he learns Mrs. Onasis is his editor. Blessed with invitations to her residences in NY and Martha’s Vineyard, their interactions cause a ripple effect in his writing and life views. Using a motherly approach, Jackie guides the young author towards the goal of completion. Struggling with how to end the story, the author visits his mother who startles him with an unexpected truth. And with this revelation, comes the theme of the story; Seeking Truth. Soon after the book has been published, we’re saddened by Jackie’s death. The author’s research into the life of Jackie Kennedy offers the reader valuable insights into her humanity. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or not, immersing into the inner world of Jackie Kennedy and a new author is a unique experience.
A sweet and heartwarming, but often sad, tale of the relationship between mother and son, and author and editor. James (Francis) Smale has written a novel which has been accepted by a publishing house, and his editor is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The book is a reflection on James’s life with his mother, but told as fiction. The story is told over 2 years, and forces James to face the relationship he has with his mother, through the urging of Mrs. Onassis. James also learns to face other parts of his life that he hasn’t come to terms with – such as the relationship with his father, and also the relationship with his boyfriend, Daniel.
James is insecure at times, and at other times, he is strong. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and his emotions are right in front of you.
I liked how the author showed the sensitivity and strength of the relationship between mother and son, and also how he showed respect and kindness towards Mrs. Onassis.
I enjoyed this book more than the author’s previous novel, Lily and the Octopus.
#TheEditor #StevenRowley
Interesting premise and although it is a work of fiction there are many fascinating facts regarding polio and the Kennedys scattered throughout. But at the heart of the book, it is about complicated family relationships,
The Editor by Steven Rowley needs to go on your Summer TBR list! From page one I liked it, by page three I loved it! Mr. Rowley writes with warmth, humor, authenticity and great talent. It’s a story set in ‘90s New York, where an emerging new writer, James, garners the attention of a world famous editor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. James’ novel is based on a mother/son relationship which echoes his own personal family issues. Mrs. Onassis becomes more than an editor, but a caring, guiding friend. This book is funny, the characters genuine, the plot thought provoking, and it is one of the first books in a long time that I have found truly moving (you may need a Kleenex or two). You won’t want to put it down, and it will stay with you well after you’ve finished.
Two thumbs up! .
An interesting exploration of the mother son relationship which is strained in the beginning of the story and ends with resolution by his editor who happens to be Jackie Onassis and convinces the author to discover his mothers secret
This book is a beautiful ode to the parent/child relationship and it’s complexity. It made me laugh and cry.
Warm and wonderful; with perfectly imperfect characters.
A brilliant writer with an incredible, imaginative story to share. He had me from page one.
Loved this book!
The Editor will have you weeping tears of joy when it’s not quietly breaking your heart. It’s a study of mothers and sons, unlikely friendships, and how we go about collecting the scattered pieces of our pasts. It takes guts, humor, and immense talent to write a book like this. Lucky for us, Rowley has plenty of all three.
Told with warmth and humor, Steven Rowley’s charming second novel tells the story of a mother-son reconciliation, facilitated by a most unlikely fairy godmother. The Editor offers a delightful fictional glimpse of an iconic American family — but it is, at heart, a tribute to every family whose last name isn’t Kennedy.
The Editor is an absolute triumph! By page three, I announced aloud, “I LOVE THIS BOOK.” Rowley is a master of creating characters you fall in love with and never want to leave.
This funny, warm, and thought-provoking novel is the next best thing to having Jackie O. around to make us see how the larger-than-life characters in our own histories — our mothers — are as human, fallible, and as prone to heartbreak as us kids. Keep tissues handy. I had to use a bedsheet.
What fun! This droll and wonderfully poignant book gives you full access to one of the most fascinating figures of the twentieth century. A delight.
Steven Rowley, Author of “The Editor” has written an entertaining, intriguing, heartwarming, and amusing novel. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction, and Women’s Fiction. The author describes his characters as determined, motivated, complicated and complex. Some are dysfunctional and quirky. The story takes place mostly in New York City. around the 1990’s.
James Smale is a struggling writer and finally has some luck. He is going to meet his new editor about his autobiographical book, which does describe his dysfunctional family. James has a very estranged relationship with his mother. James Smale is absolutely shocked to find that his editor is none other than” Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.”
I loved reading about the friendship that evolved between the former first lady and James. It reminds me of a “normal” mother-son relationship. James is challenged to complete his novel and unravel some frightening and dark secrets in his family.
I appreciate that Steven Rowley describes the difficulties that authors do, and speaks about communication, family, friendship, forgiveness, love and hope. I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a delightful novel.