Book Review: Goodbye Bobby

Reviewed by Tomi Alo

An exhilarating trip through some significant historical events in 1968

A clever spin on American history, Goodbye Bobby is an emotional tribute to national leader and icon, Robert “Bobby” F. Kennedy.

In this historical retelling, we’re taken on a fast-paced journey of political intrigue, patriotism, personal conflict, loss, and sacrifice. The story follows Charles Parnell, a successful fund manager and former Army veteran, over the course of four intense months—March to June 1968—as he is recruited to perform a dangerous mission on behalf of Bobby Kennedy.

His mission? To act as a secret messenger between Kennedy and Ho Chi Minh, the leader of North Vietnam, where the contents of this message have the potential to end the Vietnam War. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If Charles is caught, he could be arrested for treason or be killed by the enemy for being a spy.

At first, Charlie is reluctant. With his wife’s recent passing, he is the only one left to care for his adopted daughter Angelita and finds it senseless to risk his life for something so dangerous and pointless, consequently leaving Angela to fend for herself. 

However, when he witnesses Bobby Kennedy’s powerful speech in the wake of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, it becomes impossible to ignore the gravity of the situation and the role he could play to change things.

With poignant characters and a propulsive plot, Goodbye Bobby captures the chaotic period of 1968 where political ideals, personal beliefs, and national interests collide. It’s a tense, thought-provoking story that creatively blends history with fiction.

Despite being based on real prominent figures, author JJ Harrigan doesn’t just provide a one-dimensional portrayal of historical characters; he crafts them with complexity through personal struggles and their own unique traits. Bobby Kennedy is not merely a political figure; he’s a man grappling with the responsibilities of making things right, the loss of his brothers, and the hope of ending a brutal war. 

Charles Parnell is not just a secret messenger or a money manager. He’s a father grieving the loss of his wife, dealing with the guilt of moving on, and finding the time to care for the sweetest, smartest child. Despite the chaos of it all going on, Charlie always tries his best to ensure Angela isn’t neglected and is well-cared for, even if that means bringing her on some of these high-stakes trips as he continues to build a bond with her. I adored their relationship and always looked forward to spending time with this father-daughter duo. 

Simply by knowing American history, we know how things will play out, but Harrigan still manages to keep the tension alive. There’s urgency in the story as we’re drawn into Charles’s mission and left with questions on how he will navigate the scene as an unofficial, under-the-radar political diplomat and what it will ultimately cost him. Through this careful build-up, we’re reminded that while history might be fixed, the emotions, fears, and sacrifices of those who lived through these defining yet tumultuous times were anything but predictable.

Overall, Goodbye Bobby, the second installment in the Goodbye series, is a smart, gripping historical thriller that entertains and re-educates its readers on pivotal moments in American history.

Thank you for reading Tomi Alo’s book review of Goodbye Bobby by J.J. Harrigan! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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