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The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944: The Summer That Changed Everything
The Kennedys considered their home in Hyannis Port, Cape Cod, ‘The big white house’, to be a haven from their busy lives. Yet in the summer of 1944, against the backdrop of WWII, the events that unfolded for them there changed the family forever.
Beginning in the May of that year, The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 paints an intimate picture of those few months. As the younger Kennedy children and their parents settled into their summer home, it follows the family drama that unfolded. From the scandal of the eldest daughter, Kick, marrying William ‘Billy’ Cavendish, and the eldest son, Joe Jr’s, dangerous and secret bombing missions over Europe, to second son Jack’s quiet recovery from injury sustained in the line of duty, younger daughter Rosemary’s conspicuous absence and the youngest son, Ted’s, loneliness, it explores the innermost hopes, fears and anxieties of each Kennedy. Following these events as they played out over the summer of 1944, it culminates with the event that would change them forever: the tragic death of Joe Jr.
Offering a close account of the months leading up to this momentous moment, The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 is an unparalleled and never-before-revealed account of how the family experienced and responded to this tragedy, which was later described as a ‘turn in the road’ for their family. The summer of 1944 changed all their lives, and in propelling the second brother, Jack Kennedy, into the political limelight, changed the course of American political history.
Beginning in the May of that year, The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 paints an intimate picture of those few months. As the younger Kennedy children and their parents settled into their summer home, it follows the family drama that unfolded. From the scandal of the eldest daughter, Kick, marrying William ‘Billy’ Cavendish, and the eldest son, Joe Jr’s, dangerous and secret bombing missions over Europe, to second son Jack’s quiet recovery from injury sustained in the line of duty, younger daughter Rosemary’s conspicuous absence and the youngest son, Ted’s, loneliness, it explores the innermost hopes, fears and anxieties of each Kennedy. Following these events as they played out over the summer of 1944, it culminates with the event that would change them forever: the tragic death of Joe Jr.
Offering a close account of the months leading up to this momentous moment, The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 is an unparalleled and never-before-revealed account of how the family experienced and responded to this tragedy, which was later described as a ‘turn in the road’ for their family. The summer of 1944 changed all their lives, and in propelling the second brother, Jack Kennedy, into the political limelight, changed the course of American political history.
- GenresNonfiction
264 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 24, 2025
When most people hear the Kennedy name, they think of the days of Camelot, filled with honor, glamour, and hope, with JFK and Jackie at the helm. But if you dig a little deeper, you will unveil so much more! According to Leigh Straw, the author of The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944, it was that pivotal summer that started it all.
With World War II drumming in the background, one tragic event of this summer changed the Kennedys forever. Joe, Jr., age 29 and a naval aviator, died in England during a secret bombing mission. He volunteered for Operation Aphrodite, which involved B-24 Liberator bombers with radio control systems that carried explosives. Tragically, the mission was a failure, and Joe, Jr.’s plane exploded. This deeply affected his family, and especially his father, whose lifetime dream was to catapult his son into the While House as President of the United States.
This is a story of tragedy, drama, and survival. It includes private scandals brought to life, sibling competition to the extreme, and success beyond compare. It is an exploration of the hopes, fears, and desires of the whole Kennedy clan: parents, grandparents, and children. This is a must read for history fans, but also for anyone who has ever been caught up in Kennedy fever. Brilliantly written, it is a difficult book to put down!
With World War II drumming in the background, one tragic event of this summer changed the Kennedys forever. Joe, Jr., age 29 and a naval aviator, died in England during a secret bombing mission. He volunteered for Operation Aphrodite, which involved B-24 Liberator bombers with radio control systems that carried explosives. Tragically, the mission was a failure, and Joe, Jr.’s plane exploded. This deeply affected his family, and especially his father, whose lifetime dream was to catapult his son into the While House as President of the United States.
