close
  Cart (0)
Audiobooks > Biography & Autobiography >  General Biography & Autobiography > What Remains (Abridged): A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love
What Remains (Abridged): A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love Audiobook, by Carole Radziwill Play Audiobook Sample

Download What Remains (Abridged): A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love Audiobook

4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5 (4.00) - 3,858 customer ratings
What Remains (Abridged): A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love Audiobook, by Carole Radziwill Play Audiobook Sample
FlexPass™ Price: $13.95
$7.95 for new members!(Includes UNLIMITED podcast listening) Add to Cart learn more
OR
Regular Price: $16.95 Add to Cart
Author: Carole Radziwill Narrator: Carole Radziwill Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Audio Length: Release Date: September 2005 Format: Abridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9780743552196
+ Add to Wish List

Publisher Description

A stunning, tragic memoir about John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette, and his cousin Anthony Radziwill, by Radziwill’s widow.

What Remains is a vivid and haunting memoir about a girl from a working-class town who becomes an award-winning television producer and marries a prince, Anthony Radziwill. Carole grew up in a small suburb with a large, eccentric cast of characters. At nineteen, she struck out for New York City to find a different life. Her career at ABC News led her to the refugee camps of Cambodia, to a bunker in Tel Aviv, and to the scene of the Menendez murders. Her marriage led her into the old world of European nobility and the newer world of American aristocracy.

What Remains begins with loss and returns to loss. A small plane plunges into the ocean carrying John F. Kennedy Jr., Anthony’s cousin, and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Carole’s closest friend. Three weeks later Anthony dies of cancer. With unflinching honesty and a journalist’s keen eye, Carole Radziwill explores the enduring ties of family, the complexities of marriage, the importance of friendship, and the challenges of self-invention. Beautifully written, What Remains “gets at the essence of what matters,” wrote Oprah Winfrey. “Friendship, compassion, destiny.”

Download and start listening now!

Quotes

  • "What Remains is a riveting and heartbreaking journey beyond the fairy tale, told with the compassion of a friend and wife, and the searing eloquence of a gifted writer." -- Jeannette Walls, author of The Glass Castle

    -

  • Carole Radziwill has written an unsparing, unsentimental and inspiring memoir. A spirited journalist with a novelist's eye for detail, she delivers a stunningly honest story about life's great joys and deepest pain." -- Christiane Amanpour CNN (Chief International Correspondent)

    -

  • Love and loss, family and friends, fate and fortune: these themes pervade this beautifully-written memoir. [A] courageous and compelling work." --Library Journal

    -

  • Carole Radziwill, a wonderful writer who married into a famous family, gets at the essence of what matters - friendship, compassion, destiny- in her stunning new memoir, "What Remains." --Oprah Winfrey

    -

Awards

  • A New York Times bestseller

Listeners Also Enjoyed:

Fairy Tale Interrupted: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss Audiobook, by
Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life Audiobook, by
Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny Audiobook, by
JFK Jr., George & Me: A Memoir Audiobook, by
Kris Jenner … And All Things Kardashian Audiobook, by
The Men We Became: My Friendship with John F. Kennedy, Jr. Audiobook, by

Customer Reviews

Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Bitterly sweet beautiful. "

    - Michelle, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Honest portrayal of dealing with illness and death. Don't think it would have been as successful a book had it not been for the Kennedy connection. Read it for book club but don't think I would have finished it otherwise. "

    - Maryjo, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Such an honest account of dealing with a loved one's illness. Cried my eyes out. "

    - Kitty, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I bought this because I am a RHONY fan. Radziwill is a good writer. Her memoir is both raw with emotion and very engaging. The deaths of Radziwill's best friend, her bfs husband and her own husband are devastating. "

    - Jill, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Several love stories, those between husband and wife and those between best friends. "

    - Tracy, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Heart wrenching story.... Loved hearing about John Kennedy & Carolyn Bisset like we've never known. Thumbs up to Carole Radziwill for being so incredibly strong. "

    - Irene, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I was amazed at the sincerity in Carole Radziwill's book "What Remains...". I can only say I think she is so brave to be able to write this tragic story. I feel deeply for her loss of Anthony, John and Carolyn. She is an amazing woman. I wish her the best. "

    - Janet, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Great book about friendship, moves a little slow at times, but well worth the read "

    - Coreen, 1/24/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have never watched Real Housewives of NY and I have never been especially interested in the Kennedy family, but I do love a good memoir. A friend of mine who knows I love memoirs recommended this book and I'm glad I read it. Carole tells her story of being from a working class town and moving to NYC to become a journalist where she meets her future husband, who happens to be a prince. Her husband's cousin is JFK Jr. and she develops an extremely close friendship with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Sadly, it is a profoudly tragic story as her husband is diagnosed with cancer and while they are "waiting for him to die" is when the plane carrying John Kennedy and Carolyn crashed into the ocean. Despite it being so tragic, it was worth reading because Carole is an impressive writer. My heart went out to Carole as I read about reality of someone you love having cancer and reading about her close friendship with Carolyn, yet knowing how it will end. "

