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Nicholas Pileggi

Wiseguy

"Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi is a compelling and captivating true-crime novel that delves into the inner workings of the American Mafia. The book, which was later adapted into the hit film "Goodfellas," follows the life of Henry Hill, a mobster who worked for the Lucchese crime family in New York. Pileggi's writing is sharp, vivid, and unapologetic, providing readers with an unfiltered look at the brutal and often glamorized world of organized crime. The book is structured as a series of vignettes, each detailing a different aspect of Hill's life, from his early days as a small-time thug to his eventual downfall and cooperation with law enforcement. One of the strengths of "Wiseguy" is the author's ability to humanize Hill, despite his criminal activities. Pileggi portrays Hill as a complex character, driven by a mix of ambition, loyalty, and fear. The reader can't help but feel a sense of sympathy for Hill, even as he recounts his involvement in heinous crimes such as murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. Another notable aspect of the book is the detailed and insightful portrayal of the Mafia's organizational structure and code of conduct. Pileggi provides a fascinating look at the hierarchy of the Mafia, the rules that govern it, and the consequences of breaking those rules. Overall, "Wiseguy" is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, organized crime, or the inner workings of the American Mafia. It is a gripping and thought-provoking book that will leave readers questioning their perceptions of loyalty, power, and the allure of the criminal underworld...