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The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach
by Meryl Gordon
The fate of Brooke Astor, the endearing philanthropist with the storied name, has generated worldwide headlines since her grandson Philip sued his father in 2006, alleging mistreatment of Brooke. And shortly after her death in 2007, Anthony Marshall, Mrs. Astor's only child, was indicted on charges of looting her estate. Rarely has there been a story with such an appealing heroine, conjuring up a world so nearly forgotten: a realm of lavish wealth and secrets of the sort that have engaged Americans from the era of Edith Wharton to the more recent days of Truman Capote and Vanity Fair.
New York journalist Meryl Gordon has interviewed not only the elite of Brooke Astor's social circle but also the large staff who cosseted and cared for Mrs. Astor during her declining years. The result is the behind-the-headlines story of the Astor empire's unraveling, filled with never-before-reported scenes. This powerful, poignant saga takes the reader inside the gilded gates of an American dynasty to tell of three generations' worth of longing and missed opportunities. Even in this territory of privilege, no riches can put things right once they've been torn asunder. Here is an American epic of the bonds of money, morality, and social position.
"In the end, Gordon tells a sad and moving story of elder abuse." - Publishers Weekly.
"Starred Review." - Kirkus Reviews.
"Intimate details of the family life and interpersonal relationships of the New York society icon are exposed by Gordon in this impeccably researched, thoroughly detailed, and absorbing profile of a sadly dysfunctional family." - Library Journal.
"With a journalist's eye and a New Yorker's raised eyebrow, Meryl Gordon weaves a web of fine detail into an enthralling, enraging story of Mrs. Astor's failing years. There are characters here that no novelist would ever dare to invent, and the plot has more twists than a pretzel. This is a sometimes heartbreaking story of greed and betrayal, but also one of loyalty, love and ultimate redemption." - Geraldine Brooks.
"Meryl Gordon's riveting account of the legendary life and sad final days of Brooke Astor is an American epic. It's all here— high society, big money, blue blood, family feuds and criminal charges." - Tom Brokaw.
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