This is a story of tragedy, drama, and survival. It includes private scandals brought to life, sibling competition to the extreme, and success beyond compare. It is an exploration of the hopes, fears, and desires of the whole Kennedy clan: parents, grandparents, and children. This is a must read for history fans, but also for anyone who has ever been caught up in Kennedy fever. Brilliantly written, it is a difficult book to put down!
July 13, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Academic for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You know me. I am always down for another book on the Kennedy family. They were once thought of as American Royalty. The Kennedys at Cape Cod focuses on one year, 1944, and the events that unfurled throughout those four seasons. Normally, I don’t like books that are hyper-focused on a specific time frame. However, this being about the Kennedys, I wanted to read it. I wanted to see if there was anything I didn’t already know.
Hyannis Port was the family’s summer home. The year 1944 was among the more consequential times in the Kennedy family. The family had quite a few of those years. World War II was still raging on, and Jack was at home, still recovering from his ordeal in the Pacific. (Jack’s PT boat was destroyed during a nighttime monitoring of Japanese waters. He injured his back and spent some time on a deserted island before being rescued.)
Joe Kennedy, the family patriarch, always encouraged competition and coming out on top. He had arranged for a few articles to be written about Jack and his heroics in the Pacific theater. Joe Jr, Jack’s older brother, was a little jealous at the attention Jack got. As a pilot, Joe Jr was looking to make the news himself. The eldest of the Kennedy children completed his necessary hours in the air and was due a leave from the Navy. However, he stayed an extra month. This was because of a secret mission he was sure would make him a household name
Meanwhile, the oldest Kennedy female, Rosemary, had been shipped away to Wisconsin following a botched lobotomy. Patriarch Joe had ordered the procedure on his daughter, who was cognitively impaired, in the hopes of making her “better.” Instead, she was shipped off and her siblings had no idea what happened to her.
In other family news, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy had fallen in love with a titled Protestant Englishman, Billy Hartington. The two had moved in the same circles when the family was living in England. This occurred because Joe Kennedy Sr. was ambassador to Great Britain. Kick had returned to England during the war. She married Billy in a civil ceremony. Only her brother Joe represented the family. Billy and Kick had a few weeks together. Then, the future Duke of Devonshire was shipped off to fight the German army. So, Kick returned to Hyannis Port to spend time with her family until Billy returned from the front.
Joe Jr’s mission was not a success. Just a few minutes after takeoff, the plane exploded. His body was never found. The Kennedy family was devastated. Their son, their big brother, who had always said he wanted to be the first Catholic President, was gone. Then, news came from England that Kick’s husband had been killed in action. Kick was bereft. Nineteen forty-four was a terrible year for the Kennedy family.
While I didn’t find any earth-shaking new information, Leigh Straw’s work shows that a lot of research went into this book. Her writing style is crisp and clear, the narrative taking the reader on a trip through time. She personalizes her interest in the Kennedys by sharing a letter she got from Ted Kennedy. It sparked a lifelong interest in the family.
You know me. I am always down for another book on the Kennedy family. They were once thought of as American Royalty. The Kennedys at Cape Cod focuses on one year, 1944, and the events that unfurled throughout those four seasons. Normally, I don’t like books that are hyper-focused on a specific time frame. However, this being about the Kennedys, I wanted to read it. I wanted to see if there was anything I didn’t already know.
Hyannis Port was the family’s summer home. The year 1944 was among the more consequential times in the Kennedy family. The family had quite a few of those years. World War II was still raging on, and Jack was at home, still recovering from his ordeal in the Pacific. (Jack’s PT boat was destroyed during a nighttime monitoring of Japanese waters. He injured his back and spent some time on a deserted island before being rescued.)
