Sarah Jessica Parker Says Reading Patrick Radden Keefe’s New Book “London Falling” ‘Haunted’ Her

Sarah Jessica Parker recently took the stage to moderate the launch of Patrick Radden Keefe’s compelling new book, *London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth*, at New York’s renowned 92nd Street Y. The event, which took place on April 7, provided an intimate setting for Parker and Keefe to delve into the poignant narrative woven throughout the pages of this remarkable book.

*London Falling* recounts the tragic death of Zac Brettler, a young man who lost his life in 2019, aged just 19, after falling from a building into the River Thames. The narrative not only focuses on the events surrounding his death but also follows his family as they grapple with their loss and the quest for understanding. The story uncovers Zac’s secret life and the sinister criminal elements lurking beneath London’s glamorous exterior, as stated in the book’s description.

Parker, who has long been an admirer of Keefe’s work—including his acclaimed 2018 publication *Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland*—shared her emotional journey with *London Falling*. She revealed that the book had a profound impact on her, describing it as both “riveting” and “heart-rending” and admitting that it has haunted her since she first encountered it during the autumn of 2025. “The experience of reading your work is so singular… it was very unpleasant, because I couldn’t discuss it with anybody,” she confided to Keefe.

Remarkably, the genesis of *London Falling* can be traced back to the summer of 2023 when Keefe was filming a television adaptation of *Say Nothing*. It was during this time that he met the Brettler family through a mutual acquaintance who was familiar with their rabbi. Keefe explained the importance of building trust with the family throughout both the initial article he wrote for *The New Yorker* and the more extensive narrative found in the book.

Speaking candidly, Keefe recounted his approach to gaining the Brettlers’ confidence. “One thing I have to tell you is if we all hold hands and jump today… there are no take backs,” he remarked, highlighting the gravity of their decision to share their story. His transparency was crucial during this sensitive endeavour to document their experience accurately and respectfully.

The author also found deeper layers of resilience within the Brettler family as he learned about their background, particularly that both of Zac’s grandfathers were Holocaust survivors. “You have these stories of reinvention that play out across generations of London,” Keefe noted. For him, this not only enriched Zac’s narrative but also painted a larger picture of strength and perseverance among his family members—Matthew and Rachelle, Zac’s parents, and his brother, Joe.

Moreover, even after completing the book, Keefe discovered additional depth in its themes. A close friend of his, who read the manuscript, remarked on the book’s dual nature: it starts as a mystery, yet transforms into an exploration of grief. “There’s some bad, bad guys in this book who end up in prison or publicly humiliated, but ultimately, it’s about seeing Zac in a more complete way than they were able to when he was alive,” Keefe explained, underscoring the important message of keeping memory alive and honouring those who have passed.

*London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family’s Search for Truth* is now available at all major retailers, offering readers an insightful and emotional journey through the complexities of loss and the pursuit of truth amid tragedy. With Parker as a strong advocate for the book and its narrative, it is poised to invite reflection and discussion among its audience, much like the launch event itself.

The conversation between Parker and Keefe revealed not just the intricacies of the book but also the enduring power of storytelling in connecting lives, preserving legacies, and navigating the darkest corners of human experience.