By Marissa Wells
Contributing Writer
“Of Kennedy & King,” by Robert Carpenter, is a gripping historical thriller set in the turbulent 1960s, exploring the ideological clash between Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. Powerful forces like the FBI, the Ku Klux Klan and the Black Panthers manipulate events, turning their struggle into a battle for survival and the country’s future.
“Just like in the 1960s, our country is on the brink of a second civil war because of deep political division, tension over racial and diversity relations, and very few people wanting to compromise so that we can co-exist together peacefully,” Carpenter said. “This novel dives into a similar time in American history by examining one of the most underexplored, tumultuous and transformative relationships that changed the course of this nation: the relationship between Bobby Kennedy and King, who despite fierce differences, where able to eventually put them aside just days before their tragic ends.”
Carpenter describes the novel as more than a historical account. It’s a personal journey into the lives of two iconic figures facing overwhelming forces, showing their vulnerabilities, their dreams and their traumas.
The book is ideal for readers drawn to historical fiction, political thrillers and social justice narratives.
“It is ideal for those who are fascinated by the civil rights movement, 1960s America, and the figures who helped shape the nation’s history,” Carpenter said. “Readers who enjoy fast-paced, character-driven, deeply immersive stories with a strong historical foundation will find this book compelling.”
Carpenter hopes readers gain a deeper understanding of civil rights movement’s struggles, complexities and sacrifices.
“I also want them to reflect on how these historical figures’ fights for justice continue to echo in the challenges we face today — whether it’s in terms of racial injustice, political polarization, or the pursuit of a more just society,” Carpenter said. “My hope is that readers feel inspired by the courage and vision of both Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., but also come away with an understanding of the internal conflicts they faced, and how those struggles are not unlike our own.”
In addition to being an author, Carpenter is a UCLA faculty member with joint roles in the Departments of Communication and Public Health. He is based in Los Angeles. More information about the author and his work can be found at robcarpenter.org.
“Of King & Kennedy” is available for $6.99 (eBook), $16.99 (paperback), and $26.99 (hardcover) via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and wherever books are sold.
