Structure

The main body of the narrative consists of two sections (the division is informal, based more on language, perspective, and tone more than any indication in the text of “Section One” or “Section Two”). The first section takes up approximately the first three-quarters of the book, and is focused on the intentions and operations of Theranos, a combination tech company and health-care provider founded by college dropout Elizabeth Holmes. In general, each of the chapters within this section of the book functions on two levels. The first is as part of the chronological consideration of the company’s activities from approximately 2006 to 2018. The second juxtaposes those considerations with the experiences of specific individuals who worked for Theranos, and who have recounted details of their experiences as part of the various investigations into the company.

The final quarter of the book is focused on the intentions and actions...