I do this sometimes. I get obsessed with a story and want to know everything about it. I read every book available on the topic. I watch films and documentaries. Bernie Madoff was one of my obsessions. The Ponzi Scheme. How could he do it? How did he do it? Why did he do it? What was it like for his wife and children? His family, friends, victims? I want to know because it's about people. Human beings. We are all people sharing this world together and trying to get through each day.
I started with the book,
The Madoff Chronicles - Inside the Secret World of Bernie and Ruth by Brian Ross. This was made into the ABC series titled
Madoff. When I learned that Richard Dreyfuss would be portraying Bernie Madoff in the film, I couldn't wait to see it. Richard Dreyfuss is one of my favorite actors. I fell in love with him back in 1977 when I saw
The Goodbye Girl.
(I couldn't resist posting that!) Now here we are 40 years later, and Dreyfuss is playing Bernie Madoff, an aging, overweight, white-haired criminal (but he still has that beautiful face!).
As the title of the book suggests, the book and film go into the life of Bernie and Ruth - their relationship, how they met, how Bernie began his career and became what he is today. Of course we are aware that it isn't 100% accurate and cannot completely convey the experiences of everyone involved. Watching a movie certainly isn't the same as walking in someone's shoes, but it can provide a glimpse. Here we get a glimpse into the lives of the Madoffs and those close to them: their grown sons Mark and Andrew and their wives and children, their positions in the company as well as their relationships with each of their parents. We see the relationship between Bernie and his brother Peter Madoff and how Bernie related to those around him: employees, clients, family and friends. We also see how Bernie's secret was finally discovered by Harry Markopolis and how "
No One Would Listen" --which is the title of the book by Markopolis, then made into the film
Chasing Madoff.
All excellent and informative books and films. My personal favorite is the memoir by Stephanie Madoff Mack, the widow of Bernie's son Mark Madoff:
The End of Normal: A Wife's Anguish, A Widow's New Life. Here, Stephanie tells her story and version of events. She talks openly and honestly about her grief and anguish. I read the book when it was first published in 2012 and recently listened to the audio-book (beautifully narrated by Stephanie herself).
I also devoured the memoir by Madoff's alleged mistress Sheryl Weinsten:
Madoff's Other Secret: Love, Money, Bernie, and Me. I couldn't put this book down either.
There are many other books and films on this topic, of course, but I just wanted to mention a few of my favorites. I appreciate those involved who have shared their stories with us, especially through personal memoirs. There were many victims of this crime who have stories to tell. Family, friends and clients who lost so much as a result of this. Some have shared their stories in interviews. Maybe we'll hear from more in the future who are willing to share their personal stories. How they got through it. Stories of hope and triumph.
Maybe Ruth Madoff will one day write a memoir. It may be too painful for her. Maybe she isn't ready. Maybe it isn't for her. Writing about a painful experience can be therapeutic for some, but of course it isn't for everyone. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their experiences with others - especially strangers. We all have different ways of getting through the tough parts of life. I find that reading is therapeutic for me. Especially memoirs. Even though our experiences may be different, we're all human beings and we all experience fear, grief, loss, pain, happiness and sadness. To be able to communicate this and share with each other through reading and writing is such a gift.
Speaking of this, I can't wait to ramble on about my other many favorite memoirs!
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