A review by sarah_who_reads
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty by Patrick Radden Keefe

dark informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

 I adore Patrick Radden Keefe and would read anything he wrote, but this one is near and dear to my heart. It explores the Sackler family and their connection to the opioid epidemic that has ravaged the US as a whole, but especially Appalachia. In Empire of Pain, Radden Keefe traces the rise of the Sackler dynasty, beginning with its origins in Arthur Sackler's high school side hustle, and its inextricable connection to explosion of opioid addictions in the late 90s and early 00s. Radden Keefe is journalistic, one of the US' best journalists currently writing, but as one reads through, it becomes obvious, over and over again, why his measured tone belies a rage simmering just below the surface. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the opioid epidemic or Appalachia or medicine, or otherwise, anyone interested in the art world and the misdeeds of some of its most prominent benefactors.

 
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