I liked this novel because it is different from any other Mafia novel which I have ever read. Its villain is unique, and definitely not your typical Mafioso. After all, how many mobsters do business from a cemetery? The books voice is nostalgic and romantic regarding its subject matter, yet cold and calculating in its delivery at times, usually when someone is being killed. Its chapters paint lovely portraits of Italy. I've been to Napoli, Sicily and Rome and this book does a great job of mentally transporting you to there. Obviously the author has intimate knowledge of Italian culture, customs and especially cuisine. Eat something before you read this book because the food is described so deliciously you'll get hungry.
The book is set during the Heroin wars which almost destroyed Italy during the 1980's. La Cosa Nostra was in turmoil, and the government was caught in the middle. It is a time in Italian history I knew nothing about. The book's hero is realistic and three dimensional. The novel asks the question, "How much does a man have to give to his job and even his country? His family? His life? My only criticism of this book is that some descriptions and back story are lengthy and slow down the dramatic tension of the story. However, there are plenty of nicely written drive-by executions, explosions and assassinations to satisfy. I recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction, Italian history, organized crime readers and anyone who enjoys a good Mafia story. show more I will be following this first-time author in the future. show less
The book is set during the Heroin wars which almost destroyed Italy during the 1980's. La Cosa Nostra was in turmoil, and the government was caught in the middle. It is a time in Italian history I knew nothing about. The book's hero is realistic and three dimensional. The novel asks the question, "How much does a man have to give to his job and even his country? His family? His life? My only criticism of this book is that some descriptions and back story are lengthy and slow down the dramatic tension of the story. However, there are plenty of nicely written drive-by executions, explosions and assassinations to satisfy. I recommend this book to any lover of historical fiction, Italian history, organized crime readers and anyone who enjoys a good Mafia story. show more I will be following this first-time author in the future. show less
Great writing, some interesting characters, poor story. Lost interest half-way through the book. I liked his earlier book "Drown" much more.
A very funny, well written and engrossing book about a loving and dysfunctional Chinese family trying to find their way in America. Anyone who grew up in a third world home, and stepped out into first world America every morning will appreciate this book, be they Chinese, Latino, Irish or Pakistani. His childhood is filled with love, confusion, sadness, irony and a lot of humor. This book clearly and lovingly conveys the struggles and hard earned successes of growing up in the states. It does a wonderful job at staying light and humorous with funny stories about his family. I loved the Chinese dialogue, and non-Chinese readers will appreciate his translations. The scenes with his parents are hilarious. Eddie and his family are both fascinated and appalled by America, especially the food. His descriptions of Asian and American food are delightful and it is obvious that food is a friend and refuge. Chief Huang’s love of the smells, textures and symbolism of food have even influenced his writing. He is also very adept at diving deeply and letting you see feel the pain and loneliness that permeated almost every day of his life, but he does not stay submerged for too long and laughs are frequent.
The novel adroitly tells the story of the family’s immigration from China to Orlando Florida in the mid 1980’s. And while it may seem like a family’s story on the surface, it is really about a confused little boy who grows into a pissed off young man trying to survive in show more multiple worlds – his home, America, Asian friendships, non-Asian-friendships, relationships and more. I grew up in Bronx, New York, and in our black and tan neighborhoods we were safe, everyone was the same, not true for people like Eddie Huang. He was never safe. The book clearly relays the bigotry and prejudice Asians have endured in America, and it made me look at the immigrant experience through different eyes.
Huang’s voice is casual and rough but capable of passionate and tight prose reminiscent of Junot Diaz, the Dominican-American writer. From their casual regional English to their mutual understanding of the hilarious irony of real life. Unfortunately, Mr. Huang uses street slang a little too often. Sometimes the vernacular language is unfamiliar and confusing. I would be happily reading when suddenly I’d read a phrase and jerk to a suddenly stop. Luckily it did not happen often. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, and I will certainly be checking out this authors next book. show less
The novel adroitly tells the story of the family’s immigration from China to Orlando Florida in the mid 1980’s. And while it may seem like a family’s story on the surface, it is really about a confused little boy who grows into a pissed off young man trying to survive in show more multiple worlds – his home, America, Asian friendships, non-Asian-friendships, relationships and more. I grew up in Bronx, New York, and in our black and tan neighborhoods we were safe, everyone was the same, not true for people like Eddie Huang. He was never safe. The book clearly relays the bigotry and prejudice Asians have endured in America, and it made me look at the immigrant experience through different eyes.
Huang’s voice is casual and rough but capable of passionate and tight prose reminiscent of Junot Diaz, the Dominican-American writer. From their casual regional English to their mutual understanding of the hilarious irony of real life. Unfortunately, Mr. Huang uses street slang a little too often. Sometimes the vernacular language is unfamiliar and confusing. I would be happily reading when suddenly I’d read a phrase and jerk to a suddenly stop. Luckily it did not happen often. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, and I will certainly be checking out this authors next book. show less