RFK: A Memoir

RFK: A Memoir chronicles Robert F. Kennedy's political evolution through the eyes of journalist Jack Newfield, who covered Kennedy's Senate campaigns and presidential run. Newfield offers an insider's perspective, drawing from his personal interactions with Kennedy during key moments of the 1960s. The book tracks Kennedy's transformation from his early days as Attorney General through his time as a New York Senator. Through detailed reporting and firsthand accounts, Newfield documents Kennedy's work on civil rights, poverty, and social justice initiatives. Newfield reconstructs pivotal events and private conversations from his years of following Kennedy on the campaign trail and in Washington. The narrative incorporates perspectives from Kennedy's inner circle as well as his political opponents. This memoir captures a portrait of a complex political figure who embodied both pragmatism and idealism during a turbulent era in American history. The author's dual role as both journalist and witness allows for an examination of Kennedy's personal growth alongside the social movements that shaped his politics.

Readers value Newfield's personal perspective as someone who worked on RFK's 1968 campaign and knew him personally. Several reviews note the book captures Kennedy's evolution from a hardline prosecutor to a more compassionate figure focused on poverty and civil rights. Readers appreciate: - Firsthand accounts and behind-the-scenes details - Focus on RFK's growth and transformation - Emotional depth without being sentimental - Clear writing style and pacing Common criticisms: - Some bias due to author's close relationship with subject - Limited coverage of earlier parts of RFK's life - Occasional repetition of anecdotes Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (186 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (28 reviews) Notable reader comment: "Newfield doesn't shy away from RFK's flaws but shows his capacity for growth and learning from mistakes" (Goodreads reviewer) The book receives particular praise for its intimate portrayal of Kennedy's final years and campaign.

The Last Campaign by Thurston Clarke This account of RFK's final 82 days brings readers into the candidate's inner circle through interviews and private notes.

An Unfinished Life by Robert Dallek The biography chronicles JFK's path from childhood through his presidency with access to medical records and documents previously unavailable to researchers.

The Power Broker by Robert Caro This examination of New York power broker Robert Moses intersects with the Kennedy era and reveals the hidden mechanisms of political influence in mid-century America.

Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon by Larry Tye This biography traces Kennedy's transformation from cold warrior to liberal champion through interviews with RFK's closest aides and family members.

American Values by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This memoir from RFK's son provides a view into the Kennedy family dynamics and political life through personal memories and family documents.

🔹 Author Jack Newfield was a close friend and confidant of Robert F. Kennedy, traveling with him extensively during his 1968 presidential campaign and witnessing his assassination at the Ambassador Hotel. 🔹 The memoir was published in 2003, 35 years after RFK's death, allowing Newfield time to process and reflect on events that had deeply affected him personally and professionally. 🔹 Newfield's account reveals that RFK kept a quote from Albert Camus on his desk: "I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice." 🔹 The book details how RFK's transformation from hard-line anti-communist to progressive champion was influenced by his witnessing poverty in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the Mississippi Delta, and Appalachia. 🔹 During the writing process, Newfield discovered previously unknown details about the last 24 hours of RFK's life through interviews with campaign staff who had never before shared their stories.