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henrygravesprince's review
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Much better book for getting the scope of Clark Rockefeller’s cons than Kirn’s book, but still left something to be desired (it’s a bit repetitive and all over the place). I think it’s interesting that so many reviews talk about not getting how people (often his wife) didn’t “notice the red flags” when this book illustrates how some people did, and how he navigated trapping his wife into a relationship where she wouldn’t feel safe questioning him outright. I hope his daughter is out there doing well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Murder
Moderate: Gaslighting and Emotional abuse
Minor: Infidelity
lakecake's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
This story is absolutely wild. It truly illustrates the idea that the bigger and more spectacular the lie, the more willing one is to truly commit to it no matter how ridiculous, the more likely it is to be believed. Dream big, and you too can con the rich and gullible—just know when to quit.
jess10adam's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. Again and again I was amazed by what kinds of things this guy could convince people of and get away with. I was jealous of him, hated him and even admired him at times. A good story!
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
4.0
A harrowing and superbly researched story. It is truly hard to imagine how Christian Gerhartsreiter could have fooled so many people for so long, but his success is a testament to human credulity and to his talents as a deceiver.
The Man in the Rockefeller Suit provided an interesting look into the lives of American aristocracy, a world in which the right name and knowledge can get you farther than actually having money or any accomplishments. I wonder whether Gerhartsreiter would have had more or less success impersonated a more modest character.
It's also interesting to think about Gerhartsreiter's relationship with his multiple identities. I can't imagine he saw himself as Christian Gerhartsreiter, a German immigrant pretending to be a variety of American aristocrats. For almost 30 years he was not "himself," it seems, to anyone. Did he completely lose his relationship with his "true" identity? Did he become each character in turn, feeling that each one was really his true identity? Or did he forge a constant beneath all of the lies?
It also made me think about what identity truly is. Lying to others about your heritage, wealth, occupation, etc. is one thing. But would simply presenting yourself as a man with a famous name, a preppy outfit, and an upper-class accent be truly lying? How much self-deception is he allowing others to do? Gerhartsreiter succeeded by allowing others to believe what they wanted to believe and, in some cases, allowing them to think they were exploiting their connection with an American aristocrat.
The Man in the Rockefeller Suit provided an interesting look into the lives of American aristocracy, a world in which the right name and knowledge can get you farther than actually having money or any accomplishments. I wonder whether Gerhartsreiter would have had more or less success impersonated a more modest character.
It's also interesting to think about Gerhartsreiter's relationship with his multiple identities. I can't imagine he saw himself as Christian Gerhartsreiter, a German immigrant pretending to be a variety of American aristocrats. For almost 30 years he was not "himself," it seems, to anyone. Did he completely lose his relationship with his "true" identity? Did he become each character in turn, feeling that each one was really his true identity? Or did he forge a constant beneath all of the lies?
It also made me think about what identity truly is. Lying to others about your heritage, wealth, occupation, etc. is one thing. But would simply presenting yourself as a man with a famous name, a preppy outfit, and an upper-class accent be truly lying? How much self-deception is he allowing others to do? Gerhartsreiter succeeded by allowing others to believe what they wanted to believe and, in some cases, allowing them to think they were exploiting their connection with an American aristocrat.
littletaiko's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a fascinating look at one mans incredible deception. It's incredible to think that he was able to maintain such a facade for so long. I really doubt that it could be done in today's world of instant information. It would have been nice to find out what really drove him to follow this path, however we are left to speculate. Truly amazing what he was able to get away with.
logansqd's review against another edition
3.0
True crime is stranger than fiction as the kaleidoscopic life of a pathological liar is laid bare. People believe what they want to believe...
paperbacksandpines's review against another edition
2.0
I think that if I hadn't watched 2015's My Friend Rockefeller before reading this book, I would have rated this book higher. However, there was nothing new here. The story, however, makes for a fascinating one.
I feel for his wife but can't help but feel incredulous that the multiple red flags he was sending up didn't spark any suspicion in her in the years they were married.
For true crime fans, this book was also an interesting foray into the narcissistic personality disorder.
I feel for his wife but can't help but feel incredulous that the multiple red flags he was sending up didn't spark any suspicion in her in the years they were married.
For true crime fans, this book was also an interesting foray into the narcissistic personality disorder.
sueellen61's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating story that was easy to read. The fact that he was able to carry on this charade for so many years is unbelievable.
thematinee's review against another edition
4.0
There are liars in this world who lie so much, so well, and so often...eventually they begin to believe their own lies. It's both sad and scary.