Book SummaryThe Prince of Paradise, by John Glatt

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Prince of Paradise

Fontainebleau Hotel's Rise and Fall: Novack Family's Role

Ben Novack Sr.'s Transformation of Miami Beach

Glatt dedicates a significant portion of his book to describing Ben Novack Sr.'s involvement in creating Miami Beach's legendary Fontainebleau Hotel. Novack Sr., the son of Russian Jewish immigrants, learned the hotel trade in the Catskills. After a failed attempt at retail in New York during the Depression, he arrived at Miami Beach in 1940 with his wife, Bella.

He capitalized on the World War II influx of soldiers, securing lucrative government contracts to accommodate troops in his growing chain of hotels. After World War II, with his newfound wealth, Novack partnered with Harry Mufson to construct the Sans Souci hotel, drawing on the talents of architect Morris Lapidus to create an "elegant and grand" aesthetic that would become his signature. The Sans Souci's success fueled Ben Novack Sr.'s grand vision: to create the ultimate pleasure palace, a symbol of the burgeoning glamour of Miami Beach. That vision would be realized via the Fontainebleau Hotel.

Built on the former site of Harvey Firestone's sprawling oceanfront estate, the Fontainebleau quickly became a phenomenon upon its grand opening in December 1954. It became a playground for the rich and famous, attracting stars like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and members of the Rat Pack. It also drew notorious figures involved with organized crime, including Meyer Lansky and Salvatore Giancana, further cementing the establishment's reputation for extravagant entertainment and an air of danger. The author describes Novack Sr.'s close relationships with these figures and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's persistent surveillance of the hotel for suspected Mob activity, including skimming profits and money laundering.

Context

• Experience gained in the Catskills often influenced hoteliers' future ventures, as they applied lessons learned about customer service, marketing, and operations to other locations.
• Novack Sr.'s move to Miami Beach could have been motivated by the desire to escape the economic hardships of the Depression in New York and to capitalize on new opportunities in a growing market.
• Securing government contracts during the war provided businesses with a stable source of income, as the government paid for services rendered, reducing financial risk during uncertain economic times.
• The Sans Souci hotel contributed to Miami Beach's reputation as a glamorous destination. It set a precedent for luxury and style that influenced subsequent developments in the area.
• Despite his success, Lapidus faced criticism from architectural purists who dismissed his work as gaudy or superficial. However, his designs have since been reevaluated and appreciated for their creativity and impact on popular culture.
• After World War II, the United States experienced significant economic growth, which led to increased consumer spending and travel. This economic climate provided opportunities for entrepreneurs like Novack Sr. to invest in luxury hospitality ventures.
• The development of large hotels like the Fontainebleau played a crucial role in boosting Miami Beach's economy, turning it into a hub for tourism and entertainment, which was essential for the city's growth post-World War II.
• The Fontainebleau became a cultural icon, featured in numerous films and television shows, including the James Bond movie "Goldfinger" and the TV series "The Sopranos," enhancing its legendary status.
• The hotel's design by Morris Lapidus was groundbreaking, featuring sweeping curves and innovative spaces that became a backdrop for the glamorous lifestyle of its celebrity guests.
• Salvatore "Sam" Giancana was a prominent Chicago mob boss who played a significant role in organized crime during the mid-20th century. He...

The Prince of Paradise Summary Novack Family: Troubled Lives and Criminal Ties

Ben Novack Senior's Tumultuous Relationships

John Glatt significantly emphasizes the complex and often troubled relationships that shaped the Novacks. Ben Novack Sr. possessed charisma and was ruthless in business, but he was also a deeply flawed husband and father. Throughout his life, relentless ambition, a thirst for luxury, and a penchant for attractive women motivated him.

His unions were marked by adultery and acrimony. His first marriage to Bella ended in divorce after he fell for model Bernice Stempel, and Bella received the valuable land on which the Sans Souci stood. His third marriage to Janie Strong, a woman much younger than him, ended after a mere three years.

Even though Bernice was his longest-lasting marriage, Glatt portrays it as a union more of convenience than love. He highlights Bernice's eventual resignation to being seen as just an ornamental spouse, her growing isolation in the hotel's opulent yet suffocating world, and her spouse's well-known extramarital affairs as sources of tension and disillusionment.

Practical Tips

• Create a "relationship map" to visually represent the connections in your life. Draw circles for each significant...

The Prince of Paradise Summary Alleged Murder Plot and Mysterious Deaths of Ben Novack Jr. and Mother Bernice

Why Authorities Suspected Narcy Novack Planned the Killings

Glatt outlines what investigators would later present as Narcy Novack's primary motive for planning the murders: greed and the preservation of her extravagant lifestyle. As Ben became increasingly dissatisfied with their marriage, his attraction to a younger woman named Rebecca Bliss prompting him to consider divorce, Narcy believed she stood to lose everything.

The author notes that the prenup from 1991 was extremely unfavorable to Narcy, offering her a mere $65,000 upon divorce. In stark contrast, Ben's estate plan gave Narcy everything he owned, valued at millions of dollars. By killing Ben Jr. after orchestrating Bernice Novack's murder, Narcy would be the sole inheritor of the Novack family’s immense fortune.

Context

• Extramarital affairs can complicate legal and financial situations in a marriage, often leading to considerations of divorce and the subsequent division of assets.
• An estate plan can include wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of appointment, property ownership, and powers of attorney. It ensures that the individual's wishes are honored and can help avoid legal disputes...

The Prince of Paradise Summary Ben Novack Jr. Murder: Investigation, Trial, Aftermath

Initial Investigation by Rye Brook Police

Glatt details the Rye Brook Police Department's methodical approach into Ben Jr.'s murder, starting with the immediate questioning of Narcy Novack, who was found by police at the scene of the crime and appeared strangely detached in the wake of her husband's brutal beating. Glatt explains how her inconsistent explanations for the events, her implausible alibis, and her attempts to divert suspicion towards others by offering unsubstantiated allegations regarding her husband's alleged sexual proclivities and enemies raised red flags for the investigators.

The author highlights the frustration of police in Rye Brook over Ben Jr. calling off the investigation into the 2002 incident after reconciling with Narcy. Detectives found Narcy's 2002 claims that she had simply restrained Ben as part of a sex game unconvincing, pointing to Novack's refusal to answer simple questions about his wife's involvement, and his insistence on recording calls to extract evidence of her menacing him, as indications that Narcy was responsible for the attack.

Practical Tips

• Role-play investigative scenarios with friends or family where one person...