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Empty Mansions
512 pages, 2014
When Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bill Dedman noticed in 2009 a grand, unoccupied home for sale, he stumbled through a surprising portal into American history. Empty Mansions is a rich mystery of wealth and loss, connecting the vast Gilded Age opulence of the nineteenth century with a twenty-first-century battle over a $300 million inheritance.
At its heart is a reclusive heiress named Huguette Clark, who lived alone for twenty years in a simple hospital room despite being in excellent health. Why were her valuables being sold off? Was she in control of her fortune, or did someone else control it for her? Dedman has collaborated with Huguette Clark’s cousin Paul Clark Newell Jr., one of the few relatives to have frequent conversations with her.
Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman explores the enigmatic life of Huguette Clark, a wealthy heiress who chose seclusion over luxury. It's a fascinating look into the world of the rich and reclusive, and a reminder that money doesn't always bring happiness.
Huguette Clark, despite her immense wealth, chose to live a life of solitude. This book shows us that we all have the power to live life on our own terms, regardless of societal expectations.
Dedman digs into the history of the Clark family, revealing a captivating tale of wealth, power, and mystery. If you're a history buff, you'll find this book a treasure trove of fascinating facts and stories.
In Empty Mansions, we see how Huguette Clark's trust was exploited by those around her. It's a stark reminder to be careful about who we trust, especially when it comes to our finances.
Despite her wealth, Huguette Clark valued her privacy above all else. This book reminds us that privacy is a precious commodity, and that it's okay to choose solitude over socializing if that's what makes us happy.
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Empty Mansions is a mesmerizing tale of wealth, loss, and the power of self-determination. It's a must-read!
Janet Maslin - Film and literary criticEmpty Mansions is a captivating journey through the opulent life of a fascinating woman. It's a story that will keep you hooked till the end.
Paula McLain - Bestselling authorEmpty Mansions is a riveting exploration of wealth, power, and the mysteries of the human heart. It's a book that will leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page.
Ron Chernow - Pulitzer-winning biographerEmpty Mansions is a fascinating delve into the life of a reclusive heiress. It's a tale that is as compelling as it is heartbreaking.
Meryl Gordon - Journalist, biographerEmpty Mansions is a captivating tale of wealth and solitude. It's a book that will leave you both intrigued and moved.
Bill Goldstein - Book reviewer