An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a memoir that interweaves personal reflections with the history of one of the most turbulent and significant decades in American history. Published in 2024, this work showcases Goodwin’s expertise as a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, known for her detailed and engaging explorations of American history. The book blends memoir and historical nonfiction, focusing on her life with her late husband, Richard Goodwin, a prominent political advisor and speechwriter for Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Through this memoir, Goodwin offers an intimate portrayal of their relationship and an exploration of significant historical events, particularly the social and political upheavals of the 1960s. The themes of this memoir include Personal and Professional Relationships Against the Backdrop of Major Historical Events, The Personal Impact of Historical Figures, and The Intersection of Marriage and Politics.

The edition draws from the 2024 Simon & Schuster eBook edition.

Summary

The memoir begins with Goodwin reflecting on her attempts to cope with the loss of her husband, Dick, by immersing herself in an extended lecture tour. Despite her efforts to outrun grief, she finds herself engulfed by loneliness upon returning home. This sets the stage for the exploration of their shared history, particularly through the “Sixties boxes”—a collection of documents and memorabilia from Dick’s political career. These boxes serve as a narrative device to examine significant events and figures of the 1960s, including John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and the civil rights movement.

The narrative shifts to the spring of 2017, highlighting Dick’s declining health and eventual diagnosis of aggressive squamous cell cancer. Despite his reluctance to quit smoking, he undergoes treatment, and the couple faces the reality of his illness together. Goodwin captures the emotional and physical toll of Dick’s illness, detailing their routines and mutual support during this challenging time. The couple finds solace and purpose in their work on a book project, symbolized by the boxes of documents they meticulously sift through.

The memoir provides detailed accounts of significant historical events, such as the 1960 presidential campaign, Kennedy’s inauguration, and the subsequent efforts in civil rights and foreign policy. Dick’s role in crafting the Alliance for Progress and his interactions with key figures like Che Guevara and Jacqueline Kennedy are described. The narrative also highlights the impact of Kennedy’s assassination on Dick and his involvement in the meticulous planning of the funeral, reflecting the intense emotional and logistical challenges faced by those close to the President.

The relationship between Dick and Lyndon B. Johnson is another focal point, showcasing the complexities of working with Johnson, who is portrayed as a multifaceted individual with fluctuating personas. The chapter “Thirteen LBJs” recounts Dick’s experiences with Johnson during the volatile 1960s, including the planning and execution of significant events and policies like the “Great Society.” The chapter “And We Shall Overcome” centers on the creation and delivery of Johnson’s pivotal speech on voting rights, highlighting the intense interactions and political strategy involved.

As Dick’s health deteriorates, the memoir recounts the outpouring of support from friends and family, who gather to offer comfort and share memories. These moments highlight the couple’s strong community ties and the impact Dick had on those around him. The memoir concludes with Goodwin’s decision to move to Boston after Dick’s death, reflecting on the process of downsizing and donating their extensive book collection to the Concord Free Public Library as a tribute to Dick’s legacy.

Through her intimate and evocative narrative, Doris Kearns Goodwin offers readers a deeply personal account of love, loss, and the enduring significance of history. An Unfinished Love Story is not only a tribute to Richard Goodwin but also a reflection on the ways in which personal and historical narratives intertwine, shaping our understanding of the past and the present.