Thanks to NetGalley, Mariner Books and the author Neal Thompson, for the opportunity to read this very well researched narrative about the first Kennedys. The book had great detail, perhaps more than I was expecting to read, but comprehensive.

I probably would give it 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 for the historical value and the research done.I especially enjoyed reading about Joe Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald as children, and their fathers' long association with each other.

A very in depth picture of a particular Irish American family in Boston and how similar their origins were to others at that time.

An incredibly well-researched read about the beginnings of the Kennedy family, starting with Patrick and Bridget. I learned so much about their struggles, successes and challenges coming to America from Ireland. At times, this read much like a history book, but I enjoyed reading about the roots of the Kennedy family from the very beginning - all of which is in very great detail.

Bravo to Neal Thompson’s incredibly detailed and onerous research that went into the writing of this book. The background of Patrick and Bridget Kennedy’s first steps onto American soil, from ravaged Ireland, details, not only their struggle in the new land, but the struggle of the Irish, in general. The book goes into much detail and although I was familiar with immigrants struggle, upon their embarking on American soil, I was further enlightened. The ascension of the Kennedy clan, in a word, is remarkable. I enjoyed reading about their struggles and successes. I found the book, at times, read almost like a history book and I had to skim parts of it, as it became too laborious. But having said that, I still will give it 4 stars for the enormity of work and fact finding expertise that went into this well written and interesting book. Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.