American Tabloid summary

Exploring the Underbelly of American History

In American Tabloid by James Ellroy, we are taken on a journey through the underbelly of American history, exploring the years 1958 to 1963. The novel is a work of historical fiction that delves into the dark and often overlooked aspects of the Kennedy era, including the CIA's covert operations, the Mafia's influence on politics, and the Bay of Pigs invasion.

The story is narrated by three characters: Pete Bondurant, a former cop turned mob enforcer; Kemper Boyd, an FBI agent with a penchant for corruption; and Ward Littell, a lawyer with ties to both the CIA and the mob. These three men are brought together by their shared desire for power and their willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it.

The Kennedy Era from a Different Perspective

As the narrative unfolds, we witness the 1960 presidential election and the rise of John F. Kennedy from a different perspective. Instead of the charismatic leader we are familiar with, we see a man who is manipulated by his father, Joseph Kennedy, and his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy. The Kennedys are portrayed as ruthless and willing to make deals with the mob to secure their political power.

Meanwhile, the CIA is shown to be embroiled in various covert operations, including attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro and the training of Cuban exiles for the Bay of Pigs invasion. The Mafia, on the other hand, is deeply involved in the political landscape, using their influence to secure lucrative contracts and further their criminal enterprises.

Conspiracies and Betrayals

As the novel progresses, we witness a web of conspiracies and betrayals. The characters' paths intersect in various ways, leading to shifting alliances and deadly consequences. Pete Bondurant becomes involved in the Bay of Pigs invasion, while Kemper Boyd is embroiled in a plot to assassinate Fidel Castro. Ward Littell, on the other hand, is tasked with covering up the CIA's involvement in the assassination of a Dominican Republic leader.

Amidst these high-stakes operations, the characters' personal lives are also in turmoil. Bondurant falls in love with a woman who is later revealed to be an undercover CIA agent, Boyd struggles with his alcoholism and moral compass, and Littell grapples with his loyalty to the CIA and his growing disillusionment with their methods.

The Assassination of JFK

The novel culminates in the assassination of John F. Kennedy, an event that is portrayed as a result of the various conspiracies and power plays we have witnessed throughout the story. The characters are left reeling in the aftermath, each grappling with their own guilt and disillusionment.

In conclusion, American Tabloid offers a gritty and unromanticized view of the Kennedy era, presenting a world where power is the ultimate currency and morality is a luxury few can afford. It is a compelling exploration of a tumultuous period in American history, shedding light on the darker forces that shaped it.