My Friend Anna: The True Story of a Fake Heiress
Rachel DeLoache Williams
Jul 2019 · Simon and Schuster · Narrated by Rachel DeLoache Williams
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5 reviews
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9 hr 7 min
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
ONE OF TIME’S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
Sex and the City meets Bad Blood and Catch Me if You Can in this riveting true crime memoir that tells the astonishing firsthand story of Anna Delvey—the fake heiress who conned New York’s elite—and the friend she betrayed.
When Rachel DeLoache Williams meets Anna Delvey, Anna claims to be a wealthy German heiress with boundless ambition and an extravagant lifestyle. She treats generously, covering lavish dinners, luxury hotels, high-end workouts, and nights out across Manhattan. Drawn into Anna’s orbit, Rachel is flattered by the friendship and dazzled by the access it provides.
The illusion shatters during a dream trip to Marrakech, when Anna’s credit cards suddenly stop working. Anna insists the problem is temporary and persuades Rachel to front the costs—first flights, then meals and shopping, and ultimately a private villa costing thousands per night. By the time they return to New York, Rachel has been charged more than $62,000, and Anna’s promises of repayment quickly unravel.
As Rachel pieces together the truth, she discovers Anna has left a trail of unpaid bills and deception throughout the city. Determined to reclaim her life and dignity, Rachel goes to the authorities and finds herself at the center of the investigation that brings down one of the most infamous con artists of the decade.
Fast-paced, immersive, and deeply personal, this memoir offers an insider’s account of fraud, privilege, and the seductive power of ambition—told by the woman who lived it.
ONE OF TIME’S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
Sex and the City meets Bad Blood and Catch Me if You Can in this riveting true crime memoir that tells the astonishing firsthand story of Anna Delvey—the fake heiress who conned New York’s elite—and the friend she betrayed.
When Rachel DeLoache Williams meets Anna Delvey, Anna claims to be a wealthy German heiress with boundless ambition and an extravagant lifestyle. She treats generously, covering lavish dinners, luxury hotels, high-end workouts, and nights out across Manhattan. Drawn into Anna’s orbit, Rachel is flattered by the friendship and dazzled by the access it provides.
The illusion shatters during a dream trip to Marrakech, when Anna’s credit cards suddenly stop working. Anna insists the problem is temporary and persuades Rachel to front the costs—first flights, then meals and shopping, and ultimately a private villa costing thousands per night. By the time they return to New York, Rachel has been charged more than $62,000, and Anna’s promises of repayment quickly unravel.
As Rachel pieces together the truth, she discovers Anna has left a trail of unpaid bills and deception throughout the city. Determined to reclaim her life and dignity, Rachel goes to the authorities and finds herself at the center of the investigation that brings down one of the most infamous con artists of the decade.
Fast-paced, immersive, and deeply personal, this memoir offers an insider’s account of fraud, privilege, and the seductive power of ambition—told by the woman who lived it.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
ONE OF TIME’S 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
Sex and the City meets Bad Blood and Catch Me if You Can in this riveting true crime memoir that tells the astonishing firsthand story of Anna Delvey—the fake heiress who conned New York’s elite—and the friend she betrayed.
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5 reviews
Angel White
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November 8, 2021
Where to start...I wouldn't have picked this one up if it wasn't for this being a book club pick. I've seen it around and had it on a backlist but wasn't in a rush to read it. I struggled with giving this one a 2.5 to 3 starts but ended up at 3 for overall performance and captivation. I am not sure if it is just me, but I honestly have a hard time with believing the author's story 100%. On one hand she works in a major industry and has a great job. She is obviously smart and capable enough to thrive in a harsh industry. Then on the other hand, she claims deniability as she was blind-sighted by Anna and her treachery...and had absolutely no idea that something was horribly wrong until it was too late. At one point it is said by the detectives in the case she should have considered being an investigator. Hmmmm...really? How is that even possible when she so obviously lacks the fundamental capability of how to read a person and a situation... Now don't get me wrong...I am in no way discounting what she went through and could not imagine being swindled in that manner and left out to dry the way she was. I just don't believe that she didn't, on some level, know Anna wasn't who she said she was and at some level enjoyed living the "high" life enough that she chose to ignore the situations and signs that pointed to Anna's true self. The audio is read by the author and she does a great job with it. If you have heard of this story, I would say give this a go and decide for yourself. Let me know what you thought and let's discuss! Find me on Instagram: @bookn.all.night
About the author
Rachel DeLoache Williams was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a graduate of Kenyon College. In 2010, she moved to New York City and landed her dream job in the photo department of Vanity Fair, where she helped produce photo shoots, including those for the annual Hollywood and New Establishment issues, and worked with the magazine’s leading photographers and iconic subjects. My Friend Anna is her first book.
Rachel DeLoache Williams was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is a graduate of Kenyon College. In 2010, she moved to New York City and landed her dream job in the photo department of Vanity Fair, where she helped produce photo shoots, including those for the annual Hollywood and New E...
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