Lovely Me: Life of Jacqueline Susann by Barbara Seaman

Jacqueline Susann born August 1918 died September 1974 was a renowned American author famous for her novel "Valley of the Dolls"

For decades, literary snobs-I have at times been among them-have felt some chagrin at admitting to liking/admiring the work of Ms. Susann.  Still, a recent BBC production of her best-known novel, Valley of the Dolls, indicates growing awareness of her ability as a writer of both credible characters and the social commentary their lives provide.  In short, this book chronicles the gradual transformation of a genuine, sensitive, strong young woman into a resignedly pill-popping member of New York’s celebrity circles.

What of “Jackie” Susann herself?  The title Lovely Me stems from a comment she made when, as a young actress, seeing her mirrored silhouette during pregnancy, she wondered aloud how her thickening waist and abdomen could have happened to “lovely me.”  This musing was written into a song in an upcoming musical. 

Still, as the author Barbara Seaman shows, her life, like her body, failed to retain its loveliness.  Her novels, despite or because of their stellar success, were relegated to an area just above semi-porn. During her marriage to Irving Mansfield, she had a son at a level of the autistic spectrum which required long-term residential care. 

Then, in January 1974, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.  Though only in her mid-fifties, she knew she had just a few months to live.  When she went to see her son for what she knew would be the last time, she told him she would not be able to visit him anymore.  Perhaps not comprehending the depth of her words, or due to the detachment often characteristic of autism, he simply waved, as if she had said she would be back on the following Friday.

Jacqueline died on September 21st 1974.  For the last seven weeks of her life, she was in a coma.  Her final words were to her husband Irving, “Hiya, doll, let’s get the hell out of here.”  
Those of us who have been touched by her work can only hope she got the hell out of this earth after only minimal suffering.