Patrick Radden Keefe is a giant of non-fiction. He excels in turning his investigations into page-turners, earning best-sellers and awards. His articles for The New Yorker have been turned into books like the dizzying Empire of Pain (2022), an unrelenting investigation into the Sackler family and the opioid crisis that inspired the series Painkiller.
His latest investigation for The Son of the Oligarch begins with the 2019 death of 19-year-old Zac Brettler, a well-to-do family’s son who fell from the balcony of a luxurious Thames apartment. His parents discover that he had created a life for himself as a son of a Russian oligarch. Becoming the “protégé” of gangsters, the adolescent was consumed by his fantasy life.
The author picks up a poorly conducted investigation by Scotland Yard leading us into the dark side of London, abandoned to shady businessmen and mafiosos, particularly Russians. He reveals how the city has sold its soul for easy dirty money, hosting conferences and readings with Sarah Jessica Parker.
When asked about investigating the death of this young man from a good family and delving into the city’s underworld, the author expresses surprise at the complexity and confusion of the story. He talks about the gradual transformation of London into a city of money because of foreign investment after the collapse of the local industry.
The book’s story revolves around an ordinary couple who lost their son and had to take matters into their own hands when authorities failed to provide answers or help. The author hopes the readers will agree with his findings at the end of the book.
The investigation also highlights the personal stories of all involved, from victims to suspects, revealing their lives and backgrounds. The author aims to shed light on human tragedies and family stories in his narratives.
Keefe reflects on his journalism style and his choice to focus on individual stories in the wider context of societal issues. He talks about his concerns regarding corruption and societal values after discussing various investigations. In light of recent events, he expresses worry about the moral decline in the UK and the US.
Regarding the publication of the book, the author reveals that the family of Zac Brettle has read the book before its release, experiencing a surreal journey of discovering family secrets in the pages.
In conclusion, Keefe discusses the importance of compelling storytelling in journalism today, emphasizing the need for engaging narratives to capture readers’ attention in this age of widespread distraction.
“Le fils de l’oligarque,” by Patrick Radden Keefe, translated from English (United States) by Anne-Sylvie Homassel, Belfond, 400 pages, 22.90 euros.
