The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty by Neal Thompson

Categories	Leaders & Notable People
Author	Neal Thompson
Publisher	Mariner Books (February 22, 2022)
Language	English
Paperback	352 pages
Item Weight	1.11 pounds
Dimensions	6.25 x 1 x 9.25 inches

I. Book introduction

“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.

Editorial Reviews

“Here is that rare thing: an untold chapter in the Kennedy saga. Neal Thompson has given us a compelling and illuminating book about one of the most important families in our history — a family that represents so much about America then. And now.” –Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize winner and #1 New York Times best-selling author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power

“Here is the chaos, claustrophobia, tragedy, and triumph of immigrant America told through one city and one iconic family. Just when you thought you knew everything there was to know about the Kennedys, along comes Neal Thompson with this brilliant re-creation of the Irish diaspora succeeding in a city that for many years would not allow them to be part of the American story. It’s great storytelling.” –Timothy Egan, Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times best-selling author of The Immortal Irishman

“To understand the unforgettable stories of Jack and Bobby, Eunice, Ted, and the rest of their celebrated generation of Kennedys, we have to understand the stories of their extraordinary great-grandparents and grandparents. Now, thanks to Neal Thompson, we can. Read all about it in The First Kennedys.” –Larry Tye, author of Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon

“A fresh, engrossing, and profoundly relatable look at a family that everyone thinks they know. Crafting a saga elevated by dogged research and transporting prose, Neal Thompson casts the humble beginnings of an American dynasty into surprising and penetrating light. Unforgettable.” –Denise Kiernan, New York Times best-selling author of The Last Castle and The Girls of Atomic City

“Bridget Kennedy, JFK’s grandmother, achieved the American dream, but her story has been buried in patriarchal lore. No more. In this fascinating book, Neal Thompson gives Bridget her due — and in the process, makes us reconsider JFK’s origin story.” –Alexis Coe, historian and New York Times best-selling author of You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington

“Neal Thompson’s The First Kennedys is both a profound portrait of the immigrant experience and an intimate look at the origins of an American dynasty. Deeply researched, intricately layered, and written in sparkling prose, this is narrative history at its finest.” –Karen Abbott, New York Times best-selling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park and Sin in the Second City

“I thought everything had been written about the Kennedy family, but Neal Thompson has proven me wrong. He has entered into the early years of the Kennedys and brought forth a stunning, intimate tale of the American family that fascinates us beyond all others.” –Laurence Leamer, New York Times best-selling author of The Kennedy Women and The Kennedy Men

“An engrossing, real-life rags-to-riches tale.” –Publishers Weekly

“Splendidly heterodox … Thompson brilliantly illuminates the strain of Mariolatry in the Kennedys that Bridget embodied.” –Airmail

“Compelling … a chronicle ranks with the richly evocative work of Doris Kearns Goodwin and Thomas H. O’Connor.” –Boston Globe

“Thompson’s impressive research and engaging exposition create a unique addition to the Kennedy canon. This is not just the story of the Kennedys; Thompson paints a picture of life for many Irish immigrants. History buffs should pick up this book immediately.” –Booklist

“Drawing on archival material, contemporary publications, and family papers where sources about the Kennedys’ early years are scant, Thompson provides solid historical context about the plight of Irish immigrants, roiling national politics, and changing demographics … A lively biography of an iconic family before it became famous.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Winsomely written … both an absorbing family story and a saga of the Irish diaspora in Boston.” –Library Journal

Amazon.com Review

An Amazon Best Book of February 2022: America’s fascination with the Kennedy family has been undimmed for over six decades now. The store of cold, hard facts about their lives and deaths have long ago been exhausted and have given way to reams of speculation. And then, just when it seems there are no fresh angles on Camelot, along comes Neal Thompson’s The First Kennedys. The first American Kennedys, that is: Patrick and Bridget Kennedy, driven—as over a million and a half Irish people were—by the Famine to seek refuge in a country that didn’t exactly put out the welcome mat. In penetrating prose studded with information and insight, Thompson vividly describes how, as a young widow, Bridget Kennedy went from maid to businesswoman, outmaneuvering relentless discrimination to steer her family out of the jaws of poverty. Through her story, Thompson shows us the seeds of one of the great American stories. —Vannessa Cronin, Amazon Editor

About Neal Thompson

Neal Thompson is a journalist and the author of six highly acclaimed books, including A Curious Man, Driving with the Devil, and Kickflip Boys. His latest, The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty, publishes 2/22/22.

