What do you think?
Rate this book
Men Like Us: A Novel
If all happy families are alike, the Kennedys of Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, are the exception.
Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. governs his silver-spoon sons and daughters, all nine of them, with the same firm hand that earned him a fortune, an ambassadorship, and enough clout to plant the seeds of an American political dynasty. But heavy hangs the head that bears the weight of the patriarch's expectations, and after his anointed eldest son dies in a catastrophic wartime mission, the burden falls to Jack, next in line, to become the first Kennedy in Congress. The charming upstart rises through the Democratic Party ranks as planned, but when Jack's increasingly debilitating and ill-concealed chronic pain threatens his Senate seat and his life, Bobby—the third-born son, the campaign manager, the right-hand man hidden in the wings while the golden boy dazzles the crowd—is forced to help shoulder the weight. With their sights set on higher office, Bobby takes the role of the ruthless operative behind the scenes—a necessary figure in every White House hopeful's journey. But can Bobby secure his brother's success, and if so, at what personal cost?
Throughout the chaos of campaign after campaign, Bobby forges an unexpected kinship with Jacqueline Bouvier, queen of the Rhode Island debutante scene and the only woman who has, it seems, managed to tame Jack. When the cameras are on, Mrs. John F. Kennedy has no choice but to smile and wave; in private, she leans on Bobby for understanding—everyone always leans on Bobby. Their friendship is a bulwark, but when Jack's ongoing infidelity tests the boundaries of their loyalty, Bobby and Jackie must each decide for themselves what it really means to be family.
Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. governs his silver-spoon sons and daughters, all nine of them, with the same firm hand that earned him a fortune, an ambassadorship, and enough clout to plant the seeds of an American political dynasty. But heavy hangs the head that bears the weight of the patriarch's expectations, and after his anointed eldest son dies in a catastrophic wartime mission, the burden falls to Jack, next in line, to become the first Kennedy in Congress. The charming upstart rises through the Democratic Party ranks as planned, but when Jack's increasingly debilitating and ill-concealed chronic pain threatens his Senate seat and his life, Bobby—the third-born son, the campaign manager, the right-hand man hidden in the wings while the golden boy dazzles the crowd—is forced to help shoulder the weight. With their sights set on higher office, Bobby takes the role of the ruthless operative behind the scenes—a necessary figure in every White House hopeful's journey. But can Bobby secure his brother's success, and if so, at what personal cost?
Throughout the chaos of campaign after campaign, Bobby forges an unexpected kinship with Jacqueline Bouvier, queen of the Rhode Island debutante scene and the only woman who has, it seems, managed to tame Jack. When the cameras are on, Mrs. John F. Kennedy has no choice but to smile and wave; in private, she leans on Bobby for understanding—everyone always leans on Bobby. Their friendship is a bulwark, but when Jack's ongoing infidelity tests the boundaries of their loyalty, Bobby and Jackie must each decide for themselves what it really means to be family.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published July 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When you're a Kennedy you're not allowed to lose
In a family of nine childre each had their assigned role. Joe Jr, the eldest, had long been groomed to pursue political office, picking up where his father Joe Sr aka The Ambassador left off. But World War II happened and Joe Jr was killed in action, necessitating a recalibration. Jack, good looking but with major health challenges, was told he was to step into his late brother's shoes. That shift had ripple effects upon the other Kennedy children still alive, especially child #7, Robert, Like it or not (mostly not) Robert was to become Jack's right hand man....campaign manager, confidante, and anything else he could do to ensure that Jack won every office he pursued. Whatever Bobby did, or didn't, do had to be filtered through the "how might this impact Jack's career". His own ambitions would be sacrificed for the perceived family good, his responsibilities mounting amid the clashing family dynamics and the pursuit of power.
