They Knew, Sarah Kendzior
They Knew, Sarah Kendzior
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They Knew
How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Complacent

Author: Sarah Kendzior

Narrator: Sarah Kendzior

Unabridged: 9 hr 49 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/13/2022


Synopsis

This program is read by the author.

FINALIST FOR THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE

“Every sentence delivered. The pathos of truth-seeking left me thinking of Herman Melville."
—Timothy Snyder, #1 New York Times bestselling author of On Tyranny

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author Sarah Kendzior delves into the difference between conspiracy and conspiracy theory, "deftly separat[ing] fact from fiction in a conspiracy-addled nation" (VANITY FAIR).

"The topics covered in this audiobook may be rough going for listeners, but the author's commitment to sounding the alarm will keep them glued to their earbuds."- AudioFile

Conspiracy theories are on the rise because officials refuse to enforce accountability for real conspiracies. Uncritical faith in broken institutions is as dangerous as false narratives peddled by propagandists.

The truth may hurt—but the lies will kill us.

They Knew discusses conspiracy culture in a rapidly declining United States struggling with corruption, climate change, and other crises. As the actions of the powerful remain shrouded in mystery—“From Norman Baker to Jeffrey Epstein, Iran-Contra to January 6" (VF)—it is unsurprising that people turn to conspiracy theories to fill the informational void. They Knew exposes the tactics these powerful actors use to placate an inquisitive public.

Here, for the first time, Kendzior blends her signature whip-smart prose and eviscerating arguments with lyrical and intimate examinations of the times and places that haunt American history. "America is a ghost story," states Kendzior, as she unearths decades of buried history, providing an essential and critical look at how to rebuild our democracy by confronting the political lies and crimes that have shaped us.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

About Sarah Kendzior

Sarah Kendzior is the bestselling author of The View from Flyover Country, Hiding in Plain Sight, and They Knew. She lives with her husband and children in St. Louis, Missouri.


Reviews

Goodreads review by David

Sarah Kendzior never met a conditional tense she has any use for, it seems. Throughout They Knew, she never uses them. Readers will never come in contact with a would, should or could, a might or a may. There is no speculation, no competing theories, no hearing “from the other side.” Everything is c......more

Goodreads review by Rennie

She's a great writer, very smart and prescient and I love getting her thoughts on these topics, but this felt like it lacked something to make it cohesive. There's not a lot of exploration around the actual culture itself that makes America such a breeding ground for conspiracy theories or beliefs i......more

Goodreads review by Steve

If you read Hiding in Plain Sight, then you should almost certainly read this too. If you somehow missed Kendzior previously, it's a perfectly good place to start, although I'm guessing the whole (content plus delivery) goes down easier, if you're read Hiding in Plain Sight or if you listen to her p......more