“Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed” by Maureen Callahan provides a multi-generational view of the evils and scandals that dwell in the famous Kennedy family. Callahan does not cover any positives about the Kennedys, so be prepared to read about dozens of scandals and horrible treatment of women. (Many descriptions are graphic, so beware if those types of situations aren’t what you want to read.)
I am a history lover, so I was anxious to read this book, despite knowing that it sets out to show only the negative sides of the Kennedy men. Their wealth, power and media popularity hid so many terrible flaws and behaviors. The women weren’t perfect either, and often enabled the bad treatment – or kept it secret. The media was complicit as well, deciding not to report on well-known situations that would make the Kennedys angry. The stories in the book grabbed me, kept my interest and kept me reading more.
I’m not sure about the total accuracy of “The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed” – some conversions are definitely fictionalized . . . but it was a riveting read and I tend to believe most aspects of the stories. This selection is not a “cheery” read, but provides an in-depth look at the powerful Kennedy dynasty.
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