Hostage to Fortune: The Letters of Joseph P. Kennedy

Unfortunately, not many biographies of Joe Kennedy are available, and most of them are written by authors who make no effort to hide their hostility towards him. So it's about time that a balance was brought to the equation, and Amanda Smith has done a fine job of that. Perhaps a book like this could only be written by a member of the Kennedy family, as most of JPK's personal and business papers remain off limits to researchers at the Kennedy Library. Those expecting this book to be a whitewash will be pleasantly surprised by how honest this portrayal is (at times disarmingly so) -- Smith certainly does not shy away from the more controversial aspects of his life. Rather, she uses his letters, memos, diaries and unpublished manuscripts to reveal Kennedy's true personality and political beliefs. As someone who initially approached this book with a healthy skepticism, I must say that Smith's documentation is impeccable; she approaches her subject with the kind of objectivity one would expect from a journalist or academic, not that of a family member trying to protect the legacy of a deceased relative. While some might think that an 800-page book of letters and documents could make for a boring read, this is not the case here. Actually, this book is quite the page-turner! I honestly couldn't put it down and was hooked from start to finish. In many aspects, "Hostage to Fortune" is better than a traditional biography because there is no room here for outside interpretation by the author. Reading Joe Kennedy in his own words is probably the closest any of us will ever get to understanding this very fascinating, ambitious, opinionated, and complex man. Highly recommended for serious researchers and all who are interested in how the Kennedy family dynasty came to be.

Famed patriarch Joseph Kennedy Sr.'s granddaughter, Amanda Smith (she is the daughter of Jean Kennedy Smith) did an extraordinary job of collecting missives written by various family members over a period of nearly half a century. The years 1914-1961 are meticulously laid out in militarily neat precision; it is through these letters that readers glean insights into the dynamics of a famous family. My favorite parts in the book were the letters to, by and about the late Senator Robert Kennedy. Third son and seventh child of patriarch Joseph Kennedy, readers are treated to witness his growth and development, almost from the beginning. A composition he wrote at age 13 describing himself and his preferences is enlightening. One can smile at the boy who strove to keep up with his older siblings revisited in the man who achieved leadership status. From all accounts, Robert Kennedy was a diligent worker; the boy who sought to make himself heard by his siblings and by Joe, Sr. became the man who served as the voice for many. In adult life his voice was one that was very much heard and resounded throughout history. In reading this, it was impossible not to cheer his progress and feel encouraged by what he accomplished in his lifetime.This is a delightful "peek behind the curtain" into the dynamics of generations of Kennedys.I loved it.

What a nice surprise to see a book about the Kennedy family based on fact. Smith's choice of letters help the reader visualize Joseph Kennedy as father, businessman, and ambassador. These letters are as historically important as they are touching. Smith's work has given us first hand accounts of many great historical events of the 20th century. This book will prove to be an important resource for biographers as well as a wonderful gift to Smith's own family. Highly recommend.

I have read countless books on the Kennedys and I've got to say this is, by far, one of the most valuable books I've read. Amanda Smith, who is Joseph P. Kennedy's grandaughter, did a phenomenal job gathering correspondences between Joe Kennedy and family members, dignitaries, colleagues and friends during the years of 1914-1961. The manner in which Smith compiled the letters allows for a smooth and enjoyable read of the book.I am quite impressed (and thankful!) that Smith meticulously documented and made footnotes of the individuals who were either the recipient or author of a letter or are mentioned in the correspondence - as it provides the reader with a much better understanding of the context of the letter.I've always had a strong appreciation and interest in reading original documents and writings. Amanda Smith truly did a fantastic job editing the letters and showing a new side of Joe Kennedy which I never saw before.Definately well worth the cost of the book and most certainly recommended with the highest regard for those who enjoy reading about the Kennedys, political science, or correspondences.