Men Like Us is a work of fiction which is nonetheless based on author Carson Markland's research into Kennedy family history, including the use of oral histories at the JFK library. Having grown up in Massachusetts (Kennedy country) I thought that I knew just about everything there was to know about the storied family, but it turns out there was a lot going on behind those famous smiles of which I was not aware. The narrative is told mostly through the eyes of Robert Kennedy, a man who never wanted nor planned to enter into politics, a sphere which did not come as naturally to him as it did to others in the clan. The iron-fisted control that patriarch Joseph Kennedy Sr had over all of his children, their lives and choices, comes through clearly in this tale, right down to the why's and when's of young Ted Kennedy's engagement to Joan as well as the resentment felt by Eunice, who wanted the role in the campaign bestowed upon the reluctant Bobby but was overlooked due to her gender (which would color her relationship with her brothers for years). I thought that the complexities of the various personalities and the nuances of the relationships between the siblings in a family environment awash with high-stakes competition were well crafted, and the overall story was compulsively readable. While there are scandals and tragedies aplenty (it is, after all, about the Kennedy's). there is also optimism woven into the fabric of the tale, which takes place from the eve of JFK's first Senate campaign through his 1960 presidential campaign. Those who enjoy books on the Kennedy family as well as those who like historical fiction that is character-focused and/or based on famous people will not want to miss this novel, nor should readers of Sally Rooney, Allison Pataki and Stephanie Marie Thornton. Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for allowing me access to this engrossing debut novel in exchange for my honest review.
In a family of nine childre each had their assigned role. Joe Jr, the eldest, had long been groomed to pursue political office, picking up where his father Joe Sr aka The Ambassador left off. But World War II happened and Joe Jr was killed in action, necessitating a recalibration. Jack, good looking but with major health challenges, was told he was to step into his late brother's shoes. That shift had ripple effects upon the other Kennedy children still alive, especially child #7, Robert, Like it or not (mostly not) Robert was to become Jack's right hand man....campaign manager, confidante, and anything else he could do to ensure that Jack won every office he pursued. Whatever Bobby did, or didn't, do had to be filtered through the "how might this impact Jack's career". His own ambitions would be sacrificed for the perceived family good, his responsibilities mounting amid the clashing family dynamics and the pursuit of power.
Men Like Us is a work of fiction which is nonetheless based on author Carson Markland's research into Kennedy family history, including the use of oral histories at the JFK library. Having grown up in Massachusetts (Kennedy country) I thought that I knew just about everything there was to know about the storied family, but it turns out there was a lot going on behind those famous smiles of which I was not aware. The narrative is told mostly through the eyes of Robert Kennedy, a man who never wanted nor planned to enter into politics, a sphere which did not come as naturally to him as it did to others in the clan. The iron-fisted control that patriarch Joseph Kennedy Sr had over all of his children, their lives and choices, comes through clearly in this tale, right down to the why's and when's of young Ted Kennedy's engagement to Joan as well as the resentment felt by Eunice, who wanted the role in the campaign bestowed upon the reluctant Bobby but was overlooked due to her gender (which would color her relationship with her brothers for years). I thought that the complexities of the various personalities and the nuances of the relationships between the siblings in a family environment awash with high-stakes competition were well crafted, and the overall story was compulsively readable. While there are scandals and tragedies aplenty (it is, after all, about the Kennedy's). there is also optimism woven into the fabric of the tale, which takes place from the eve of JFK's first Senate campaign through his 1960 presidential campaign. Those who enjoy books on the Kennedy family as well as those who like historical fiction that is character-focused and/or based on famous people will not want to miss this novel, nor should readers of Sally Rooney, Allison Pataki and Stephanie Marie Thornton. Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for allowing me access to this engrossing debut novel in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Even when it comes to tragedy, his family beats everyone. Whatever the metric, Kennedys don’t lose. from Men Like Us by Carson Markland
When I read historical fiction about a subject I know quite well, there is a chance I will catch something so wrong I can’t go on. Men Like Us passed the test. I have read multiple books about the Kennedys, especially, Robert and John. I found this fictionalization of their relationship during John’s rise to the presidency to be a real page turner.
Markland vividly captures the Kennedy clan. Joe Sr. with his machinations and imperious control, using his sons like pawns on a chess board to gain power. John’s struggle with health and pain, Bobby’s ambiguous feelings about a career in politics. The women shine in the book as well. I especially loved the Kennedy sisters.
Bobby’s work with Joe McCarthy brings insight into how some things in politics don’t change. “People, McCarthy knew, wanted something to be afraid of. They wanted their fears named and given form as simply as possible.” Joe Sr. encouraged Bobby to work with McCarthy, noting “Power is where power goes, and right now McCarthy has a full deck to play.”
But this is Washington, land of sudden reversals of fortune and violent political tides. from Men Like Us by Carson Markland
Joe Sr.’s lust for power, rooted in anger at how the immigrant Irish were treated, engulfs his family. They have little agency.
