Lee: A Portrait of Lee Harvey Oswald by His Brother

by Robert Edward Lee Oswald Jr., Myrick Land (Collaborator), Barbara Land (Collaborator)

In the process of writing a term paper on Don Delillo's Libra, I came across this work in my University's Library. With a modest, green cover, that served only to blend it into the dozens of other books on the shelf that hadn't been touched in years, I didn't quite know what to expect. Upon opening it, I was stunned as I was drawn into the private life of someone who was intimately connected to one of the most infamous men in American history. By virtue of his relationship, Robert Oswald is unable to be impartial about the affair, though I found it gripping that he did recognize his own flaws and dwell upon them. The work reminded me that Lee Oswald was a real person, that he had a private life, and that there were people who cared about him. It is a great tragedy that the work has not seen later editions and now remains only an obscure work that price-gougers demand exorbitant fees for as Robert Oswald gives tremendous insight. Anyone with an interest in Lee Oswald ought to read this book if possible. It is written clearly and succinctly being both biographical and analytical. It analyzes how an ordinary man dealt with extraordinary circumstances and how that man was thrust into unwanted fame through the actions of a younger brother. I recommend it highly. Look for it at a University or large public library. It's a worthwhile read.

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

Reviews

[Mmmjay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Oswald has the distinction of being the brother of Lee Harvey Oswald, the assassin of JFK if you believe the Warren Commission. Robert Oswald has insight into the personality of his brother and his conclusions as to LHO being the assassin cannot be dismissed out-of-hand. The Oswald family lived hard times in Texas and New Orleans (as well as NYC). Poverty was ever present. The family had hardships no matter where they moved. I recommend the book for JFK researchers for the biographical insights of the family that Robert Oswald provides. He concludes that Lee acted alone in assassinating JFK. Based on the weight of evidence I have studied over the years, I respectfully disagree.