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.

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.

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.

Patrick Radden Keefe

Adult

Biography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Empire of Pain and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Empire of Pain Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1, “Patriarch”

Prologue-Book 1, Chapter 2

Empire of Pain Prologue-Book 1, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 3-5

Empire of Pain Book 1, Chapters 3-5 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 6-10

Empire of Pain Book 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, “Dynasty”

Book 2, Chapters 11-13

Empire of Pain Book 2, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 14-16

Empire of Pain Book 2, Chapters 14-16 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 17-20

Empire of Pain Book 2, Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Book 3: “Legacy”

Book 3, Chapters 21-23

Empire of Pain Book 3, Chapters 21-23 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 24-27

Empire of Pain Book 3, Chapters 24-27 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapter 28-“Note on Sources”

Empire of Pain Book 3, Chapter 28-“Note on Sources” Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Empire of Pain Key Figures

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Themes

Empire of Pain Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Empire of Pain Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Empire of Pain Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Empire of Pain Essay Topics

Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Empire of Pain?

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Book Details