Primetime: Lee Radziwill's 'Happy Times'

March 22, 2001 -- The following excerpt comes from Lee Radziwill's new book, Happy Times.

Buy your copy of Happy Times.

Introduction

When I look back on my life, it seems nearly everything of interest happened in little more than one decade — dramas, tragedies, major events, pleasures, my close friendships with artists and political figures, the lovely places where I lived in England and New York, the trips to Europe, visits at the White House. It seems as if six decades were packed into one. I often wonder how it was possible to absorb so much joy and enthusiasm. I wasn't aware until after it had passed what an extraordinary period it had been. The entire decade.

At the time, I didn't realize how special everything was, although aware certainly that there was magic in the air. Everything seemed exciting, glamorous and carefree. We were presumptuous to assume this magic would continue. There was so much laughter, wit, youth, energy. The possibilities were endless. President Kennedy borrowed a credo from Sophocles, and inspired those around him to try to live their lives along lines of excellence. Everyone wanted to give the most of themselves because that expectation was returned.

That's what Jack brought out in most people, asking for something of particular interest, something original, clever, or different. God, we did have a good time. Maybe that's why it was so brief. Then the President was killed, and things became flat. Many people couldn't handle his loss; their true colors began to show. The carefree and exciting times vanished. People had to struggle with themselves.

Over a number of years, friends have urged me to write an autobiography. I had the opportunity, but after some thought I decided it would involve me in too many other lives. I wanted to do something much lighter, which would touch only on the good times. I also felt that so much had already been said about my family and the people I was close to, that it would be more enjoyable to only remember the best times with them.

Happy times were a better choice for me. I am always aware that I've had a special and privileged life, yet it has been balanced by tragedy as it has been for so many others. I believe that without memories there is no life, and that our memories should be of happy times. That's my choice.