Don DeLillo's 'Libra' is a historical fiction novel that examines the assassination of President John F. Kennedy through the lens of Lee Harvey Oswald and a CIA conspiracy. It intertwines real events like the Bay of Pigs Invasion with speculative narratives, offering a sympathetic portrayal of Oswald and a critique of the official story. The book also follows a CIA analyst's struggle to uncover the truth, highlighting themes of balance, justice, and the elusive nature of knowledge.
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The novel blends historical facts with speculative theories to explore the assassination of President John F. Kennedy
Two Timelines
The novel portrays Oswald's formative years and his path to infamy leading up to the assassination
Ideological Confusion and Familial Dysfunction
Oswald is depicted as a misfit struggling with conflicting ideologies and a troubled family life
Manipulation as a Pawn
Oswald becomes a pawn in a larger plot orchestrated by others
The novel introduces a group of ex-CIA agents who devise a scheme to implicate Fidel Castro in a simulated assassination attempt on Kennedy
The novel explores the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion and its impact on certain CIA operatives, setting the stage for the conspiracy depicted in the book
Kennedy's decision not to escalate military involvement after the Bay of Pigs Invasion embitters certain CIA operatives and contributes to the conspiracy in the novel
Oswald realizes he is not the only shooter in Kennedy's assassination, adding complexity to the plot
Shooting of a Police Officer
Oswald's panicked escape results in the fatal shooting of a police officer
Jack Ruby's Involvement
Jack Ruby, with connections to organized crime, is compelled to eliminate Oswald, adding another layer to the conspiracy
Nicholas Branch, a retired CIA analyst, is tasked with sifting through evidence and uncovering the truth about the assassination
Branch suspects that key pieces of evidence have been intentionally suppressed, casting doubt on the official account and lending weight to alternative explanations
The novel explores the theme of the elusiveness of truth, suggesting that it is often veiled by secrecy and misinformation
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The book 'Libra' presents an empathetic depiction of ______, traditionally blamed for the ______ of President Kennedy, challenging the mainstream story.
Lee Harvey Oswald
assassination
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Oswald's Two Timelines in 'Libra'
Formative years with hardship and path to JFK assassination.
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Oswald's Defection and Return
Defected to USSR, became disillusioned, returned to US, entangled in plot.
