This work begun as an article in Vanity Fair Magazine aimed
at answering one question, “Who is Clark Rockefeller?” The answer is a “stranger then fiction story”
of an incredible man who tricked the super elite of both coasts by pretending
to be from one of American’s most famous families.
The book traces “Clark’s” humble childhood in a small
Bavarian town to his trial in New York for multiple crimes including the
elaborating kidnapping of his seven-year-old daughter. The author has thoroughly researched this
amazing con man by conducting hundreds of interviews of those who thought they
knew him. It’s a fascinating portrait
not only of the criminal but also of the society, which was so ready to embrace
him. As shocking as his behavior was it’s
amazing how many highly intelligent people from many walks of life fell for his
multiple identities.
I am obsessed with Fox’s The Americans and so this story of
chameleon and criminal peeked my interest. Whereas the fictional spies in The Americans
commit their heinous acts in the name of patriotism, “Clark Rockefeller”
preformed his acts out of a sense of drama and perhaps psychosis. Unfortunately,
the book ends before “Rockefeller’s” trial for murder in 2012. I hope the author considers updating the
ending to reflect the result of the trial. (I read the result on Wikipedia but
would have liked to know the author’s take on the outcome.) Another interesting note is I heard about the "Clark Rockefeller" case from an interview with a dog breeder who has also published a book called, "Blood Will Out." I was ironically duped into reading this account instead but intend to check out the other account which I believe is more current. I reccomend this a an interesting study of money, power and lies.
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