The First Kennedys

The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

By: Neal Thompson

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

“Here is that rare thing: an untold chapter in the Kennedy saga. . .Compelling and illuminating.”—Jon Meacham

Based on genealogical breakthroughs and previously unreleased records, this is the first book to explore the inspiring story of the poor Irish refugee couple who escaped famine; created a life together in a city hostile to Irish, immigrants, and Catholics; and launched the Kennedy dynasty in America.

Their Irish ancestry was a hallmark of the Kennedys’ initial political profile, as JFK leveraged his working-class roots to connect with blue-collar voters. Today, we remember this iconic American family as the vanguard of wealth, power, and style rather than as the descendants of poor immigrants. Here at last, we meet the first American Kennedys, Patrick and Bridget, who arrived as many thousands of others did following the Great Famine—penniless and hungry. Less than a decade after their marriage in Boston, Patrick’s sudden death left Bridget to raise their children single-handedly. Her rise from housemaid to shop owner in the face of rampant poverty and discrimination kept her family intact, allowing her only son P.J. to become a successful saloon owner and businessman. P.J. went on to become the first American Kennedy elected to public office—the first of many.

Written by the grandson of an Irish immigrant couple and based on first-ever access to P.J. Kennedy’s private papers, The First Kennedys is a story of sacrifice and survival, resistance and reinvention: an American story.

©2022 Neal Thompson (P)2022 by HarperCollins Publishers

A fascinating slice of history

I'm rather ambivalent about the Kennedys in general but I really appreciated the research into this time period. So sad but enlightening.

Fascinating and inspiring

The story of Bridget and her husband Patrick, the great grandparents of JFK is truly inspiring and shows how in spite of all odds we can reap the blessings of the labors of those who come before us.

Humble Beginnings of an American Dynasty

I was somewhat familiar with the first Kennedys background from a biography on John Jr. The plight of the Irish I learned from a History Channel documentary (when History used to do history). It is true that the more things change, the more they stay the same. When the Irish immigrants arrived in the US, they faced much of the same challenges as the immigrants of today. Bridget was fortunate not to fall prey to a number of situations and maladies that plagued the poor. With hard work and sacrifice, she forged a life for her and her children after the death of her husband at a young age. She didn’t know that she had begun an American dynasty. This book is an interesting account of the humble beginnings of an American version of royalty. Yet another wonderful history book that isn’t taught in many schools.

DVW

The book was just about the right pace and enough detail. It was an excellent source on the early Kennedy family. He must read for anybody that’s interested in the Kennedys.

Another JFK-Junkie Satisfied!

Just when I started thinking there wasn't anything more to add, this epically interesting addition joins the crowded dance floor! I loved it from start to finish.
"Nuff' Said!!😁⏳👏"

New information regarding immigrant roots

I did not know much about the history of the early Kennedy’s. I found it very interesting.

Wonderful book

Thank you Neal for another completely engaging book! I learned so much about the Kennedy family.

A great look at the history of irish.

This book captured the immigration of the Irish to the Boston community. The telling if it from one families perspective illustrated the characteristics, initiative and tribulations of the people. I learned much that I did not know and also reinforced much of my own traits that are imbedded in me through history. A great read.

Very interesting

The First Kennedys

Neal Thompson

Very interesting. The author tells the story of the truly humble beginnings of the Kennedy clan in Ireland, and their desperate move to Boston.

Regardless of how you feel about the Kennedy dynasty today, it is inspiring to see how in America a family can go from the lowest of the low to such success.

Mr. Thompson fills in details which may be missing about the early Kennedys with general facts about life as an Irish immigrant or a 19th century Bostonian…which the Kennedys would have shared. This may seem like filler at first, but the details turn out to be fascinating and very educational.