Robert Kennedy: Brother Protector

by James W. Hilty

For most of his life, Robert Kennedy stood in the shadow cast by his older brother, John; only after President Kennedy's assassination did the public gain a complete sense of Robert (Bobby, we called him) as a committed advocate for social justice and a savvy politician in his own right. In this comprehensive biography, James W. Hilty offers a detailed and nuanced account of how Robert was transformed from a seemingly unpromising youngster, unlikely to match the accomplishments of his older brother, to the forceful man who ran the family business, orchestrating the Kennedy quest for political power.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History, Kennedy Family

642 pages, Paperback

First published October 2, 1997

Reviews

[Marsinay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect this book is often overlooked and underappreciated, which is too bad. I found it to be a balanced, intelligent evaluation of the relationship between RFK and JFK and the events surrounding their time in the White House. The research was impressive and a comprehensive bibliographic essay, scrupulous footnotes and a helpful preface explaining Hilty’s approach are included. I wish more histories and biographies were this informative regarding their methodology.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written book that goes into great detail (more than I would've imagined possible) and without bias toward the Kennedys, either for or against.

I grew up knowing of Robert Kennedy but only slightly, and most of that from movie portrayals. After finally getting a chance to view Emilio Estevez's 2006 film, I found myself intrigued by the statements he made throughout the film, especially toward the end. It's what led me to purchase this book and I'm very glad I did. I can't help but think this would've been a much better world if they weren't killed when they were.

[NON · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had mix feelings reading this book but mostly I felt annoyed.

Robert Kennedy is the ideal character of a man for a great book because there's a lot of complexity to that man. For any good writer, a character like that would be perfect to write a deep study and examination but sadly, Dr Hilty didn't have the skill of a good writer that can capture your attention and compel you. In fact, I felt very disconnected, uninterested and unsatisfied reading this and it got nothing to do with the book's material. It read like I was reading a very long boring report.

This book covers up a lot of events but sadly it's a poorly written study; it lacks depth & passion, and it's ultimately unsatisfying.