The Good Mothers: The Story of the Three Women Who Took on the World's Most Powerful Mafia
by Alex Perry
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As seen in The New YorkerAn unprecedented look inside a deadly and obscenely wealthy branch of the Italian mafia and the electrifying story of the women who risked everything to bring them down.
The Calabrian Mafia—known as the 'Ndrangheta—is one of the richest and most ruthless crime syndicates in the world, with branches stretching from America to Australia. It controls seventy percent of the cocaine and heroin supply in Europe, manages billion-dollar extortion rackets, brokers show more illegal arms deals—supplying weapons to criminals and terrorists—and plunders the treasuries of both Italy and the European Union.
The 'Ndrangheta's power derives from a macho mix of violence and silence—omertà. Yet it endures because of family ties: you are born into the syndicate, or you marry in. Loyalty is absolute. Bloodshed is revered. You go to prison or your grave and kill your own father, brother, sister, or mother in cold blood before you betray The Family. Accompanying the 'Ndrangheta's reverence for tradition and history is a violent misogyny among its men. Women are viewed as chattel, bargaining chips for building and maintaining clan alliances and beatings—and worse—are routine.
In 2009, after one abused 'Ndrangheta wife was murdered for turning state's evidence, prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti considered a tantalizing possibility: that the 'Ndrangheta's sexism might be its greatest flaw—and her most effective weapon. Approaching two more mafia wives, Alessandra persuaded them to testify in return for a new future for themselves and their children.
A feminist saga of true crime and justice, The Good Mothers is the riveting story of a high-stakes battle pitting a brilliant, driven woman fighting to save a nation against ruthless mafiosi fighting for their existence. Caught in the middle are three women fighting for their children and their lives. Not all will survive.
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This is the story of how the Italian government took down a mafia family by appealing to a weakness they didn't know they had: their wives and daughters. The mafia women were systemically mistreated to keep them from tarnishing the family honor. They became tired of being forbidden to choose a spouse, career, or even where they were allowed to go.
The Italian government ignored these women for years, and didn't use their testimonies to prosecute. This placed women who left in a horrible situation without protection. When the Italian police started to take these testimonies seriously, more women came forward to protect their children and themselves, and the mafia's secrets were revealed. A very exciting and interesting story: I learned a show more lot about Italian politics and law. show less
The Italian government ignored these women for years, and didn't use their testimonies to prosecute. This placed women who left in a horrible situation without protection. When the Italian police started to take these testimonies seriously, more women came forward to protect their children and themselves, and the mafia's secrets were revealed. A very exciting and interesting story: I learned a show more lot about Italian politics and law. show less
Very informative look at the Calabrian mafia, Italy. 3 courageous women give details of the mafia life, especially for the women. Clearly written, good book.
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TLS 6011
41 works; 1 member
Author Information
8 Works 255 Members
Awards and Honors
Awards
Distinctions
The Guardian Book of the Day (2018-02-13)
Common Knowledge
- Important places
- Italy
- Related movies
- The Good Mothers (2023 | IMDb)
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Politics and Government, Biography & Memoir, General Nonfiction, History
- DDC/MDS
- 364.106 — Social sciences Social problems and social services Criminology Criminal offenses Organized Crime
- LCC
- HV6452.5 .P47 — Social sciences Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology Crimes and offenses
- BISAC
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- 86
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- 369,866
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (4.23)
- Languages
- Dutch, English
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- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 12
- ASINs
- 2
