Synopses & Reviews
Laurie Sandell grew up in awe (and sometimes in terror) of her larger-than-life father, who told jaw-dropping tales of a privileged childhood in Buenos Aires, academic triumphs, heroism during Vietnam, friendships with Kissinger and the Pope. As a young woman, Laurie unconsciously mirrors her dad, trying on several outsized personalities (Tokyo stripper, lesbian seductress, Ambien addict). Later, she lucks into the perfect job — interviewing celebrities for a top women's magazine.
Growing up with her extraordinary father has given Laurie a knack for relating to the stars. But while researching an article on her dad's life, she makes an astonishing discovery: he's not the man he says he is — not even close. Now, Laurie begins to puzzle together three decades of lies and the splintered person that resulted from them — herself.
Review
"The Impostor's Daughter is funny, frank, and absolutely engaging..." Susan Orlean, author of The Orchid Thief
Review
"Sophisticated and spellbinding...The Impostor's Daughter, is rife with dramatic family dynamics, secrets, and subterfuges....By uncovering the buried truths of [her father's] past life, she claims her own coming-of-age story." Elle
Review
"A stunner. From the opening page of Laurie Sandell's illustrated memoir, I was hooked.....You'll finish this page-turner in a single night — but the story will stay with you for much longer." Carole Radziwill, author of What Remains
About the Author
Laurie Sandell is a contributing editor at Glamour, where she writes cover stories, features, and personal essays. She has also written for Esquire, GQ, New York and In Style, among others. In her twenties, she spent four years traveling around the world, having unsavory experiences she later justified as "material."