A former newspaper reporter, Neal has written for the New York Times, the Washington Post, Esquire, Outside, Men’s Health, Vanity Fair, the Wall Street Journal, Backpacker, Sports Illustrated and more. Neal has appeared on NPR, PBS, The Daily Show, CNN, C-Span, Fox, TNT, The History Channel, and ESPN. Neal has taught creative non-fiction at the University of North Carolina’s Great Smokies Writing Program, and Hugo House, and served on the board of Seattle Arts & Lectures. Neal is a runner, reader, skier, stand-up paddleboarder, swimmer, yogi, and a naturalized Irish citizen.

Originally from New Jersey, he now lives in Seattle with his family.

www.NealThompson.com

Neal also publishes the Blood & Whiskey newsletter: crime fiction reviews, cocktails, and playlists.

bloodandwhiskey.substack.com

II. [Reviews] The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty by Neal Thompson

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1. MARIANNE Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

The Best Kennedy

PJ Kennedy was the quintessential Irishman. Son of immigrants, he became a successful yet kind businessman who cares for his community of Boston immigrants from Ireland. Unlike his mercurial and arrogant son, Joseph P Kennedy he cared for the oppressed and unfortunate members of his constituency.

Joe Kennedy couldn’t even attend his father’s funeral. He was too busy making movies and screwing starlets.

A sad testimony to PJ and his ancestors- ain’t karma a bitch Joe ! So sad !

2. PAT KUEHNE Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

Famine Irish History in Boston

I bought this book because the author piqued my interest about the Irish arriving in Boston at famine time, not so much to learn about the Kennedy’s, though I was able to learn about both. What an amazing woman Bridget Murphy appeared to be, like so many other Irish women arriving at that time. Growing up in the Boston area, the Irish and the Kenendy’s have always been a force, but seeing how they were initially treated was shameful. Like the author, my roots are deep in Ireland and this book gave me a much deeper view of that period.

3. PONO Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

It was Bridgit who started it all

This is a really well written book that establishes who really got the Kennedy clan started on their path.

Bridgit, JFK’s great-grandmother, did the heavy lifting to get the family a foothold in America.

I don’t think her story has ever been told before this.

It’s a fantastic immigrant story that describes the hardships (starting with the ocean crossing from Ireland) that were endured by the masses migrating to the U.S. to escape famine and oppression.

The author really describes well the economic hardships and prejudices that the newly arrived had to overcome.

Also a great history of the political factions of the time both locally in Boston, regionally, and nationally.

4. MARSHA Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

Bridget, the original Kennedy matriarch who escaped the Irish Potato Famine and came to Boston in her early 20s as a single woman had so many challenges in her life and she overcame them with grit and determination. Like most Irish women at the time, she first worked as a maid, but instead of staying in that role, she had the initiative to became a hairdresser and then a store owner. She was only married to Patrick Kennedy briefly before he died, leaving her with four surviving children to support. Even though her own life was difficult, she helped many of her fellow immigrants and raised loving and successful children. Her son, PJ was also very admirable in his dedication to his fellow Irish as well as the community in general. JFK took more after his grandfather and great-grandmother than his father Joe, who was a different can of worms.

While this book nominally deals with the first Kennedys, as the descendant of famine survivors myself, I loved all the detailed anecdotes that shed light on what life was like for the Irish during the Potato Famine and also once they got to the US.

An absolutely fascinating read.

5. MARY LOUISE Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

Could not put this book down. Read it in two sittings.

Mr. Thomas’ detailed and heat-breaking detailed descriptions of the Great Famine and what the Irish endured had tears coming to my eyes more than once. Then to read about the prejudice they had to cope with once they came to America not just because they were Irish but also because of their faith.

I enjoyed how the author took Bridget Murphy Kennedy through all the various aspects of her life in a chronological fashion then, after she died, took up the story of her son, Patrick Joseph Kennedy (who was JFK’s Paternal Grandfather). It was gratifying to see how he came up through the ranks by hard work, perseverance and taking care of others.

The book ends with a brief overview of JFK’s story and how he celebrated his Irish Roots.

Just a fantastic book. Highly recommend.

6. DENNIS HOGAN Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

Finished The First Kennedys:The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty by Neal Thompson, a work of non fiction that describes the origins of the Kennedy Dynasty beginning with the lives of Patrick Kennedy and Bridget Murphy, JK’s Great Grandparents from County Wexford to 1840’s Boston. Bridget Murphy was a force of nature losing a husband and several young children to the illnesses of the poor and yet succeeded in the new world. She was an entrepreneur, when it was not expected or allowed for women. My own 2x Great Grandparents arrived in the same period from County Cork. The author paints a vivid picture of life on the Island of East Boston and its waterfront. I learned that the Boston Brahmins would not allow the Irish “vermin” to be buried in Boston so that they had to go to distant Cambridge Cemetery, where my own Irish are buried. Also, I learned that Joseph Kennedy, JFK’s Father was not the first Kennedy to engage in the spirits business, it went back all the way to Bridget. A great book for history nuts. The book cover shows PJ Kennedy, his son Joe, and grandson JFK.

