The End of Normal

De: Stephanie Madoff Mack

Narrado por: Stephanie Madoff Mack

An explosive, heartbreaking memoir from the widow of Mark Madoff and daughter-in-law of Bernard Madoff, the first genuine inside story from a family member who has lived through- and survived-both the public crisis and her own deeply personal tragedy.

When the news of Bernard Madoff 's Ponzi scheme broke, Americans were shocked and outraged, perhaps none more so than the unsuspecting members of his own family. After learning that their father's legendarily successful wealth management company was "all just one big lie," Mark and Andrew Madoff turned their father in and cut off all communication with both parents. Mark and his wife, Stephanie, strove to make a fresh start for the sake of their two young children, but Mark could not overcome his sense of betrayal and shame-he and other family members were sued for $200 million in October of 2009. He hung himself on the two-year anniversary of his father's arrest. Left to raise her children as a single mother, Stephanie wrote this memoir to give them a sense of who their father really was, defend his innocence, and put her personal statement on record once and for all. In this candid insider account, she talks about her idyllic wedding to Mark on Nantucket, what it was really like to be a part of the Madoff family, the build-up to Bernard's confession, and the media frenzy that followed. It is about the loss of the fairytale life she knew, adjusting to life with a man she hardly recognized anymore, and the tragic and final loss of her husband.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[An] explosive memoir...[Madoff Mack] reveals what it was like to marry into the Madoff family and how she coped when it imploded." -People

"[P]erhaps the most truly 'insider' account of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme to date...engrossing from the start...Madoff Mack's account contains personal details that make the book worth reading....[F]ascinating."
-Clare O'Connor, Forbes

"[A] moving and revealing memoir...Stephanie finally tells her side of the story."
-Nanette Varian, MORE.com

"The End of Normal gives an intimate account of Mark Madoff's two years of torment over the infamous swindle that wiped out thousands of investors and-by his wife's account-left him a man broken beyond repair."
-Tom Hays, Associated Press

"This is a love story wrapped up in a news story, and that's tricky to tell, because there is a really deep bond between these two people, Stephanie and Mark....Stephanie is just coming forward because she wants people to hear her, and her husband's, version of what their life has been. It's as pure and as simple as that."
-Chris Cuomo, ABC's 20/20

“The End of Normal is a riveting account of life inside the Madoff family as it self-destructed. Stephanie tells her personal story with stark candor and startling courage, and in the face of tragedy, she exudes an undaunted spirit for the sake of her children. This is a heartbreaking tribute to a beloved husband, and a stunning read.”
- Linda Fairstein, New York Times bestselling author of Night Watch

Riveting story of a family disaster

After Bernie Madoff became the most hated man in the world and by extension his sons were considered that too, the brothers created a rift between them when they should have stuck together. The narration was great as it was read by the author herself and she doesn't hesitate to reveal her feelings! Her husband is just as bad when it comes to dealing with a family crisis. He gave his mother an ultimatum either to divorce Madoff or he would never speak to her. The author handles her anger against her husband by smashing his iPhone. The author is very demanding in her life, but she wrote a good book!

Hard to listen to, so sad

This is a difficult book to listen to. I feel so sorry for this poor family, all members of this family. My heart goes out to Stephanie's kids the most. Yes, Bernie Madoff abused all around him. There is no doubt. All suffered because of his greed. However, a worse abuse to children is having a father abandon them through the act of suicide. This is a far graver offense though I can not judge what emotional turmoil Stephanie's husband endured. Our public, our media is cruel. It's all so tragic. I can't imagine how Stephanie has endured. I hope she and her children find peace.

Worth the read

Would you consider the audio edition of The End of Normal to be better than the print version?

There is nothing better than to hear the author read her own story.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Living with greed and its effect on mental health.

probably biased but fascinating listen

The truth of the Madoff story will not be known for decades. Stephanie Madoff Mack tells a personal and very difficult tale from her own perspective and experience. I enjoyed listening to this book and feel very badly for all the people whose lives have been so very damaged by the actions of Bernie Madoff.

Very moving & revealing story

I loved the honestly in this book. This is a very touching story of love & loss. Highly recommend.