When I read the synopsis of this book I was a little skeptical -- a fictional author whose first manuscript is accepted by Jackie Kennedy Onassis as his editor at Doubleday. It was a touching, beautiful story. The character development was quite good and the story, which explores mother-son relationships but is also filled with wit and warmth, is engaging. It is at once an odyssey and redemption tale. The author character, James, is a diva, but an endearing one despite his annoying self-centeredness and penchant for drama. And Jackie O is portrayed so beautifully. ( )

Rowley nails the important things in life. Didn't love it as much as his later books but it was still good and had his clever humor. ( )

The cover of the audio version gives nothing away. Not until you start listening to writer James Smale narrating his story do you realize that his novel has been chosen by Doubleday and that the editor who chose it is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The best fun is their first meeting - James just cannot believe his good fortune and must transcend his awe and hero worship to do the hard work of fixing The Pandemic to Jackie's high standards. Their working sessions are an enjoyable combination of his terror and her serenity, and, as in his breakout novel The Gunkle, there's a ton of sly humor. James and his mother have massive ongoing tension, and since she is the unwilling subject of the novel, the fact that James must describe how his coming out destroyed his parents’ marriage and caused his father’s subsequent abandonment is a major factor blocking his progress. There's also his partner Daniel, a theatre director who is frustrated by James's singular focus on himself. There are two major surprises that are well-presented. The only minor weaknesses are a bit too much mushiness, and James's complete lack of friends. But it's a very satisfying listen and narrator Michael Urie acquits himself well. ( )

I listened to this audiobook last month and with my current work book club being "The Guncle" by the same author I figured it's time to share my thoughts.

The Editor revolves around James Smale, a struggling writer who unexpectedly finds himself collaborating with the iconic editor, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis on his semiautobiographical book about his own mother. As James navigates the demanding world of publishing and grapples with personal demons, he embarks on a transformative journey that compels him to confront his past and rediscover his own unique voice.

“Hard truths can drive people apart. But great art can bring them back together.”

I struggled with the inclusion of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis beyond the celebrity factor but as the story unfolded, I began to appreciate how Rowley used her presence to challenge James's complicated relationship with his own mother. James is captivated by Jackie, and this enables her to push him where another editor would not have succeeded. While the exploration of his relationship with his own mother occasionally takes a backseat, it becomes clear that it couldn't have unfolded without Jackie's encouragement for him to embrace honesty and authenticity in his writing.

The exploration of the publishing industry and the editing process adds an intriguing layer to the story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with shaping a manuscript into a published work. This aspect will undoubtedly resonate with aspiring writers and book lovers alike.

I particularly appreciated the representation of James's long-term boyfriend and their relationship, which felt genuine and well-developed.

Overall, "The Editor" is an immersive tale that explores the transformative power of storytelling. While I initially questioned the inclusion of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Steven Rowley skillfully integrates her presence to challenge and enrich the protagonist's journey. This novel prompts readers to contemplate their own connections to art, heritage, and the profound impact of the stories we tell.

James Smale has written a novel about a son’s relationship with his mother. He sells his novel to a major publishing house where the editor is none other than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She recognizes that his novel is autobiographical and pushes him to come up with a more authentic ending. In doing so, he must confront his mother about the past.

Even though this book is called The Editor, it’s more about James’s journey as a son than about Jackie. It’s also about James’s relationship with his siblings and with his partner, Daniel. I have now completed my goal of reading Steven Rowley’s backlist before his next book, The Celebrants comes out in May. I highly recommended The Editor. ( )