40 pages • 1-hour read
Thirteen Days
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Book Brief
192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
•
BiographyCuba • 1960s
•
US History•
Military & War1968
W. W. Norton & Company
Adult
14+ years
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.
Suspenseful
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
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.
The author of the memoir and Attorney General at the time, who is depicted as a key supporter of a blockade and a close advisor and confidant to his brother, President Kennedy.
Chairman of the Soviet Union, who is involved in the crisis through the installation of missiles in Cuba and communicates with President Kennedy to manage the tense situation.
The Soviet Ambassador to the United States, who meets with Robert Kennedy multiple times during the crisis and initially denies the presence of missiles in Cuba.
The Soviet Foreign Minister, who meets with President Kennedy and assures him that the Soviets would not place offensive weapons in Cuba.
The Secretary of Defense, who advocates for a blockade and is valued by President Kennedy for his capability in managing military affairs.
The Special Counsel to President Kennedy and one of his closest advisors, who collaborates with Robert Kennedy on important communications during the crisis.
A former Secretary of State, who is involved in crisis meetings and supports a military strike on Cuba.
The Director of the CIA, responsible for monitoring developments in Cuba and providing intelligence to the U.S. government.
192
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
•
BiographyCuba • 1960s
•
US History•
Military & War1968
W. W. Norton & Company
Adult
14+ years
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