Thirteen Days

A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis

By: Robert F. Kennedy

Narrated by: Kurt Elftmann

In October 1962, when the United States confronted the Soviet Union over its installation of missiles in Cuba, few people shared the behind-the-scenes story as it is told here by the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In this unique account, he describes the hour-by-hour negotiations, with particular attention to the actions and views of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.

In a foreword to this edition, the distinguished historian and Kennedy adviser Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., discusses the book's enduring importance and the significance of new information about the crisis that has come to light from the former Soviet Union.

©1971, 1969 W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., Copyright 1968 by McCall Corporation (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A minor classic in its laconic, spare, compelling evocation by a participant of the shifting moods and maneuvers of the most dangerous moment in human history." (Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.)

Informative

I've read an account of one of the Kennedy cronies reading the book and commenting to Bobby that it made him look more important than the president in dealing with this crisis. Bobby's response had something to do with his having to win an election. That said, Bobby's role was extremely important to his brother's decision-making process so I don't believe there's too much exaggeration in this account.

My problem with the narrator was the lack of dynamics and inflection. It's so easy to zone out while listening to his reading in a monotone, that I had to re-listen to chunks throughout the book.

Not as good as the movie

A but dry but still informative. I'd recommend the movie if you want something more entertaining

Historical Terror

Historical Terror at a time when there was so much unknown. This gives a good look at what else was going on from a Soviet perspective. I didn't know we had missiles right outside their back door. No wonder they wanted to place them outside our back door. Once again, the United States won the gamble.

Great story, terrible narrator

Fascinating read that sheds insight into an important event in our history. To be honest, the book is a bit dry, but the material is still interesting. Also makes me wonder how much of this is a biased summary, given that JFK's brother wrote the book. All that aside, worthwhile read. Sort of makes you look at global politics a little differently.

IF YOU LOVE HISTORY"""

Robert Kennedy Lived it. I was a young republican then, but I think JFK handled this the best way possible.
In 1968, I planned to vote for RFK , Anybody to replace LBJ. Anyway, If you like history I believe you will enjoy
this book.