The Kennedy story continues
Eunice is a fascinating new bio. ★★★g review,
It is hard to believe that we don’t know all there is to know about the Kennedys. Yet we are once again in a moment when pop culture taps into America’s endless fascination with the political dynasty.
A CNN series is now airing about the famous family, and a new feature film, Chappaquiddick, chronicling the events surrounding the car accident that led to the death of Mary Jo Kopechne and derailed Ted Kennedy’s presidential ambitions is in theaters.
Still, those projects tend to focus on the men. Which is why Eunice: The Kennedy Who Changed the World (Simon & Schuster, 416. pp., ★★★g) is, in many ways, a revelation.
Many likely recognize Eunice Kennedy Shriver as the founder of and force behind the Special Olympics. But in this new biography, author and Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Eileen McNamara reveals with meticulous detail and matter-of-fact prose Shriver’s relentless drive, nervous energy and lifelong efforts to affirm the dignity and abilities of those with special needs.
McNamara relies on letters, family records and the observations of Shriver’s acquaintances and family to sketch a nuanced portrait of a woman who was brusque yet charismatic, demanding and at times imperious, but also down-to-earth.
We learn that Shriver, the middle child among the Kennedy siblings, was perhaps the most like John F. Kennedy, the brother she adored and with whom she had the strongest bond.
While it is well-known that Robert Kennedy was a close confidante of his older brother, Shriver was also an informal adviser to the president, frequently popping by the White House to share her opinions and priorities.
Eunice does not make a clear declaration that Shriver’s activism was solely driven by feelings of concern and guilt about Rosemary, the Kennedy sister who was developmentally delayed and then permanently crippled after her father made the decision to have her undergo a prefrontal lobotomy in 1941.
But we learn that Eunice is the one who would play with Rosemary. And she would honor Rosemary’s life by ensuring that others with similar capabilities were nurtured, respected and included.
Eunice also highlights Shriver’s other passions. While fighting for better treatment of those with special needs was her primary focus, Shriver was no less a champion for women and young people who had been incarcerated, advocating that they be seen, mentored and given second chances.
In the midst of it all, she raised five children. She died on Aug. 11, 2009, at age 88.
Eunice offers glimpses of iconic events, such as how Shriver knelt dryeyed to pray when she learned JFK had been assassinated. But those much chronicled points are not dwelt upon. Because this is Eunice’s story. It’s about time.