Robert Francis Kennedy was born in Massachusetts in 1925. He was number seven out of nine children born to his parents. His mother was Rose, and his father was Joseph. His family on both sides were heavily Irish. He had the nickname Bobby in the family. He was well educated, attending some prestigious schools. His father did not think that Bobby was as great as his other sons, and didn't really have a close relationship with him. This was especially evident after his oldest brother, and protégé of his father, Joseph Jr, died while serving in World War II. He did serve in the Naval Reserve for a time, and served on a ship bearing his brother's name. He helped his brother, John F Kennedy, with his political campaigns, before ultimately getting involved in politics himself. He married Ethel Skakel in 1950, and the couple had eleven children together. (Which is way too many for me.) He worked for a time as a lawyer, then becoming Attorney General, and a US Senator.

As far as his political stances, he was a Democrat. He stated he would support ending the death penalty. One of his more famous moments was when he squared off with Jimmy Hoffa in the investigation into his funds. He also helped Martin Luther King Jr be released from jail for civil rights work. When he was elected to the role of Attorney General, he focused a lot on organized crime and the Teamsters Union. He was described as a liberal fairly often. He believed in a non aggressive foreign policy, racial and economic equality, and various social change policies. After President JFK's assassination, people were sure he would run for office and continue his brother's work. He did run for President in 1968, but lost the primary to a more experienced politician. He was assassinated in June 1968 by Sirhan Sirhan.

I have always been very interested in family dynasties, and this is one of my favorite dynasties to read about. I have read a number of books about this family, but not as much material on Bobby. Some of his personality traits didn't come off as strong as his older brothers. I do not care for his father, and think it is shameful that he was so cold towards his own child. The Kennedy family has certainly seen their share of tragedy and scandal, and Bobby Kennedy's life and death is a small chapter in that. This book was pretty detailed about his activities and policy, and I found it to be an enjoyable read. I am glad to have it in my collection, and would suggest it for anyone interested in the Kennedy family.