Just finished the Al D'Arco book and it's fucking GREAT. The trick is-- likely thanks to Al's amazing memory + co-writer Tom Robbins adding texture to Capeci's mob stuff-- it's a great Brooklyn/NYC memoir/history, not just a crime story.
1000% recommended, especially for those with an interest in context as well as action; read that way, the first part of the book which some found slow is just as interesting-- maybe even moreso-- than the rise & fall & revenge acting boss Al...
Also, though, we all know Casso was fucking psycho, this is a reminder of how crazy Amuso was too, almost up there with Persico.
I thought differently. Much of the history parts in the book are old stories being told again, for hundreth time. The authors made it seem as if Al D'Arco was teling tales never told before. They also make D'Arco sound like a hero, and the toughest of the tough. In one passage, he yells at Casso, and Casso turns meek. In others, Amuso is shown as so afraid of him he can't look him in the eye. A few ok parts, but not a very worthwhile book.
