Icarus

A True Story

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Middlesex and The Virgin Suicides comes an intimate memoir of his father’s spectacular rise–and tragic end.

A few days before Thanksgiving 1994, Jeffrey Eugenides’s father, Gus, was piloting a small plane when it crashed in Daytona Beach, Florida. The circumstances surrounding his death added to the mystery of a life that defied expectations, but left many questions unanswered.

Now, more than 30 years later, Eugenides tells the story of how his father, a first-generation American, rose from Detroit’s east side to find financial success as a mortgage banker and real estate developer–only to lose it all. Was he the victim of a series of bad breaks, or did his dogged pursuit of the American Dream lead him to overextend and overreach? And, ironically, what role did the U.S. government play in bringing ruin to this most patriotic of citizens?

Written in an engaging style more direct than that of his novels, Eugenides appears here unmasked to deliver a moving account of his relationship with his indomitable father, a man for whom he felt admiration, exasperation, gratitude, tenderness, pity and love. Read by the author, this deeply personal audio journey invites listeners to join Eugenides as he finally confronts the truth of his father's last flight.

Additional narration provided by Barrett Leddy, Neil Hellegers, and Vikas Adam.

©2025 Jeffrey Eugenides (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC.

Beautiful Tribute

This must have been very hard for the author to write. A very personal piece. It was a last goodbye and an I love you. He really did his father’s memory a solid. Narration and sound was great. Thanks for sharing your father’s last chapter. You gave him the respect and goodbye that proud man deserved.

Authentic & Compelling Memorial

Loved this touching, truthful retrospective exploration of his father's untimely death that was 30 years in the making before he was finally able to confront the truth & sadness.

Charmingly Sticky

Loved the writing, number of details perfect. The reader doesn't feel bogged down, but as if we knew his dad or are sitting around the dinner table hearing family stories. I loved it and couldn't put it down.

They're always talking.

So poignant it hurts. The complicated death of a parent can take years to reconcile. I know.

Very moving

I loved it! It was well-written and such a unique life story. You really want to listen to this rather than read it to get the true sense of his father’s experience.h