Chapters 1-5: the Family, The Father, The War, The Third Son, The Brothers: I Summary and Analysis

Irish immigrants of the 1800's were not particularly welcomed to America. They thus lacked power, money, educational opportunity, and, most important, the respect of WASP society. They settled in their own neighborhoods, married within their own group, and worked hard to achieve equity. Some became wealthy, as was the case with Rose Fitzgerald's family. Over her father's objections, Rose fell in love and married Joseph Patrick Kennedy, who became a banking millionaire by 1926, endearing himself, of course, to Rose's father. Money did not buy acceptance, however, so Joe moved his family to New York where anti-Irish sentiment was not so pronounced. Joe was a charming but blunt man who was also affectionate and demanding, but...