Customer Reviews:
 Totally Unique October 7, 2007
sylvia Beijing (Beijing, China)
13 out of 13 found this review helpful
It is rare if not totally unique to read a biography of a self made billionaire who decides in the prime of his life to anonymously give it all away to causes that truly make a difference: education, care of the elderly, global health and human rights and who at the same time was the secret financial backer of the seemingly impossible peace process in Northern Ireland. He had only one condition and that was that his name was never to be mentioned. For him the joy of giving was enough. In one case, the directors of the Da Nang Hospital in Vietnam were so obsessed with giving Chuck Feeney recognition, they had the six story medical building painted in green to honour Feeney's Irish heritage!
This book that could also be entitled The Power of One, was meticulously researched by one of Ireland's most distinguished journalists, Conor O'Clery who, at his own expense, followed the Chuck Feeney trail wherever the philanthropist made his donations. Over a time of 2 years Mr O'Clery, in his quest for authenticity, left no stone unturned in visiting every country that benefited from Mr Feeney's Atlantic Philanthropies. He interviewed family members, former partners, colleagues, friends and foes alike to give us this very readable account of this very unusual man who owns neither house not car. He gives us a detailed and fascinating account of how the fortune was made and in the process we learn a lot about the workings of Duty Free Shoppers, the world's largest duty-free chain; which in itself is an amazing story and the source of Feeney's immense wealth.
Feeney truly embodies the idea that the power of one individual can change the world.
Today as we read and hear of so much greed and excess it is truly heartwarming to have this biography of such a decent, truly good person.
Insights into a unique life May 8, 2008
Tareq W. Muhmood (Brunei)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I never heard of Chuck Feeney before reading this book, and the story is told in a methodical and entertaining fashion. The writer does not only highlight the glory of Chuck, but also runs through some of the personal challenges (failings?) of the great man. A fantastic insight, and a recommended read for all entrepreneurs and people of wealth.
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