The Widow of Wall Street

A Novel

By: Randy Susan Meyers

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Phoebe has loved Jake Pierce since childhood, and that love continues without hesitation while she watches him create a financial dynasty. But when Phoebe learns that her husband's triumphs are the result of an elaborate Ponzi scheme, her world unravels. Lies underpin her life and marriage. And as Jake's crime is uncovered, the world obsesses over her. Did she know her gilded life was fabricated by fraud? Did she partner with her husband to hustle billions from pensioners, charities, and CEOs? Was she his accomplice in stealing from their friends and neighbors? In the aftermath of Jake's deception, Phoebe faces an unbearable choice: If she remains at his side, her children refuse to see her, but abandoning the man she loves feels impossible.

©2017 Randy Susan Meyers (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Don't know much about...

This story lays out so many emotions of personal, familial, and inner and outer pain that it was difficult to listen to, from the very first chapter. Yet I was compelled to listen on--the mark of a really good book, eh?
I guess the moral of the story is every person is subject to the exquisite pain of living. But what we have, who we think we are, whether physical or emotional, can change in the blink of an eye. "The Widow of Wall Street" suffers all these losses and is able to make a new life for herself by reaching out for new relationships which is what untold numbers of others have also done after wenching loss (think of Holocaust survivors, war widows, etcl).
This was a great book conveying the life-wide spectrum of emotions. It left me in tears. It also leaves me wondering about Ruth Madoff and how she is doing now--I wish her every blessing GOD has for her.

Riveting account of greed and naivete on Wall st.

intrigued by the story of the dutiful wife remaining ignorant of the greed, dishonesty and fraud under her nose. childhood sweetheart turns to monster

In-depth Story Of ‘The Wife’s Side’

When I started listening to this I wondered if I cared. It seemed to be a fictionalization if the Bernie Maddoff story and I’m a bit over that. But this author does a great job of describing the rise of a woman who worked hard and loved and trusted her husband, and the day-to-day if growing a family.

The author also handles the suspense beautifully, as we watch friends and family give over their money eagerly, knowing where this will all end.

Though this is fiction, it humanized the idea of Ruth Maddoff and her sons for sure, and shows how a little dishonestly can get way out of hand.

I definitely recommend.

This book was a really good listen...

Phoebe, as a character, was so heartfelt and real but fell into the belief in a man like many women do.

I would recommend this book.

Here's a Miracle: Sympathy for Ruth Madoff

Any additional comments?

Well, Meyers did it: she made Ruth Madoff sympathetic, and made too, as much sense as possible of that rat Bernie Madoff...How did "it" happen? By not looking. Not even knowing how to look, perhaps - and certainly, not wanting to look. Back in the day, when this story begins, men's work was men only: women were (just) wives. And later, when "women's liberation" came along, there were still the habits of a lifetime, the compromises and adjustments any couple in a term-term relationship makes... It's easy not to see if what is hidden in the murk, is virtually unimaginable. The Ruth Madoff character was able to change. And that, in a novel - as in life - is a very interesting thing to observe.

Well written story of a family

I wasn't sure I would like a book where I already knew the ending but I did. The characters are well developed and likeable.

Couldn’t put it down

This book was so much richer and deeper than The HBO movie about Madoff. I loved getting an early glimpse into Mrs. Madoff’s life. Also glad that it was fiction based on true events. Kept me interested at each chapter.

Evocative Story of Greed and Deception

Randy Susan Meyer has written a compelling and powerful story, just like something out of the headlines. But the real story is not Jake's deception and greed. It's about Phoebe and their two children and the effect of his actions on them. How can they ever raise their heads and look at their friends again. It's so immensely humiliating. You feel it.

THE WIDOW OF WALL STREET at its core is intensely thought-provoking. Phoebe faced difficult decisions. She had been married to this man for over 45 years. They had raised two children together. She had always stood by his side. But could she continue to do so? What will it cost her if she does? How much would you be willing to forgive?

A well-written book that will keep you reading until late into the night! I listened to the Audible version of this book and thought the narrator, Susan Bennett's performance was fabulous.

This was my first book by Randy Susan Meyer, but I'm intrigued enough by her writing and subject matter to read more. She's also written: Accidents of Marriage (2015), The Comfort of Lies (2014) and the Murderer's Daughter (2011)

My trip flew by

Would you listen to The Widow of Wall Street again? Why?

I would. Narrator Susan Bennet is always one of my favorites and the story flew by.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Widow of Wall Street?

When the crime is revealed; Phoebe's reactions and well as the children's was shattering.

What about Susan Bennett’s performance did you like?

Bennett's tone and expression mirrored the emotion of every scene.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I almost drove an extra fifty miles to hear the end.

sooo Sad,..

Would you consider the audio edition of The Widow of Wall Street to be better than the print version?

i have not read the print version...but as the audible version...YES.i would totally loved the audible version..

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Widow of Wall Street?

knowing the details of the similar case of Bernie Madoffs crime...so many emotions while reading this book...from anger, sad, compassionate...and anger again...

What about Susan Bennett’s performance did you like?

WONDERFUL!...she pulled off so well and so easy to listen ..

If you could take any character from The Widow of Wall Street out to dinner, who would it be and why?

hmmmm, hard one...probably, Phobe...asking her did you really not know...?

Any additional comments?

READ THIS BOOK...i really had no idea about the Bernie Madoffs case...i know about his name but never fully understand what happened...now, a litter maturer...I GET IT AND EXPLAINED TO THE POINT WHERE I UNDERSTAND...