Key Concepts in Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
by Patrick Radden Keefe
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The highly anticipated portrait of three generations of the Sackler family, by the prize-winning, bestselling author of Say Nothing. The Sackler name adorns the walls of many storied institutions: Harvard, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oxford, the Louvre. They are one of the richest families in the world, known for their lavish donations to the arts and sciences. The source of the family fortune was vague, however, until it emerged that the Sacklers were responsible for making and marketing OxyContin, a blockbuster painkiller that was a catalyst for the opioid crisis. Empire of Pain is a masterpiece of narrative reporting and writing, exhaustively documented and ferociously compelling. The narrative voice used throughout the book feels confident and well-defined. The author’s tone remains steady, helping readers develop a sense of familiarity with the storytelling style. This consistency makes it easier to follow the plot and understand the underlying messages woven into the text. The result is a cohesive reading experience that feels deliberate and carefully crafted. The book demonstrates how effective storytelling can be achieved without relying on dramatic extremes. Subtle developments and realistic scenarios provide a compelling and credible narrative.
