Chapters 3 and 4 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 3

Marc Rich was born in Antwerp, Belgium. Before World War II, Rich's father, David Reich, like thousands of Frankfurt Jewish merchants, moved to Antwerp. Reich was a low-level trader, selling and buying anything that would make a profit. Young Marc apparently spent much time alone while his parents focused on their business. However, the overpowering presence of David Reich made a life-long impression on his son.

Fearing the Nazis, the family fled from Europe in the early 1940s and landed in the US in Missouri. Rich was remembered as a quiet high school student who did not leave a lasting impression on teachers or peers, even though he was apparently bright being fluent in three languages. Rich made few friends and participated in no extracurricular activities.

Marc's future did not look particularly bright during his school years in...