• After Camelot

  • A Personal History of the Kennedy Family - 1968 to the Present
  • By: J. Randy Taraborrelli
  • Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
  • Length: 21 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (199 ratings)

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After Camelot  By  cover art

After Camelot

By: J. Randy Taraborrelli
Narrated by: Robert Petkoff
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Publisher's summary

For more than half a century, Americans have been captivated by the Kennedys - their joy and heartbreak, tragedy and triumph, the dark side and the remarkable achievements. In this ambitious and sweeping account, Taraborrelli continues the family chronicle begun with his best-selling Jackie, Ethel, Joan and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the years "after Camelot."

He describes the challenges Bobby's children faced as they grew into adulthood; Eunice and Sargent Shriver's remarkable philanthropic work; the emotional turmoil Jackie faced after JFK's murder and the complexities of her eventual marriage to Aristotle Onassis; the sudden death of JFK JR; and the stoicism and grace of his sister Caroline. He also brings into clear focus the complex and intriguing story of Edward "Teddy" and shows how he influenced the sensibilities of the next generation and challenged them to uphold the Kennedy name.

Based on extensive research, including hundreds of exclusive interviews, After Camelot captures the wealth, glamour, and fortitude for which the Kennedys are so well known. With this book, J. Randy Taraborrelli takes readers on an epic journey as he unfolds the ongoing saga of the nation's most famous - and controversial - family.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2012 J. Randy Taraborrelli (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Meticulous multilayered details breathe life into remarkable recreations of family gatherings throughout this superb "fly on the wall" survey of the Camelot clan." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about After Camelot

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Fantastic Listen!!! Highly Recommend!

As a fan of anything Kennedy, Rat Pat, Old Hollywood etc. I can say without a doubt that this is one of the best Kennedy books I have listened to (read) in a long time. I was worried that it would be the same old Kennedy stories recycled but was happily surprised to learn new and interesting details about the family and their lives. This is an excellent example of great story meeting perfect narration. I know other reviewers have had issues with Taraborrelli's accents and impersonating the women in this book. I am extremely picky about narration and I had no problem with this whatsoever. I listen to books while I work and this one kept me in my seat the whole time. I know I'll be listening to this one again!

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The most interesting family in US History...

I do not think that I have ever gotten myself so wrapped up in a book like I did this one. I am only 24, and I knew almost nothing about this family (other that what I learned in history class) and decided to give this book a try. Within the first few minutes, I was hooked. The author did a wonderful job with the information and I had to keep reminding myself that this was (and still is) a REAL family in history because the story was so intriguing! I may not agree with some (Okay, being honest.. MOST) of the decisions that this family made, but I cannot deny that this was most definitely the most interesting family in US History. I am so impressed with this book that I almost do not want to read another one on the same subject because I do not think another author could do this family justice as well as J. Randy Taraborrelli! *GREAT BOOK!*

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Nothing I didn’t know..

I know J. Randy Taraborrelli writes great biographies and there’s nothing wrong with this book, but there was actually nothing in it I didn’t know. The entire Kennedy family has had their hardships for sure, and it really seemed they had a “curse”. But also remember not all family’s have nearly 4-11 children from every member either. I’ve never believed it was a curse, but I do believe the actions or bad behavior of Ethel’s sons, unfortunately took their lives. Drugs, as in David’s case, an inability to get him into Rehab and stay and Ethel being a single mom & other family members were his co-depends. They knew his drug problem but no one said “David, you’re on your own and if you continue this deadly behavior we will not stand by and watch you die.” Yes easier said than done, but he did have his problems too. As with Michael, I’m sorry he got away with so many things, his family (with his affair with his babysitter) again knew all this and again kept Kennedy mouths shut. His death was horrible, but why play throwing a football on ice ridden hills? That’s the Kennedy way though, always played with fire, got away with it, then it caught up with them each and every time. I knew about Teds issues & still to this day don’t know WHY he never was convicted of manslaughter!

I knew about Ethel’s inability to control her kids, I knew about Joan, Jackie and the unfortunate death of John Jr. Who, again was told, “do not fly by yourself and if so take a flight instructor”. He refused advice most of his life, and it was irresponsible behavior on his part, with a broken foot no less, to take his wife, himself and his wife’s sister at night flying solo to the Cape! What happened was horrible, don’t get me wrong! I mourned every Kennedy death, but I was more ANGRY about John Jr. life! Refusing to listen will put you in harms way no matter what your name is! There’s nothing wrong with this book except to fair too long, it repeats itself, goes back in time then in the time writing about, but I wouldn’t listen to it again. It’s so depressing and “After Camelot..” had so many angry family members, understandably, but it’s a book that didn’t bring me joy...just a lot of thoughts of “what could have each of these Kennedy’s accomplished if they didn’t do the things they did...”

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very informative

I love anything Kennedy and this book was no exception. I enjoyed it every much and would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this family.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great book

What made the experience of listening to After Camelot the most enjoyable?

i could have listened to this book 3 times in a row..i listen at work for about 7 hours a day..and this book keep me very intertained .i would highly recommend this one....get job J. Randy Taraborrelli

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Kennedys are real people

Would you listen to After Camelot again? Why?

Yes, I had first listened to Mrs. Kennedy and me which led me to this book. I will probably visit this book again in the future. I usually take a book to work to listen to on my job, so sometimes I miss things in the book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of After Camelot?

I think the will power Ethel Kennedy displayed while awaiting word on JFK jr. She was certain he was coming to the wedding of her daughter and would not except that he would not make it.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff – was your favorite?

Jackie-- I thought I would cry when I heard the words Jackie said after Bobby's death--oh my God they are shooting Kennedys.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

the Kennedys up close and personal

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Story and writing is good; reader not very good

What did you love best about After Camelot?

Story, writing

Any additional comments?

Why did the reader try to imitate women and accents? Not good at all.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • V
  • 03-13-14

what a great listen I enjoyed every minute

If you could sum up After Camelot in three words, what would they be?

captivating

What about Robert Petkoff’s performance did you like?

I very much liked Robert Petkoff’s performance, there was never a dull moment listening to him.

Any additional comments?

Especially with these kind of books I am missing a table of contents. Just in case I would want to re listen certain parts there would be no way finding these particular parts .........

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great Book

Would you listen to After Camelot again? Why?

Yes. To catch anything I may have missed the first time.

What about Robert Petkoff’s performance did you like?

His overall performance was great. He definitely knows how to keep an audience's attention.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good book.

It is a good book as it includes all the whole family. It is also well written.

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3 people found this helpful