40 pages • 1 hour read
Robert F. KennedyThirteen Days
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1968A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Thirteen Days by Robert F. Kennedy is a detailed personal account of the Cuban missile crisis, depicting the tense period when the United States discovered Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. The narrative begins on October 16, 1962, and outlines the subsequent intense and secretive deliberations among U.S. officials. The author describes the critical decisions, strategies, and negotiations that ultimately led to the peaceful resolution of the crisis, highlighting key moments such as the decision to implement a blockade and diplomatic efforts with the Soviet Union.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Robert F. Kennedy's Thirteen Days provides a gripping insider's perspective on the Cuban Missile Crisis, praised for its vivid recounting and emotional candor. However, some critics note a lack of broader geopolitical analysis and perceive a bias towards the Kennedy administration. Despite this, the memoir is valued for its historical significance and personal insight.
Who Should Read Thirteen Days?
Readers with an interest in Cold War history, political decision-making, and crisis management will greatly enjoy Thirteen Days by Robert F. Kennedy. It's a perfect match for those who appreciated the detailed political analysis in Graham Allison’s Essence of Decision and the personal insights found in Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.'s Robert Kennedy and His Times.