76 pages • 2 hours read
Patrick Radden KeefeEmpire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe explores the origins of the opioid crisis through the story of the Sackler family and Purdue Pharmaceuticals, detailing their roles in the creation and aggressive marketing of OxyContin despite growing evidence of its addictive potential and misuse. It traces the family's rise from the humble beginnings of the Sackler brothers to their influence in medical advertising, philanthropy, and the controversial expansion of opioid use for pain management, ultimately leading to legal and public scrutiny. Descriptions of living with opioid use disorder, including overdoses and deaths by suicide, are present in the narrative.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe receives high praise for its meticulous research and compelling narrative about the Sackler family's role in the opioid crisis. Reviewers commend Keefe for blending investigative journalism with a gripping, character-driven story. Some critics, however, note a dense detail level that may overwhelm casual readers.
Who Should Read Empire of Pain?
Readers who appreciate investigative journalism and gripping non-fiction narratives will enjoy Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe. Comparable to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and Bad Blood, this book will appeal to those interested in corporate corruption, the opioid crisis, and the intersection of wealth and power.