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The other Kennedy

Cover of Kick Kennedy: The Charmed
A review of Kick Kennedy: The Charmed Life and Tragic Death of the Favorite Kennedy Daughter by Barbara Leaming

Very interesting look at the life of Kathleen Kennedy. I knew her name but that was about all before I started reading this biography on the recommendation of a friend. Kick and her brother Joe Jr. had a lot in common as favorites of their father Joseph Kennedy, they both had in many ways a silver spoon existence with a lot given to them materially and in status. But along with that came the pressure to live up to their father’s expectations, and yet somehow also establish themselves as individuals. And World War II gave them both the chance to do so. Reading Leaming’s biography, I thought that Kick resembled her father the most. Her desire and determination to go her way despite any obstacles in the way was formidable. The love story of Kick and Billy Hartington was interesting, touching, and sad. And, as is so often the case with members of the Kennedy clan, you end up wondering what would have happened if death had not come so soon. 

Jul 26, 2022