Sarah Jessica Parker claims Patrick Radden Keefe’s 'London Falling' left her ‘haunted’

Patrick Radden Keefe's newest book deeply affected Sarah Jessica Parker.

On April 7, the actress and publisher led a discussion with the journalist and renowned author at an event to celebrate his novel, London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth at the 92nd Street Y in New York City.

London Falling recounts the story of Zac Brettler, who, in 2019, died at the age of 19 after falling off a London structure into the River Thames. 

The book follows the Brettler family's journey for clarity, Zac's hidden life, and the “menacing criminal underworld beneath London's shining facade,” according to the book's overview.

Parker, a long-time supporter of Keefe's works, such as his 2018 book Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, mentioned that she first encountered London Falling in the autumn of 2025. The book evolved from a 2024 article Keefe penned for The New Yorker.

“I discovered it to be utterly engrossing and poignant, and it lingered with me,” Parker remarked about London Falling. “In certain aspects, it remains with me. I believe the process of reading your work is unique, yet it was quite frustrating, because I couldn't share it with anyone.”

“I truly respected your wish that I keep it private and not misplace it on the number 1 train or elsewhere,” Parker continued to Keefe. “And I adhered devoutly to that promise, but it didn't bring me much happiness to be solely with this incredible book.”

Keefe shared that his inspiration for London Falling sparked while in London, working on the TV version of Say Nothing in the summer of 2023. 

He met the Brettler family through a contact who was familiar with the family's rabbi.

Keefe elaborated on the efforts taken to gain the family's trust during the book and article creation process.

“I find it essential to be — arguably more in this endeavor than any previous ones — incredibly open,” Keefe noted. “One thing I mentioned to the Brettlers when they were considering participating was, ‘If we agree to proceed and you decide to share your story, there's no reversing that choice.’”

During his research, Keefe uncovered a broader “inspiring” saga related to the Brettler family, as both of Zac's grandfathers survived the Holocaust.

“When I initially heard that tale, my writer's instinct thought, ‘Isn't this compelling?’ You find stories of transformation that unfold through generations in London,” Keefe explained. “I initially viewed it purely in this light. However, I noticed something about the Brettlers — this refers to [Zac's parents] Matthew and Rachelle and [brother] Joe — which is their exceptional resilience.”

As the writer commented, even upon completion, the book unveiled fresh insights.

“A close friend read the draft as soon as I completed it,” Keefe shared. “He called me afterwards and commented, ‘This book is intriguing. Initially, it reads as a mystery or thriller, but midway, it becomes clear it’s a study in grief.’”

“This book has some terribly unscrupulous individuals who face punishment or disgrace,” Keefe added. 

“However, it differs in this instance; it’s about gaining a complete understanding of Zac beyond what was possible during his life, keeping his memory alive, and progressing forward.”

London Falling: A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and Family's Search for Truth is now available at all major book outlets.