Empty Mansions

by Bill Dedman
Empty Mansions cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 11583
  • Added: 2026-03-10
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9780345534521
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2013-09-10
  • Reviews: 3

Empty Mansions delves into the mysterious life of Huguette Clark, the reclusive heiress who lived in secrecy despite her immense fortune. Born into the opulence of the Gilded Age, Huguette was the daughter of self-made copper industrialist W. A. Clark, a man nearly as wealthy as Rockefeller in his day. Her life was marked by extravagance and privacy, living in a hospital room for decades despite her excellent health and owning palatial homes and priceless artifacts./n/nThe book explores Huguette's eccentricities, her relationships, and the battle over her $300 million inheritance. It's a tale of wealth, loss, and the complexities of a woman who chose to live life on her own terms, revealing a portrait of an American enigma.

Reviews
Falling Letters · 2015-03-12
intriguing 4.50

The book feels like a moody novel about rich people, but it's real. The story of Huguette Clark is both fascinating and intriguing.

The reviewer was immediately drawn to the book, describing it as a moody novel about rich people, but emphasizing that it's a real story. They found the life of Huguette Clark to be fascinating and intriguing, making the book a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the blend of real-life drama and historical context.

Quick quotes

    Ooh, I love it, it's already like a moody novel about rich people. BUT IT'S REAL.

    What struck me most about this book was the fascinating and intriguing life of Huguette Clark.

    It's a compelling read that blends real-life drama with historical context.

The Spectator Australia · 2014-08-02
hypnotic 4.00

The book is a materialistic yet hypnotic account of one of the most ruthless businessmen of his time. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Huguette Clark and her father.

The reviewer describes the book as a materialistic yet hypnotic account of the Clark family's wealth and influence. They highlight the ruthless nature of W.A. Clark, Huguette's father, and the intriguing life of Huguette herself. The book provides a captivating exploration of wealth and power, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    A materialistic, yet hypnotic bestseller about WA Clark, one of the most ruthless businessmen of his time.

    The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Huguette Clark and her father.

    It is a captivating exploration of wealth and power.

The New York Times · 2013-09-04
unsettling 4.50

The book reveals an amazing story of profligate wealth that challenges conventional notions of American aspiration. It leaves a lasting impression and provokes deep reflection.

The reviewer found the book to be an unsettling read that stayed with them for weeks. They highlight how the story of Huguette Clark and her father's wealth is so extreme that it defies typical American narratives. The book's exploration of this wealth is both captivating and thought-provoking, leaving a strong impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    Mr. Dedman had stumbled onto an amazing story of profligate wealth, one so wild that 'American aspiration' doesn't begin to describe it.

    The book that I'm reviewing today is challenging. It was an unsettling read, and I thought about it for weeks after I finished it.

    I hesitated to recommend it to some friends because it is so unsettling.

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