Kick: The True Story of JFK’s Sister and the Heir to Chatsworth

Kathleen Kennedy’s life has been relegated to the background. Kick by Paula Byrne sheds light on the unknown. She was the fourth child to Rose and Joseph Kennedy. Her life would be complex, raised by a devout unaffectionate mother and doted on by her businessman father. Kick formed a strong bond with her older brothers Joe Jr. and John that would be omnipresent throughout their lives. Kathleen bucked at the cloistered life; she was the object of affection of many, but she shied from romance until she met Billy Cavendish of Hartington. She would begin a periodic relationship with Cavendish, meeting with disapproval by both families…Kick’s professional life would see success as a journalist, and her caring nature would lead to a stint in the Red Cross. Her star-crossed relationship with Billy would lead to marriage in 1944, but tragedy in war would make the marriage short-lived. Her own time would be short-lived, but Kathleen would live it to her utmost.

Paula Byrne has crafted a well-written biography about one of the diamonds in the rough of an American dynasty. The stories of the Kennedys and the tragedies endured are well known and told, but the love in this family and the bonds between some of the brothers and sisters are heartrending. This is a biography that is timely and precious. A gem.