    - Jane, 1/21/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Started reading this tonight after work, couldn't stop. Cried my eyes out. Super good, sad that someone's real life could be so tragic. "

    - Desiree, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Saddest book I've ever read! "

    - Leigh-ann, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Beautifully written story of friendship, love, and loss. Wish I could give it 4 1/2 stars. "

    - Leslie, 12/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have always been fascinated by all things "Kennedy" so was interested to read this memoir. It was a heartbreakingly bittersweet story of love, friendship and family as they bravely face the battle of cancer. Additionally it is an incredibly well written book. "

    - Sarah, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A candid memoir of love and loss. "

    - Cathy, 12/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Her story is so raw and unfair; while she can't write anther one like it - I hope her life brings her happiness because she's earned it. "

    - Lana, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Haunting. Much also to be learned of the Kennedy relationships if you read between the lines. "

    - Rebecca, 9/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Super sad story. "

    - Eun, 5/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book was so honest and touching. She doesn't exploit her close relationship with JFK or Carolyn Besset, but simply tells her story and their part in it. Highlly recommend "

    - Maria, 3/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This has taken the place of my all time favorite book -she tells you on the first page exactly what is going to happen in the book, and I was still rivetted as I read it. "

    - Danielle, 2/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but I loved this book. Cried like a baby even though I knew how it would end. "

    - Pam, 1/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This memoir was written by a woman who was married to John Kennedy Jr.'s cousin, and who was very good friends with John's wife. Their plane crash took place at the same time her own husband was dying of cancer. "

    - Vicki, 1/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " THis story is an up close and personal account of JFK Jr's last days. Heartbreaking.A must-read for anyone fascinated with the Kennedy clan. "

    - Shelley, 6/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Beautifully written. Captivating in the most human and simplest of ways. Left me in tears. "

    - Alison, 5/24/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " dont be miffed by the RH of NY Carole, she can tell a story and can write. she has had a very interesting life. reading about her husband's struggle is heart breaking but so real "

    - Harmony, 2/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is my favorite book! "

    - Gail, 2/13/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It was an OK book. It talked about Carole Radziwill and her husband's journey with cancer. Her husband was a cousin to John Kennedy Jr. It talked a little about the Kennedy's. It was interesting. "

    - Sue, 11/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Though a sad story, it is a story of finding your inner strength even during those times you feel it's not possible. "

    - Carrie, 11/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Third time I've read this. Radziwill tells sad tale with a lovely voice. "

    - Jane, 9/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great biography of John F. Kennedy Jr and his cousin. "

    - Geri, 6/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite memoir of all time! "

    - Tara, 6/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " She gave such an honest account of her life and love and feelings. I think she was very brave to write it and I feel really lucky to have read it. "

    - Ali, 5/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This was a hard book to read -- painfully honest, never melodramatic, beautifully loyal. I ached for her by the end of the book, and I would love to know what she is doing now. "

    - CynthiaA, 5/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Tragic yet wonderfully written book recounting the private friendship between the author and John Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette. A tasteful glimpse into the private lives of some very public people and, ultimately, a story of love and loss. "

    - Ginny, 5/8/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this book when it first came out. I really loved her writing & story. I was very touched by this book and would highly recommend it! "

    - Nicole, 3/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Heartbreaking but powerful memoir. Well written, interesting look into her close friendship with Carolyn Bessette and John Kennedy Jr. and an honest account of her life with and marriage to Anthony Radziwill, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after their honeymoon. "

    - Susan, 3/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was a wonderful book. I listened to the audio, read by the author. Learning the facts about the Kennedy's was fascinating, and the entire story is very well written and interesting. "

    - Dena, 2/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the saddest stories I have ever read. Very well written by a courageous woman. "

    - Michelle, 1/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was so, so good. I read it a couple years ago. "

    - Taunya, 12/28/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The Best Friend of my Whole Life died very suddenly in July of 2007. I had no idea what to do (regarding anything) so I did what I always do...went looking for a book about it. This was the only book I could find about such a loss and was glad to have it. "

    - Lauri, 12/24/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " NOt sure why I read this but it was all right... "

    - Callie, 12/18/2010

About the Author

Carole Radziwill grew up in upstate New York and earned a BA at Hunter College and an MBA at New York University. She spent more than a decade at ABC News, reporting from around the world, and earned three Emmys. Her first book, What Remains, a memoir, spent more than twenty weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. She has written for many magazines, including Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour. She currently is a star of and “the voice of reason” on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New York.