Review of They Knew: How a Culture of Conspiracy Keeps America Conned by Sarah Kendzior
When I first picked up They Knew by Sarah Kendzior, I was intrigued not just by the title but by Kendzior’s reputation for cutting through the noise with sharp precision. As I delved into the book, I was struck by her fearless approach—she doesn’t dabble in the conditional tense; there’s no place for “could” or “might” in her compelling analysis of America’s convoluted relationship with truth and power. Instead, Kendzior presents her arguments with unwavering confidence, and this clarity drew me in immediately.
Kendzior’s exploration begins with a historical footnote, the tale of Norman Baker, an Arkansas charlatan who bilked desperate cancer patients out of their life savings. This story sets the tone for a broader examination of how lies have permeated American society—how “the bigger the lie, the more Americans accepted it.” This concept resonated deeply with me, as it reflects the disillusionment many of us feel in today’s landscape, where facts are often overshadowed by conspiracy. The author’s contention that “truth is an increasingly worthless currency in the land of the conned and complicit” serves not only as a wake-up call but also a sobering reminder of the stakes involved.
Throughout the book, Kendzior dives into topics like critical race theory, political corruption, and the pervasive influence of elite crime families, all while utilizing her unique style. I appreciated her determination to dissect complex issues without succumbing to waffling—this directness made her arguments all the more powerful. For example, her insight that “elected officials no longer attempt to win you over, they attempt to rewrite laws and district boundaries so that your vote is irrelevant” is a striking commentary that left me contemplating the nature of representation in America today.
However, one of the more nuanced elements of Kendzior’s discussion is her struggle to differentiate between conspiracies and conspiracy theories. While she rightly asserts the existence of real conspiracies impacting our everyday lives, her descriptions can sometimes feel like a linguistic tightrope walk—an effort to distance herself from wild claims while affirming her serious concerns about systemic corruption. This ironically felt like the weakest aspect of an otherwise robust, engaging narrative.
Kendzior effectively likens her research to an “octopus,” with its tentacles reaching into all facets of governance and society—a striking metaphor that highlights both the persistence and the insidious nature of corruption. This imagery lingers in the mind long after turning the last page, as does her assertion that “the American government will absolutely leave its citizens to die.” This kind of stark statement does not just shock; it prompts a visceral reaction, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths.
In this sobering climate of pervasive greed and elite impunity, They Knew does not shrink from sharing the ugly stories of those who dare to challenge the status quo—unraveling a world where the quest for truth can lead to untimely ends. By the close of the book, I felt a blend of rage and hope. While Kendzior paints a dire outlook for the future, she also ignites a collective sense of outrage. “We may not revolt as one, but we are revolted as one,” she notes accurately, inviting readers to find common ground in shared frustration.
I would recommend They Knew to anyone who is feeling disillusioned by current affairs and yearning for a clearer understanding of the machinations behind today’s conspiracies. Kendzior’s articulate and passionate narrative not only informs but urges action—an essential read for anyone who seeks to navigate the murky waters of contemporary culture.
In the end, reading Kendzior’s work was a deeply impactful experience, illuminating the intersections of truth, power, and the critical role we each play in shaping the narrative. It’s a call to awareness and perhaps, more importantly, a call to recognize our shared responsibility in holding those in power to account.
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