Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty

Delve into the chilling narrative of the Sackler family, as Patrick Radden Keefe unveils the harrowing tale behind one of the most notorious dynasties in modern medical history. Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty expertly sheds light on the rise to power of three immigrant brothers, particularly Arthur Sackler, whose innovations in pharmaceuticals paved the way for modern pain management. However, their quest for profit came at an unspeakable cost: the onset of the...

Delve into the chilling narrative of the Sackler family, as Patrick Radden Keefe unveils the harrowing tale behind one of the most notorious dynasties in modern medical history. Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty expertly sheds light on the rise to power of three immigrant brothers, particularly Arthur Sackler, whose innovations in pharmaceuticals paved the way for modern pain management. However, their quest for profit came at an unspeakable cost: the onset of the opioid crisis that has claimed countless lives. Written with meticulous research and a journalist's sharp eye, this compelling book serves not just as a biography, but as an indictment of unchecked capitalism within the pharmaceutical industry. Each chapter unravels the disturbing interplay between wealth, greed, and the moral failings of those who sought acclaim at the expense of human suffering.

Keefe’s narrative is as engaging as it is informative, weaving personal stories of addiction and betrayal through the historical timeline of the Sackler family. The book brims with eloquent prose that makes the intricate details of this scandal accessible, compelling even those unfamiliar with the topic to turn its pages with fervor. With 452 pages of storytelling, this book is an experience, inviting readers to confront the reality behind America's pain management strategies and the dark consequences of a family more interested in profit than ethics.