The Phantom of Fifth Avenue

I had read Empty Mansions some years ago and found it dry, and rather slanted in favor of Huguette Clark's distant and estranged family members, who ultimately ended up inheriting the majority of her estate. This book is a much more balanced portrayal, and and was also just an easier read - the author is a great writer, and the excellent wordcraft and snappy pace made for a really engaging read. I recommend this book over Empty Mansions, which I felt was kind of a slog. One thing I will say about this book is that despite the author's genuine attempts to be "fair" to all parties, no one comes out looking great in this portrayal. Not Clark's father, who was one of the original robber barons and clearly did a lot of environmental damage in the name of making money (which unfortunately couldn't buy him taste). Not Clark's nurses, doctors, accountant and lawyer, all of whom were clearly taking advantage of a lonely, odd, old woman who clearly feared being alone more than she feared losing all of her money (and didn't have a great concept of money to begin with). Not Beth-Israel hospital, who acceded to Clark's whims to stay in the hospital as though it was a hotel because they thought they could wring some money out of her (I had no idea that if you were rich enough, you could just choose to stay in a hospital indefinitely, even if you were in good health, and take up a bed that might be needed for a sick person! Amazing). Not Huguette's parasitic and opportunistic extended family members, who clearly could not have cared less about Huguette until they figured out how old she was, and chose to make a grab for her estate. And quite honestly, not Huguette either. I think there may have been some neurodiversity going on - perhaps Huguette was on the autism spectrum, in a time when that wasn't well-understood - but to me, there is something quite sad about a woman of considerable means deciding to retreat into a dream world of dolls and dollhouses and kids' cartoons, insulating herself from the real world entirely, and being enabled in that by a group of opportunists and hangers-on who were more interested in the woman's money than the woman herself. It's honestly such a shame, how Huguette chose to live her life - despite people repeatedly referring to her as an "artist" (her art wasn't that great, TBH) she did little of consequence with her considerable time on this Earth, and left little of value that hadn't been purchased by her parents. And I think that's part of what's fascinating about the case. Imagine you had all the money you could possibly want or need, and yet you choose to live in a hospital, your closest companion a paid nurse who keeps extracting huge sums of money from you with sob stories, and you choose to spend your time watching cartoons and playing with dolls and cards all day. Meanwhile, huge properties - including a beautiful estate in California, and another in Connecticut, as well as incredibly expensive property in NYC, sit empty and unused. Clark could have - and should have - done more with her life, and her wealth, than play with dolls and watch cartoons and play solitaire, but she did not, either due to neurodivergence no one diagnosed (and helped her develop success skills for) or because she was genuinely mentally ill, and again, no one helped her. I honestly lean toward mental illness, as I don't think a mentally healthy person would have allowed her face to be partially eaten away by skin cancer before seeking help - but who knows. Now her estate has been scattered to the winds - likely to be squandered by the same people who either actively extorted Huguette's money from her, or didn't care about her until she was about to die. The "arts foundation" she tried to establish in her will has yet to launch and a group of very wealthy people are pleading for the public's help in restoring the property, despite all the money Huguette had during her life, and despite all the money those rich individuals have now (what a joke!). A sad situation, all around. The book made me grateful not to be rich - I wouldn't have traded Huguette Clark's lonely, pointless life for my own for all the money in the world.

I read Empty Mansions three years ago and was fascinated by it. Last week I read this book, The Phantom of Fifth Avenue, and found it just as interesting. Reading it was a bit like re-reading Empty Mansions, which I also plan to do (both will be great re-reads in ten plus years). This book has slightly less coverage of William Clark's early life and career, but not significantly less. I mention that because his story is of major interest to me. As you would expect, each author covers topics differently. But not significantly different. Basically, you learn more facts and more angles if you read both books. Neither is "better". This one, The Phantom of Fifth Avenue, has gripping coverage of the estate fight at the end of the book, which is a satisfying way to finish up a significant investment of your time (400 pages). This book (and the other one too, actually) do not preach or inject personal values to any great extent. Ome might detect slightly different bias here and there in the two books. I think in spite of herself, Ms. Gordon has some sympathy for the nurse who plays a central role in Ms. Clarkes later life, and who, for some, is something of a villain. But you can tell Ms. Gordon is determined to be as neutral as possible, which makes the book a good read. The question you might ask is which one to read? Either one is a good choice. And another question is whether it is worth reading both? I did not imagine I'd read a second book on the topic when I first read the story, but I found that the story is so fascinating, as time passed (3 years) I was compelled to read the second one (there are probably more, actually … I have not checked). And this second book was good.

I really enjoyed this book. So much interesting information, apparently drawn from actual documentation. First chapter seems like it might just be sensationalist narrative of snarky battle for money but not at all. The book tells the story of Huguette's life starting with history of her parents and takes us through the decades. So much interesting detail into the fascinating life of a very interesting person. The writing is very good and I don't know why this is compared unfavorably by others to "Empty Mansions." I read that one awhile back and enjoyed them both. This book reveals a lot about the hobbies and interests of Huguette. It includes details of fine antiques, artwork, entertainment, pass-times and excursions she enjoyed throughout her life. If you'd enjoy reading about the extravagant lifestyles of the uber-rich a century ago and the eccentricities of a kind, generous and intelligent lady, this book's for you.

I loved this book - well written - incredibly well researched - a real page turner. I couldn’t put it down!! I ended up jumping on a 777 and jetting out to LA for an unforgettable near personal tour of Bellosquardo at Santa Barbara. Due in part to this book. BUY IT today!!!! What a story!

A little long on the history of the Clark's money at the beginning but the pace built up and it was very important to understanding how these fortunes in the 1800's were built. Poor Huegette. You couldn't help but feel sorry for her. Rich, smart, talented and generous, and yet she was stuck in her own little world for all her life. She must be rolling over about now knowing that any of her remaining "family" got one cent from her. Only when she was dying did they give a hoot about her. They didn't even know she was still alive. And those leeches that surrounded her beginning with the "nurses", the lawyers, the executors, doctors, the hospital, all of them should be ashamed. She was lonely, had no family, and they took advantage of her buying their attention and affection. Really disgusting people. Only people with no souls do that..

Really interesting story

Great read. Couldn't put this book down . Interesting what happens to people when large sums of money is involved

A brilliant read of a true story.

Growing up in the richest of circumstances, in the lap of luxury. World traveller, her parents enamoured never said no. What happens when a spoiled little rich girl is left alone? Is she able to handle life?

Wow