Before Chappaquiddick: The Untold Story of Mary Jo Kopechne

Mary Jo Kopechne was a twenty-eight-year-old secretary who worked on the senatorial staff of Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 presidential campaign. She was killed on July 18, 1969, when a car driven by Senator Edward M. Kennedy plunged off a bridge into a tidal basin on Chappaquiddick Island. This biography explores her life and death, focusing on her commitment to the Kennedy brothers and their noble vision for a better nation.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 15 September 2020
\n Publisher: Potomac Books Inc
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Before Chappaquiddick is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and tragic demise of Mary Jo Kopechne, a twenty-eight-year-old secretary who had the privilege of working on the senatorial staff of Robert F. Kennedy and his 1968 presidential campaign. Tragically, her life came to an end on July 18, 1969, when a car driven by Senator Edward M. Kennedy plunged off a bridge into a tidal basin on Chappaquiddick Island, off the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. This biography, based on extensive interviews with family, friends, and colleagues who had the honor of working alongside her on RFK's senatorial staff from 1965 to 1968, as well as recently released FBI documents, offers a profound exploration of the life and untimely death of a dedicated Kennedy staffer during a transformative period in modern American history.

Kopechne, a member of the silent generation born in the 1950s, found herself caught between the contrasting worlds of the 1950s and the politically charged 1960s. She was part of a select group of women who ventured into the male-dominated realm of Capitol Hill and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the Kennedy brothers and their noble vision for a better, more compassionate nation. Kopechne not only actively participated in this vision but also became an embodiment of its finest ideals. She displayed a deep compassion for the underprivileged, tempered by a realistic understanding of political realities, and a steadfast commitment to pursuing just causes.

The story of Chappaquiddick is particularly compelling as it brought Kopechne into the national spotlight. The narrative closely follows Senator Edward Kennedy's account of the accident, but it also highlights the inconsistencies and unanswered questions that have persisted for fifty years. The book delves into the details of that fateful night, examining the events leading up to the accident, the response from Kennedy's team, and the subsequent investigations that were conducted. It sheds light on the complex web of relationships and allegiances that existed within the Kennedy family and political circles, raising questions about the truth, accountability, and the legacy of Kopechne's tragic death.

Through the lens of Before Chappaquiddick, readers gain a deeper understanding of the personal and professional life of Mary Jo Kopechne. The biography sheds light on her upbringing.

her upbringing, her aspirations, and her unwavering dedication to the Kennedy cause. It explores her role in the 1968 presidential campaign, her close relationship with the Kennedy brothers, and her role in shaping their political agenda. Kopechne's story is a testament to the power of young women to make a significant impact on the world and the sacrifices they are willing to make in pursuit of their ideals.

In conclusion, Before Chappaquiddick is a meticulously researched and compelling biography that offers a profound exploration of the life and untimely death of Mary Jo Kopechne. Through extensive interviews, newly released documents, and a thoughtful analysis of the events surrounding her death, the book sheds light on the complex web of relationships, politics, and societal changes that shaped the 1960s. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals who dedicate themselves to causes they believe in and the enduring legacy of their contributions to American history.

\n Weight: 526g\n
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 27 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781640122697\n \n