.com Review Andy Warhol would have approved of close friend Lee Radziwill's autobiographical picture book, Happy Times. A sort of postmodern photographic journal crossed with a lovey Hello! spread, Radziwill's book offers a visually lush, mildly gossipy, somewhat surreal document--solely in photographs and brief reminiscences--of the younger Bouvier sister's unique brand of celebrity. As Radziwill explains in her introduction, friends had urged her to write a biography for years, but she felt doing so would "involve me in too many other lives." So she opted for a biography that focuses only on her "happy times" (hence the book title), and these, she says, happened mostly in the 1960s. The resulting slim volume is essentially a collection of gorgeous photographs, scattered haphazardly like a scrapbook, interspersed with Radziwill's selective memories and little handwritten comments. With a somewhat unconvincing naiveté ("memories should be of happy times"), each chapter is devoted to a particular "happy time" but in no special order. We have summers in Montauk with Mick and Bianca, Christmas with the young Kennedy family, a tour of India with her sister Jackie, whole chapters devoted to each of Radziwill's many exotic homes. Assuming the reader knows most of the big events of her life, Radziwill offers little in the way of context of these happy times, and it's this element that ultimately gives the project a surreal, celebrity-by-association feel. You wonder why you're reading this random assemblage of country-house photos and memories of Truman Capote; or, considering so much of the book is taken up by photos of the Kennedys, why you should especially care about Lee Radziwill. But it isn't without its charm, and as you flip through the book, Radziwill's breathless gratitude for her own good fortune becomes contagious. The book's final chapter, hand-drawn by Lee and sister Jackie in 1951, documents a summer trip to Europe. An odd inclusion but ultimately fascinating, it's the essence of Happy Times: you're not exactly sure what you're looking at, or why--but isn't it lovely? --Marisa Lencioni, .co.uk Read more
R**S
Life in photos
This book is true to its title, Happy Times, because it consists of some of the "happy"/nice things that occurred in Lee Radziwill's life. Photos consists of photo collages, some photos of her homes (London, Turnbridge Wells country home, Montauk summer home, and NY penthouse), of her children, of trips with her sister, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, and more. I'd call it kind of a "scrap book" type-of-book. Narrative is minimal and there are captions on many photos. Some photos are in black/white but most are in color. Many of her personal photos are not crisp and clear since they weren't taken by professionals but that's ok since they are still interesting to look at. I get the impression that Lee Radziwill wanted to convey how happy and wonderful and fanciful her life was/is and that we'd all look at this book and be SO envious of her fabulous life. And she's got a point to some extent -- her life had many wonderful, fabulous moments and she was part of history and this book is a change from the ones that are written now where people have to describe every single nose hair and sexual encounter in their lives. But (and I say this in a whisper) it would have been great to at least get 1 or 2 tidbits of gossip. This book was published in 2001 before her son Anthony died and before JFK Jr died but was re-issued in 2012.
J**S
In Lee's Shoes
I would not have been having "Happy Times" in Lee's shoes. Sibling rivalry to the extreme, a horrible mother, a poor excuse for a father, loved for her looks and societal position rather than who she was; who could live like that and remain unscathed? This is one strong lady. Buy the book. It's beyond interesting!
Z**N
Complicated Lady
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. We have heard so much about her famous sister (Jacqueline Kennedy) it was refreshing to read about Lee Radziwill. She is quite the charmer, and is very interesting in her own right. This book takes Ms. Radziwill out of the shadows and helps the reader understand what it is like to live in someone's shadow.
B**E
I love this gorgeous book
I love this gorgeous book. The photos and stories of the glamorous Lee and Jackie are truly enchanting. I gave this book to my sister because it reminded me of the many happy times we have had celebrating holidays and traveling together.
M**B
One of a kind
This was such a delightful surprise. Was not sure what the condition of the product would be but was BRAND NEW, beautifully wrapped in plastic and carefully wrapped for shipping. Quality is fantastic, beautiful work by Assouline per usual. Loved it so much and was so happy with seller that I immediately ordered another copy as a gift.
R**S
Fluff
I was expecting a little more depth with this book. How she felt about different aspects of her life. This book barely glazes the surface of parts of history she participated in. The last eighteen pages are excerpts from One Special Summer, which I had just read, I was disappointed in the overall content. I know the title is HAPPY TIMES, I think she could have shown a little more dept about her HAPPINESS. I would like it, if Amazon would write a few lines about the book. Instead you have to wait until another person has read the book and writes a review.
A**
Supposed to be used but book is like brand new !
Great read .Such a fascinating life
L**N
Great Book!!!!!
The book was very interesting.Lots and lots of great pictures and interesting information.Lee Radziwill was a very interesting person in her own rite.
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