Joe Kennedy, the family patriarch, always encouraged competition and coming out on top. He had arranged for a few articles to be written about Jack and his heroics in the Pacific theater. Joe Jr, Jack’s older brother, was a little jealous at the attention Jack got. As a pilot, Joe Jr was looking to make the news himself. The eldest of the Kennedy children completed his necessary hours in the air and was due a leave from the Navy. However, he stayed an extra month. This was because of a secret mission he was sure would make him a household name
Meanwhile, the oldest Kennedy female, Rosemary, had been shipped away to Wisconsin following a botched lobotomy. Patriarch Joe had ordered the procedure on his daughter, who was cognitively impaired, in the hopes of making her “better.” Instead, she was shipped off and her siblings had no idea what happened to her.
In other family news, Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy had fallen in love with a titled Protestant Englishman, Billy Hartington. The two had moved in the same circles when the family was living in England. This occurred because Joe Kennedy Sr. was ambassador to Great Britain. Kick had returned to England during the war. She married Billy in a civil ceremony. Only her brother Joe represented the family. Billy and Kick had a few weeks together. Then, the future Duke of Devonshire was shipped off to fight the German army. So, Kick returned to Hyannis Port to spend time with her family until Billy returned from the front.
Joe Jr’s mission was not a success. Just a few minutes after takeoff, the plane exploded. His body was never found. The Kennedy family was devastated. Their son, their big brother, who had always said he wanted to be the first Catholic President, was gone. Then, news came from England that Kick’s husband had been killed in action. Kick was bereft. Nineteen forty-four was a terrible year for the Kennedy family.
While I didn’t find any earth-shaking new information, Leigh Straw’s work shows that a lot of research went into this book. Her writing style is crisp and clear, the narrative taking the reader on a trip through time. She personalizes her interest in the Kennedys by sharing a letter she got from Ted Kennedy. It sparked a lifelong interest in the family.
August 7, 2025
With a semi-detailed knowledge of the Kennedy family, I was eager to see what The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944’s take would be regarding their political dynasty and the assumed curse that plagued not only the Kennedy siblings, but continued with their children, nieces/nephews, and grandchildren. While JFK’s reputation now may be a bit more more marred by his philandering escapades and the family’s presence and influence are weakening with every passing year, there are still many who are fascinated by their history and the trajectory of their political rise.
Straw presents a narrative that weaves together facts, continual anecdotes/quotes from the Kennedys and contemporaries close to them, and speculation about information never revealed in order to make a case that JFK’s presidency may not have, in fact, been the climax of the family’s life and legacy. Rather, it was the summer of 1944, for everything that followed was simply a product of or dedication to the impenetrable bond forged at 50 Marchant Avenue.
The book was well written, though not without its issues. From around the point at which Joe Jr., Jack, and Kick’s involvement in World War II was described, Straw consistently reiterated details that had already been mentioned, particularly with respect to the matriarch’s, Rose, attitude towards her faith. The focal point of the entire book (the role Hyannis Port played in maintaining the family’s connection), moreover, was described in great detail, but in a rather impersonal manner. Yes, Straw was able to convey the emotional depth of the family’s time there, but I didn’t feel as affected as I normally would when reading about those moments. Perhaps it was a purposeful stylistic choice to not give the reader a first-person perspective of their days on Cape Cod. It is more likely that such a choice would have required permission from the remaining members of the family, biographers, and even more extensive research. The biggest shortcoming of the work, however, is the choppiness of the time jumps and focus on each member’s story. The narrative frequently loses its flow. After relaying the context of and reaction to Kick’s passing, the book immediately jumps to JFK’s presidency, leaving over a decade of the family’s lives out of the story. For readers who are knowledgeable about their goings on, the jump may seem trivial. However, it is not for someone whose first deep dive into their dynasty is The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944. Therefore, I have an inkling this book was written more for people with a quasi investigative understanding of the family and not for the average reader.
Regardless of my opinions, The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944 should be read by anyone who is interested in gaining more insight into the family. It was a very quick read for me and held my attention with little difficulty.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Academic and NetGalley for the ARC!