Bobby is wonderfully drawn. He “feels like he is drowning in the past,” the loss of siblings, and who the siblings once were. But he also embraces what good life has brought.
The book ends with JFK winning the nomination. We know what comes next.
Thanks to Algonquin Books for a free book through NetGalley.
When I read historical fiction about a subject I know quite well, there is a chance I will catch something so wrong I can’t go on. Men Like Us passed the test. I have read multiple books about the Kennedys, especially, Robert and John. I found this fictionalization of their relationship during John’s rise to the presidency to be a real page turner.
Markland vividly captures the Kennedy clan. Joe Sr. with his machinations and imperious control, using his sons like pawns on a chess board to gain power. John’s struggle with health and pain, Bobby’s ambiguous feelings about a career in politics. The women shine in the book as well. I especially loved the Kennedy sisters.
Bobby’s work with Joe McCarthy brings insight into how some things in politics don’t change. “People, McCarthy knew, wanted something to be afraid of. They wanted their fears named and given form as simply as possible.” Joe Sr. encouraged Bobby to work with McCarthy, noting “Power is where power goes, and right now McCarthy has a full deck to play.”
But this is Washington, land of sudden reversals of fortune and violent political tides. from Men Like Us by Carson Markland
Joe Sr.’s lust for power, rooted in anger at how the immigrant Irish were treated, engulfs his family. They have little agency.
Bobby is wonderfully drawn. He “feels like he is drowning in the past,” the loss of siblings, and who the siblings once were. But he also embraces what good life has brought.
The book ends with JFK winning the nomination. We know what comes next.
Thanks to Algonquin Books for a free book through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Carson Markland’s Men Like Us shows us a complex Bobby Kennedy, not only the political bruiser and future presidential candidate, but also the younger brother fighting for his own ambition and coming to serve his brother’s destiny. Surrounding the brothers like pavé diamonds around a central stone, Kennedy family members, spouses, political advisors and enemies provide sparkle without pulling focus from Bobby and his story arc. Markland chooses not to foreshadow JFK and RFK’s future; it is unnecessary as the dread of their assassinations is ably provided by the reader. Family dynamics drive Bobby’s story here, buoying and impeding him through the McCarthy hearings, taking on Jimmy Hoffa and being at Jackie’s side through a late-stage miscarriage when Jack was away with a mistress. Sophisticated dexterity with the era’s outsized history allows Markland’s narrative and Bobby’s complexity to weave a compelling personal story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Historical fiction is my favorite genre and this one lives up to all of my expectations. It is historically accurate so I feel that I am learning something while I am reading and it also weaves a compelling story about family, power and influence surrounding one of America's most significant families- the Kennedy's. I was most taken with the ever changing expectations placed on Bobby as the story unfolds. Being the seventh of nine children he was not supposed to matter but as life happens and tragedy befalls his family he was thrust into the spotlight. I find it fascinating that he wasn't really given a choice in steering his own ship and was expected to tow the family line. This story highlights the struggle between making your own way in the world versus living up to the expectations placed on you by others- in this case a very power hungry and domineering father. It highlights the fact that the ties that bind can often be very tight.
July 25, 2026
Grips you right from the start and keeps you engaged. A study in family dynamics and a very fun read for students of history who’d like to learn a little more about the Kennedys prior to Camelot. The dialogues among various characters throughout the book highlight quite vividly the tensions for Bobby of competing for acceptance from a demanding father and family, and finding his own way as a young man in the 1950s while traveling in the limelight and wake of John. Bobby emerges as a real force to be reckoned with but is also shown as a Kennedy with a much softer touch than many of the others. A lively and engaging new take on a storied family!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The synopsis of the book was what enticed me to request to read it. I have always been fascinated with the relationship between Robert Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. However, their bond was barely touched on. The book mainly focused on Robert Kennedy and his relationships with his family, his struggles with his career choices/options and the pressures of being a Kennedy. It was a good book but I felt it just wasn't exactly what it was stated to be. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Men Like Us by Carson Markland is a well researched fictionalized story about the Kennedy family with the main focus on the relationship between John and Bobby. The prose is very readable and readers certainly can visualize that Ms. Markland is presenting situations that actually happened. Those who have studied the Kennedy family will recognize the control the patriarch had over his children and the choices he made for them, choices that often were for his own advancement rather than theirs. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Highly recommend.
August 1, 2026
This book was great from the start. Really enjoyed the POV along with the family aspect of the novel. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews