But the truth is, everybody lies. We all do it, in ways large and small, more often than we might care to admit. Scholars known as ‘deception scientists’ have studied the psychology of lying and concluded that as a human behaviour, it is incredibly common. Most studies on the subject have found that the average person lies at least once or twice a day. But this may be an underestimate, because the methodology of these studies usually depend on self-reporting by subjects, and when people answer questions about how often they lie, they might very well be lying.
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In a nutshell
In 2019, Zac Brettler, a London-based teenager, fell to his death from a luxury apartment building on the banks of the Thames. In a desperate attempt to understand what had happened to their son, his parents uncovered a shocking secret: Zac had been living a double life, posing as the son of a Russian oligarch. In London Falling, Patrick Radden Keefe follows the Brettler family’s search for answers as they piece together the events that led Zac to that balcony.
Book Club Notes
When I saw that Patrick Radden Keefe was publishing a new book and read the synopsis, I knew I wanted to get my hands on it. I previously read The Snakehead and thought it was excellent. Having now read a second work of investigative journalism by him, I feel confident saying that he is one of the best true-story writers out there. His books read like novels, the stories are fascinating, and his writing is exceptional.
The story itself was a constant mix of shocking, heartbreaking, unbelievable, and utterly compelling. It had a profound impact on me, and I found myself thinking about Zac and the Brettler family long after I finished reading. The recency of the events, combined with the Jewish connection made it hit home in a way The Snakehead did not. Patrick Radden Keefe has a remarkable ability to draw you into a story, making you feel as though you’re experiencing it alongside the people involved.
I am in awe of the Brettler family for choosing to share this story, and equally of Patrick Radden Keefe for telling their story with compassion, sensitivity, and grace.
Read If
You enjoy true crime, investigative journalism, and exceptionally well-written non-fiction.
Rating
Writing – 10/10
Likeability – 10/10
Purpose – 10/10
Shareability – 10/10
The Nitty Gritty
Published by: Pan Macmillan
Genre: Non-Fiction, Crime, Mystery
ISBN: 978-1035056293
Pages: 320
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A note on our book ratings
Readability: How easy is it to read what the author is saying?
Writing: How well written is the book? Do you find yourself wowed by the writing or unimpressed?
Likeability: Are the characters likeable, relatable, imparting something of value?
Purpose: Is there a clear purpose to the story being shared or is it better suited as a personal project for a family keepsake?
Shareability: How likely are you to share the book?