Straw presents a narrative that weaves together facts, continual anecdotes/quotes from the Kennedys and contemporaries close to them, and speculation about information never revealed in order to make a case that JFK’s presidency may not have, in fact, been the climax of the family’s life and legacy. Rather, it was the summer of 1944, for everything that followed was simply a product of or dedication to the impenetrable bond forged at 50 Marchant Avenue.
The book was well written, though not without its issues. From around the point at which Joe Jr., Jack, and Kick’s involvement in World War II was described, Straw consistently reiterated details that had already been mentioned, particularly with respect to the matriarch’s, Rose, attitude towards her faith. The focal point of the entire book (the role Hyannis Port played in maintaining the family’s connection), moreover, was described in great detail, but in a rather impersonal manner. Yes, Straw was able to convey the emotional depth of the family’s time there, but I didn’t feel as affected as I normally would when reading about those moments. Perhaps it was a purposeful stylistic choice to not give the reader a first-person perspective of their days on Cape Cod. It is more likely that such a choice would have required permission from the remaining members of the family, biographers, and even more extensive research. The biggest shortcoming of the work, however, is the choppiness of the time jumps and focus on each member’s story. The narrative frequently loses its flow. After relaying the context of and reaction to Kick’s passing, the book immediately jumps to JFK’s presidency, leaving over a decade of the family’s lives out of the story. For readers who are knowledgeable about their goings on, the jump may seem trivial. However, it is not for someone whose first deep dive into their dynasty is The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944. Therefore, I have an inkling this book was written more for people with a quasi investigative understanding of the family and not for the average reader.
Regardless of my opinions, The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944 should be read by anyone who is interested in gaining more insight into the family. It was a very quick read for me and held my attention with little difficulty.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Academic and NetGalley for the ARC!
June 26, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944: The Summer That Changed Everything. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Bloomsbury Academic, for this opportunity.
Leigh Straw’s The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944: The Summer That Changed Everything offers a deeply researched and personal look at one of America’s most iconic families. What makes this book stand out is the unique connection the author shares with the story—an early letter she received from Ted Kennedy that sparked her lifelong interest in the family. This personal touch adds a quiet resonance to a book already rich in historical detail.
Straw presents a comprehensive history of the Kennedys, grounding their mythic legacy in the tangible setting of Cape Cod. Her research is meticulous, and she brings both the glamour and the tragedy of the family into focus with clarity and sensitivity. Knowing how the story ultimately ends—the assassinations, the scandals, the enduring fascination—casts a shadow over the narrative, adding emotional weight to moments that might otherwise seem mundane.
One of the most poignant sections of the book is its treatment of Joe Kennedy Jr.'s death, a moment that feels like the first crack in the Camelot image. It’s here that Straw subtly suggests the beginning of the family’s long and public string of tragedies.
This isn’t just a history of the Kennedys; it’s a meditation on legacy, ambition, and loss. I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in American political history, the Kennedy dynasty, or well-told nonfiction that blends personal reflection with scholarship.
Leigh Straw’s The Kennedys at Cape Cod, 1944: The Summer That Changed Everything offers a deeply researched and personal look at one of America’s most iconic families. What makes this book stand out is the unique connection the author shares with the story—an early letter she received from Ted Kennedy that sparked her lifelong interest in the family. This personal touch adds a quiet resonance to a book already rich in historical detail.
Straw presents a comprehensive history of the Kennedys, grounding their mythic legacy in the tangible setting of Cape Cod. Her research is meticulous, and she brings both the glamour and the tragedy of the family into focus with clarity and sensitivity. Knowing how the story ultimately ends—the assassinations, the scandals, the enduring fascination—casts a shadow over the narrative, adding emotional weight to moments that might otherwise seem mundane.
One of the most poignant sections of the book is its treatment of Joe Kennedy Jr.'s death, a moment that feels like the first crack in the Camelot image. It’s here that Straw subtly suggests the beginning of the family’s long and public string of tragedies.
This isn’t just a history of the Kennedys; it’s a meditation on legacy, ambition, and loss. I’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in American political history, the Kennedy dynasty, or well-told nonfiction that blends personal reflection with scholarship.
