The Editor by Steven Rowley Published by Penguin on April 2, 2019
Genres: Family Life, Fiction, General, Literary
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
James Smale is more than ecstatic when he learns a major publishing house has purchased his novel. He cannot contain his excitement (and initial confusion) when he shows up to meet his editor and finds himself face-to-face with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She's become enamored with this "autobiographical" novel that sheds light on his dysfunctional family. They agree on most everything about the novel...all but the ending. The one James has crafted doesn't seem genuine and Mrs. Onassis implores him to reach deep down into his soul and give his "characters" the ending they each deserve.
This novel has already caused a riff in his family, namely with his mother. Their relationship over the years has been lacking, and James is concerned that this extra nudge will push it over the edge. After much consternation and struggle, James follows his editors advice, uncovering a long-held family secret. It isn't until his novel is finished that James realizes the advice he received extends far beyond his novel, advice he isn't able to truly appreciate until the connection he has with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis has ceased.
What a book! Dysfunctional families are my kryptonite; as a member of a fairly “normal” family I’ve always been fascinated with their inner workings. This novel is the perfect example of a dysfunctional family. They don’t communicate, they hold grudges and secrets without facing the consequences. They try to overlook what is wrong and put up a facade of a perfectly normal family.
Rowley excels at drilling down and examining the various elements of the relationship James has with his mother. It doesn’t seem cliche or forced or lacking in honesty. It is completely heartwarming to watch how James’ relationship with Jackie influences and improves his relationship with his mother. You think of Jackie, and all that she’d been through (this novel is set in the 90s), and how this has influenced her life, her relationships.
Admittedly, I questioned the necessity of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as a character in this book. Now I understand it couldn’t have been any other character, fictional or not. This was a completely endearing and heartwarming read, one that will have lasting impact. Highly, highly recommended.
