Ask Not

The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed

De: Maureen Callahan

Narrado por: Gabra Zackman

From New York Times bestseller Maureen Callahan, a fierce, character-driven exposé of the real Kennedy Curse—the family’s generations-long legacy of misogyny, murder, and mayhem.

The Kennedy name has long been synonymous with wealth, power, glamor, and—above all else—integrity. But this carefully constructed veneer hides a dark truth: the pattern of Kennedy men physically and psychologically abusing women and girls, leaving a trail of ruin and death in each generation’s wake. Through decades of scandal after scandal—from sexual assaults to reputational slander, suicides to manslaughter—the family and their defenders have kept the Kennedy brand intact. Now, in Ask Not, bestselling author and journalist Maureen Callahan reveals the Kennedys’ hidden history of violence and exploitation, laying bare their unrepentant sexism and rampant depravity while also restoring these women and girls to their rightful place at the center of the dynasty’s story: from Jacqueline Onassis and Marilyn Monroe to Carolyn Bessette, Martha Moxley, Mary Jo Kopechne, Rosemary Kennedy, and many others whose names aren’t nearly as well known but should be.

Drawing on years of explosive reportage and written in electric prose, Ask Not is a long-overdue reckoning with this fabled family and a consequential part of American history that is still very much with us. At long last, Callahan redirects the spotlight to the women in the Kennedys’ orbit, paying homage to those who freed themselves and giving voice to those who, through no fault of their own, could not.

©2024 Maureen Callahan (P)2024 Little, Brown & Company

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Bold, brave and original, Ask Not takes a sledgehammer to the myth of Camelot. This is an unforgettable book—a necessary reckoning that will forever change the way I view modern American history." —Susannah Cahalan, author of The Great Pretender and the #1 New York Times bestseller Brain on Fire

“A harrowing, incendiary swirl of tragedy, true crime, and reconsidered history, Ask Not sets a match to the glamour and mystique of America’s most famous family. With incisive wit and wisdom, Callahan exposes the individuals and the celebrity culture that aided and abetted so many Kennedy men.” —Karen Abbott, New York Times bestselling author of The Ghosts of Eden Park and Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy

Things I never knew…

Good book, interesting and an easy listen. Never knew the extent of the cover up that went on and still does.

So Good—Historical w Critical Analysis

Bravo! I learned so much more about the multitude of women who suffered greatly under Kennedy men. I will relisten and share widely.

Enlightening, Shocking

This is such a well written book about the powers of the Kennedys and the treatment of women in their path! Well researched and written.

Holy Moly

As a 57-year-old, I thought I was familiar with a lot of Kennedy history, especially from the '80s and beyond. Turns out I barely knew a thing. Two things really stood out in my mind from what I thought I knew - Ted murdering Mary Jo, and William and his rape trial. I was really appalled with the unfairness of both situations and let's face it, the grotesque-ness of both situations. I was a young woman during the William trial and it was really horrifying watching the media and the attorneys smear the hell out of this poor woman when it was really obvious that he really did it. I will never forget the repulsion of his smug facial expressions. I'm quite glad this was covered, along with Chapaquiddick, Mary, Rosie, Martha Moxley, Jackie, Joan, Kick and many more.

This book was bravely done, and the narration was excellent. I had to pause many times over the last several days because at times I was so shocked I had to let my brain catch up with what I heard. And I had to think about it, letting myself process the disgust, the horror, the evilness that is the smiling Kennedy who looks like the boy next door. The author did a great job collecting the information and presenting it in a way that better displays the family dynamic than I have read in the past about this family.

One thing is beyond sure. We need to get all of the Kennedys (and their ilk) out of our political system or we will never break out of this misogyny. We have woken up having become the proverbial frog in the boiling water!

Fallen idols

Nothing new here. Just an affirmation of the many rumors and stories that evolved through the years. These men were no better than the pimps who prowl the streets, exploiting women. I grew up in the 40s, and although women were not yet “feminized”, they were more respected than they are today. These young ladies had to be super stupid to believe they were anymore than a toy for the pig in the White House. Jackie Onassis was a first class phony, who could have made a difference, instead of going with the flow. I read this book in one sitting, feeling guilty about listening in to the devastating affect these monsters had on these weak women.

Unbelievable but true stories of abuse of power

Stories that all these women deserve to be told. Such a great listen. Heartbreaking and so informative.

Outstanding!

The narration made this already great book absolutely wonderful! This book gives more depth to already known topics and then digs in even deeper.

A long overdue, well researched book.

An honest accounting of the Kennedy men’s history of misogyny and criminal sexual perpetration. A must read!

Filled w interesting detail not cohesively revealed before.

Plot bounces around past/present timeframes, and many people - abruptly at times. Could have used better transitions for clarity.

Awesome book

Very well done. Details I had never heard of and am shocked. Especially Rose the daughter.