The Hiltons

The True Story of an American Dynasty

By: J. Randy Taraborrelli

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

The Hiltons is a sweeping saga of the success-and excess-of an iconic American family.

Demanding and enigmatic, patriarch Conrad Hilton's visionary ideas and unyielding will established the model for the modern luxury hotel industry. But outside the boardroom, Conrad struggled with emotional detachment, failed marriages, and conflicted Catholicism. Then there were his children: Playboy Nicky Hilton's tragic alcoholism and marriage to Elizabeth Taylor was the stuff of tabloid legend. Barron Hilton, on the other hand, deftly handled his father's legacy, carrying the Hilton brand triumphantly into the new millennium.

Eric, raised apart from his older brothers, accepted his supporting role in the Hilton dynasty with calm and quiet-a stark contrast to the boys' much younger half-sister Francesca, whose battle for recognition led her into courtrooms and conflict. The cast of supporting players includes the inimitable Zsa Zsa Gabor, who was married to Conrad briefly and remained a thorn in his side for decades, and a host of other Hollywood and business luminaries with whom the Hiltons crossed paths and swords over the years.

Fascinating

Fascinating story of a hotel dynasty.The story behind how the Hilton brand became what it is, is a lot more fascinating than it may at first seem. This book covers it well.

Surprisingly good and interesting story

Would you listen to The Hiltons again? Why?

I don't listen to books more than once because I have so many new ones to listen to.

What other book might you compare The Hiltons to and why?

The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy--an in-depth look at these men in their times.
Both were self-made men who had a tremendous impact on society and those around them.

What does Robert Petkoff bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It was a compelling listen.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, but I was surprised by two things. First, the extent to which Zsa Zsa Gabor, as Hilton's ex-wife, stayed in his life until his death. Second, how his heirs (including Paris and her siblings) got so rich in spite of Conrad Hilton's insistence that his fortune be left to charity. He believed strongly that everyone should earn their own fortune.

Any additional comments?

I thought this might be a gossipy-type book, but it was well- researched and written. I was fascinated by the life and story of Conrad Hilton and his family.

Lovely and engaging

This book humanized Mr Hilton and gave a brief insight into his legacy. I am sure many of his progeny would consider themselves self made yet this disproves that. How can one be self made when they stand in the shadow of such a person. I enjoyed the lightness of the tale. It was very entertaining. The smell of pure wealth oozed from the story. I got just enough dirt to not like the characters and all the glamour to be intrigued.

What an amazing legacy!

I really, enjoyed reading about the beginnings of the Hilton dynasty, it was superbly written and meticulously narrated. I found after listening to this that, people, all people; no matter how rich or poor, are fundamentally the same.
I didn't know whether to love, or hate Mr. Conrad Hilton. On one hand he was driven, ambitious and completely focused on getting ahead but, very stubborn to the point of being so, narrow minded that he was cruel to those he loved; or claimed to love.
I also respected his being a man of faith, which made him unique in the business world. But, unfortunately, usually when a person is religious and ambitious and most of all as stubborn as he was; that more often then not, leads to treating others as though you're above them. And he was like that. He believed strongly in not overindulgence as far as his family, which is commendable but, he acted as if it were a "dogma" instead of a principle to live by
I admire and respect him for his accomplishments but, ultimately I found him to be a greedy, closeminded, mizer. But, it was an excellent telling of a life.

Well researched

I like the narration and story line. So entertaining especially Zsa Zsa and sad about Nicky Hilton.