7. DEBRA PAWLAK Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

I received an advance reading copy (arc) of this book from NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. A lot has been written about the Kennedy family beginning with Joseph Kennedy and his famous sons, but little is known about the Irish immigrants, Bridget Murphy and Patrick Kennedy, who left Ireland in the 1800s to come to America. Author Neal Thompson did a fine job describing what their lives must have been like during their sea voyage and the dire circumstances they lived in once they arrived in Boston. The Irish Catholics were not wanted and ostracized by the citizens who lived there. Despite the difficulties, Bridget worked as a maid and Patrick worked wherever he could until he died of consumption. That left Bridget a widow with three daughters and one son, P.J. She was made of true grit, however, and kept her family together finding work as a domesticate, hairdresser, and finally opening her very own grocery story. Her son took some time to find his way, but once he opened his own bar, he became a well-known and well-liked man in the community. He rose to prominence not only financially, but also became a political success paving the way for his politically-inclined descendents. It was an eye-opening read to see how one family rose from nothing to the greatest of heights. P.J. was a respected businessman who was very much loved by his patrons and his supporters. He was known for his kindness and honesty–something that was not passed on to his son, Joseph. If you think you know everything about the Kennedy clan, you probably don’t know know much about Bridget and Patrick. It would be well worth your time to read this book and find out how it all began. You might be very surprised. Neal Thompson did a fine job researchng and writing their story.

8. SHANNON Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

A Stunning Achievement of Journalism and Genealogy

It is difficult to think of the Kennedy family outside of their privilege, steeped as they are in politics, Hyannis Port and public service, but Neal Thompson allows us new access to this first family with his latest book. THE FIRST KENNEDYS is a stunning achievement of journalism and genealogy as the author reaches back through the Kennedy dynasty to find the matriarch, a heroine who is fully formed with Irish determinism as an immigrant long before the well-heeled dynasty was born.

Brilliantly, Thompson makes a character of the beloved city of Boston in this work, a city filled now with Irish Americans, green pride, and boisterous tales from the Emerald Isle, but Thompson’s work reminds us of the Boston that was once a Puritan stronghold, cruel in its sentiment to immigrants, particularly the Irish. Framed against more recent, divisive debates about immigration and belonging, this book examines the humble beginnings of the family that is largely regarded as American royalty, and holds up a mirror to contemporary conversations.

Famously Joe Kennedy would state that “we’re American now” when asked of his Irish roots, but there is more to the story. Far more. Thompson has succeeded in pulling back one layer, bringing Bridget’s story to life with his confident and elegant writing style. Fans of the Kennedy mystique, genealogy, a chance at the “American Dream” or those fascinated with the “Kennedy Curse” will all find something to admire in this work.

Most importantly, this book reminds us that all our stories start with a strong woman.

9. KATHLEEN Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

So much of what we know about the Kennedy family comes from the era of Joe Kennedy, the tough talking businessman turned ambassador who pushed his sons onto the political stage and created a dynasty marred by tragedy. This is not that familiar story. The First Kennedys are Bridget and Patrick who come separately to America, meet in Boston and marry. Their youngest child and surviving son P.J. will be grandfather to JFK.

Neal Thompson relies on records to paint a vivid picture of the hard life Irish immigrants led in Boston. Prejudice, poverty and disease were common. The Kennedy’s first son died of cholera as a toddler and Patrick himself died of tuberculosis at 35, leaving Bridget to raise four young children. She did so by becoming a hairdresser then buying a store. Her ambition and drive became the dominant characteristics of her descendants.

The First Kennedys is well researched and written. Boston in the 1800s is the star of this family history. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mariner Books and Neal Thompson for this ARC.

10. DIANE CARTER Review The First Kennedys: The Humble Roots of an American Dynasty

I don’t write many reviews . I loved this book. It is the story of John F Kennedy’s – Great Great Grandparents Patrick and Bridgett Kennedy , the transition from poor immigrants to wealthy entrepreneurs. Bridgett Kennedy , widowed young due to Tuberculosis , rises from a maid to a landowner, property owner and store keeper. It is then the story of PJ Kennedy , the father of Joseph. I learned so much about early immigration, the hatred of the Irish and Catholics. The development of Catholic cemeteries and Catholic schools had more to do with the hatred encountered than a desire to be separate. This is an absolutely fascinating read about the early politics of the Kennedy’s, diseases of those days, history of Boston. I would listen to it again. It was a book included with my Audible membership this month.

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