“Paula Byrne brings J.F.K.’s adored little sister, Kick, back to life.” —Vanity FairFrom celebrated biographer Paula Byrne, the remarkable life of the vivacious, unconventional—and nearly forgotten—young Kennedy sister who charmed American society and the English aristocracy, and would break with her family for love.Encouraged to be “winners” from a young age, Rose and Joe Kennedy’s children were … love.
Encouraged to be “winners” from a young age, Rose and Joe Kennedy’s children were the embodiment of ambitious, wholesome Americanism. Yet even within this ebullient group of overachievers, the fourth Kennedy child, the irrepressible Kathleen, stood out. Lively, charismatic, extremely clever, and blessed with graceful athleticism and a sunny disposition, the alluring socialite fondly known as Kick was a firecracker who effortlessly made friends and stole hearts.
Moving across the Atlantic when her father was appointed as the ambassador to Great Britain in 1938, Kick—the “nicest Kennedy”—quickly became the family’s star. Despite making little effort to fit into British high society, she charmed everyone from the beau monde to Fleet Street with her unconventional attitude and easygoing humor. Growing increasingly independent, Kick would also shock and alienate her devout family by falling in love and marrying the scion of a virulently anti-Catholic family— William Cavendish, the heir apparent of the Duke of Devonshire and Chatsworth. But the marriage would last only a few months; Billy was killed in combat in 1944, just four years before Kick’s own unexpected death in an airplane crash at twenty-eight.
Byrne recounts this remarkable young woman’s life in detail as never before, from her work at the Washington Times-Herald and volunteerism for the Red Cross in wartime England; to her love of politics and astute, opinionated observations; to her decision to renounce her faith for the man she loved. Sympathetic and compelling, Kick shines a spotlight on this feisty and unique Kennedy long relegated to the shadows of her legendary family’s history.
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Thought this was very interesting and truthful. Really enjoyed it
The Kennedy family has endured more than their share of tragedy. I am amazed at
how they cope and have continued their service to others.
I wasn’t even aware of Kick Kennedy. She was a bright, strong young lady and such a shame to have lost her life so young. The book was slow but included facts on other members of the Kennedy family that I had never read about in several other books on this interesting family.
I just finished reading this book and found it very informative and entertaining. I know a lot about the Kennedy men but nothing about the women of the family. It was fascinating reading about how strong a hold the matriarch, Rose, had on her family and how much Joe Kennedy doted on his daughter, Kick. If you are a history buff or if you’re just curious, this is an excellent book.
Well researched with an eye towards the family relationships of the Kennedys.
Excellent read. I could not put it down.
What a fascinating woman! I couldn’t put this book down!
I have always been interested in the Kennedy’s and this was a great book on Kick.
A very complete story of her life and her tragic ending.
The ending was very abrupt. I keep thinking the pages were gone. The bibliography
was lengthy and I was confused.
A real page turning factual story about the Joe & Rose Kennedy’s tribe with Kathleen (kick) as the focal xgarachter. I learn so many things about this family, their beliefs, their heartfelt bonding, their excellence in academics, and their inability to accept family when flawed. It left me pondering WHY so many tragedies suffered by one family? Highly recommended.
Very slow moving
Found myself getting bored
This is a very well researced book that I believe would benefit from better editing. Imfelt like I was reading a list of letter and diary excerpts hastily cobbled together.
The character of Kick Kennedy is interesting and the almost malevolent comtrolling influence of her mother over her life is enlightening. Stories of people whose privileged lives free them from the tedious constraints of economy are fun for me to read. Kick was probably ahead of her time and her early death tragic.
A very interesting biography of one of the Kennedy clan. I had never heard much about her so it was interesting and informative both about her and about the Kennedy clan in general.
A glimpse into the Kennedy family, growing years of JFK. Factual and well researched. A glimpse at the life and tragic death of his sister who was an impressive person in her own right.
Great insight into the world of The Kennedy’s.
Page turner. Informative and easy to read
I found this book a well-written and informative biography of Kathleen Kennedy, the fourth child and second daughter of Rose and Joe Kennedy. Since I knew nothing about her since she died before Jack Kennedy ran for office the book gave me a sense of the family, the culture and norms of the pre-WWII through end of WWII time period, and the tragedies this family experienced giving me a new emphasis for JFK, BK, and JFKjr’s tragic deaths. It was very sad.