The Wizard Of Lies: Bernie Madoff And The Death Of Trust (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
Exquisite piece of investigative journalism, laced with financial savvy, psychological acuity and philosophical depth. While I couldn't follow all the ins and outs of financial trading, I could see quite clearly the author's mastery of this world. She's a meticulous guide through the blizzard of lies, subpeonas,legal proceedings, financial investigations - by both the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) - and through endless interviews with those involved in the scandalous events. Diana Henriques, who was part of the Pulitzer-nominated team of financial journalists who covered the Madoff scandal, writes beautifully, exposes the ironies and conundrums of human desire, including the human need to trust. As I think more on this fine book, which I finally finished, I'll add to this review. Note: when I first started this book, I had to put it down after about 50 pages. It suddenly weighed 3 tons. Weeks later, after reading several other books, I picked it up again. Only then, after taking a break, could I read it as the "financial thriller" it's said to be. That's what it is. It's also a human tragedy. A modern Oedipus story. Great book that really helped me to understand the mind of someone like Madoff who runs a Ponzi scheme. It also reinforced my already strong belief that greed on Wall Street may be this country's real undoing. I've also read the Markopolos book but this one was better written and seemed less self serving than Markopolos's book. I'm sure, however, that his frustration that no one would listen must have been a driving force for writing his book. Just imagine how many people might have been saved from Bernie's greed if someone HAD listened! This book is a must read for anyone who wants to better understand how Wall Street really works.
What do You think about The Wizard Of Lies: Bernie Madoff And The Death Of Trust (2011)?
Hard to believe how Madoff's Ponzi scheme grew so big. Very sad that there were so many victims.
—inanotherworld
Great book, found out alot about Madoff that I didn't read in the mess.
—laila_enarson
Shocking that the SEC didn't figure him out!
—ashtail
