Once upon a Secret

Mimi Alford's memoir, "Once Upon a Secret," is widely praised by reviewers for its courage and honesty in sharing a deeply personal story. Many commend the author for finally breaking decades of silence, particularly after her identity was revealed by others, and for providing her own account of the events. Readers appreciated the unique and intimate glimpse into President John F. Kennedy's private life and the inner workings of the White House during his administration, offering a perspective not found in other historical accounts. The book is also lauded for effectively exploring the profound and often destructive impact of keeping such a significant secret, with many reviewers acknowledging the cathartic journey the author undertook in writing it. Some found the narrative gripping and well-written, particularly its initial chapters, and appreciated its conversational, personal tone.

However, the book also drew significant criticism, primarily regarding the author's perceived ambivalence or lack of critical perspective towards President Kennedy. Many reviewers found her tone unsettling, describing her as overly forgiving, defensive, or still seemingly enamored with JFK, even after acknowledging exploitative aspects of their relationship. This perceived lack of regret or self-awareness, particularly concerning the impact on others like Jackie Kennedy, left some readers feeling frustrated, disturbed, or unable to relate to the author. Other criticisms included a perceived lack of emotional depth in the narrative, with some expecting more detailed or passionate accounts of the affair, while others questioned the author's motives for writing the book, suggesting it might be self-serving rather than purely for healing or setting the record straight.

Ultimately, "Once Upon a Secret" elicits a range of strong, often conflicting, emotions from its readers. It is recommended for those interested in gaining a behind-the-scenes perspective on the Kennedy presidency and a nuanced view of JFK, moving beyond the "Camelot" myth. The book will particularly appeal to readers who appreciate memoirs exploring the long-term psychological effects of secrets, power imbalances, and youthful naiveté, and those interested in how such experiences resonate with contemporary discussions on power dynamics and consent. However, readers seeking a purely critical indictment of JFK or a highly sensationalized account may find the author's perspective and narrative style less satisfying.