August 6, 2025
“Cape Cod wasn’t a home away from home — it was home.”
Few families in American history have captivated the public quite like the Kennedys. Their story is one of power, prestige, tragedy, and resilience — and at the heart of it all was their home in Hyannis Port.
Leigh Straw’s The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 transports readers to the defining year that shaped the future of the Kennedy children. With deep insight and rich historical detail, Straw traces the family’s early roots, the impact of personal loss, and the legacy that would follow.
What sets this book apart is its focus beyond the more familiar stories of JFK’s assassination. It offers a glimpse into the lives of all eleven Kennedy children, and asks the powerful “what if?” — what if Joe Jr. had lived?
✨ Well-researched
✨ Beautifully written
✨ Easy to follow
If you’re fascinated by the Kennedy legacy, this is a must-read. Add it to your list — you won’t regret it.
Few families in American history have captivated the public quite like the Kennedys. Their story is one of power, prestige, tragedy, and resilience — and at the heart of it all was their home in Hyannis Port.
Leigh Straw’s The Kennedys at Cape Cod 1944 transports readers to the defining year that shaped the future of the Kennedy children. With deep insight and rich historical detail, Straw traces the family’s early roots, the impact of personal loss, and the legacy that would follow.
What sets this book apart is its focus beyond the more familiar stories of JFK’s assassination. It offers a glimpse into the lives of all eleven Kennedy children, and asks the powerful “what if?” — what if Joe Jr. had lived?
✨ Well-researched
✨ Beautifully written
✨ Easy to follow
If you’re fascinated by the Kennedy legacy, this is a must-read. Add it to your list — you won’t regret it.
July 30, 2025
This was a fascinating look at the Kennedy family back in 1944 when several events happened that would change the course of the family and of American history. Most notable is the death of the oldest Kennedy brother, Joseph Jr, during WWII. The other unique part of this book is the focus on the family home in Hyannis Port and it how it has played a pivotal role over the years.
Leigh does a great job detailing the events of 1944 and then goes on to show how the family moved on from those events. The book is very well researched and I appreciated the focus on a lesser covered point in time of the history of this family. I also enjoyed the “What If” questions in the Epilogue. The book also left me wanting to go visit some of these places in Cape Cod that are now historical sites.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Academic and NetGalley for the ARC.
Leigh does a great job detailing the events of 1944 and then goes on to show how the family moved on from those events. The book is very well researched and I appreciated the focus on a lesser covered point in time of the history of this family. I also enjoyed the “What If” questions in the Epilogue. The book also left me wanting to go visit some of these places in Cape Cod that are now historical sites.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Academic and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 25, 2025
i adored this book i’ve had a long lasting love and interest in the kennedy family and this helped to give me insight into not only the kennedy’s lives but their summer in cape cod. Even though i know what has happened to the Kennedys and how many of them came to their tragic deaths, this book unearthed feelings and moments i had forgotten about because of how well it detailed not only the kennedy children’s lives but their parents as well. Which was both good and bad😫. This book explored in depth the lives of the kennedy family and the loss, grief and triumph of a very historical family
Thank you netgalley for this arc
Thank you netgalley for this arc
April 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Academic for the ARC.
A condensed version of the Kennedy family history. No real new revelations here but I enjoyed the author’s “what if’s” at the end.
Always such a tragic family story, especially the year of 1944.
A condensed version of the Kennedy family history. No real new revelations here but I enjoyed the author’s “what if’s” at the end.
Always such a tragic family story, especially the year of 1944.
November 6, 2025
This is a very good overview of a tumultuous time in the Kennedy family-a summer marked my distress over a daughter's marriage in England, the near loss of son Jack in the Pacific, and the tragedy of Joe Jr. and later daughter Kick's groom in battle. While the story of this personally tragic and ultimately history changing time is found in other volumes, these pages offer a well-researched and quick history for the history novice.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews