Books like Kick by Paula Byrne

Kathleen Kennedy, affectionately known as Kick, was the fourth child of Rose and Joe Kennedy and stood out for her vivacious personality, cleverness, and athleticism. When her father became U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain in 1938, she quickly became the family’s star in London. Despite her reluctance to fit into British high society, Kick’s unconventional attitude and humor won her widespread admiration among the aristocracy and the public. She later shocked her devout family by marrying William Cavendish, heir to the Duke of Devonshire, a member of an anti‑Catholic family; the marriage lasted only a few months before Cavendish was killed in combat in 1944. Four years later, at age 28, Kick died in an airplane crash. Author Paula Byrne chronicles her life, including her work for the Washington Times‑Herald, volunteer efforts with the Red Cross during World War II, her political interests, and her decision to renounce her faith for love.

First publish date: 2016