From Gangland to Promised Land: Meet the Man Behind the Machete

by John Pridmore

He was a serious 'Face' in the London underworld. His jackets were tailored to hold his machete. His drug deals earned him thousands of pounds. Penthouse apartment, luxury cars, designer clothes and women. John Pridmore had everything he wanted. Until one night outside a London club he nearly killed a man.

Genres: Biography, Religion, Nonfiction, Crime, Autobiography, Catholic

239 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[David Spence · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pish.

[Zachary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I greatly respect Mr. Pridmore for his oratorial skills and his personal depth of character; Mr. Pridmore even spoke to my Confirmation students, and they really responded well to him. Unfortunately, I have to say that I do not find his writing ability to match the power of his personal presence.

This book is split nearly in two: Bad, and Good. The author acknowledges his conversion is a process, but for the most part this seems to be an afterthought. There also are only so many times that a person can read "blood was pouring from his head [or 'nose and head' or 'head and mouth' or 'nose and head and mouth']" before that person gets bored by the repetition. By the same token, there is only so many times that a person can read "this girl/boy came up to me... and then burst into tears" and "one particular boy... and then we all started sobbing" before the same person begins to wonder whether the volume of tears requires the building of a new Ark.

I greatly respect John Pridmore, but I do not find his book exceptional. But I do sincerely hope that he continues to speak, as that is definitely his strength.

[Ken Madsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real page turner. Written in a conversational manner, Mr. Pridemore takes us on the journey of his life. He had a very happy childhood until his parents decided to divorce. This event shook the very foundation of his wellbeing. Hurt and disillusioned, he takes out his frustrations and hurt through a life of crime. It's reminiscent of the Goodfellas movie, except this is real. As he becomes more and more successful, he believes he's on top of the world - money, drugs, power and women.

Things change drastically as he gets into a fight and believes he's killed a man. The event gets him to start questioning his life. Through the process, he realizes there is someone who loves him unconditionally - God the Father. As with Ignatius of Loyola, the overwhelming feeling of love does not dissipate like the drugs and sex. Mr. Pridemore commits his life to God and in the process, sets off on another adventure - leaving everything in God's hand.

It's a beautiful story of redemption and salvation.

[Rashaad Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about a man who went from being a hardcore gangster to becoming a honest man of God. And it show how just because u lived a life of sin doesn't mean you can change. This book is good for mature kids.

[Kaye Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having heard John speak at Church last year I was thrilled to hear he had a book. (Actually he has more than 1). He was giving them away free for anyone who couldn't afford to buy one, and though tempted to nab one for gratis, I paid and am glad I did. John's life story is inspirational, going from a violent gangster to an evangelist - doing what God leads him to do. I recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians - it is a book with ethical values and shows that a broken childhood does not mean a broken adulthood if you listen to Jesus. Read it - you won't be disappointed.

[Maurício Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma história de vida impressionante. A primeria parte - que não chega a metade do livro, mas é um pouco longa e descritiva demais - trata de todos os excessos que um gangster inglês pode cometer. Não deixa de ser surpreendente como ele faz uma confissão publica muito sincera da sua vida.
A segunta parte não fica apenas na sua conversão ao catolicismo, mas a sua luta por tentar viver de forma coerente com sua vida, encontrar o modo de servir a Deus e de ajudar as pessoas.
Muito recomendável para quem quer viver o cristianismo nos tempos atuais.

[Amy Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Catholic this is a very interesting account of how someone's life can change in an instant. However I have met john in person and I can definitely say that he speaks better than he writes. However I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in religious conversion

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

See private notes

[Andy Gore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great read and yes I differ quite markedly in spirituality yet lots to pray into and throughout.

[Josh Cruz]

British bloke becomes Catholic

[Gonzaga Escauriaza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this very frank auto biography.

Sometimes i was i could not stop sobbing and sobbing of happiness.

HIs conversion is amazing and the way is written is very compelling.

I read it with passion.

Thank you John

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels meets the Confessions. The book is so gritty and violent, its hard to read or listen to at the beginning, but it is a thing of beauty to walk with him into his new life of poverty and prayer. I like Head Welch's biography but this one somehow surpasses that one. Gorgeous details about being anti-abortion even as a hired thug, and of being angry about the tourism centeredness of the pilgrimage industry in the Holy Land. I think a wonderful read for men looking to be manly and just.

[David Farel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best written (I'm surprised that, having the help of a professional writer, it was not better) but the content itself, the story itself, the events themselves--the working of God's love and grace--were powerful and revealing, despite the subpar writing. That, in my opinion, justifies it. In its authenticity, it strikes me as a mystery: how God has worked so strangely, with such unexpected miracles. His life seems like the life of a saint, a strange saint, in his seemingly excessive simplicity, his charity, and the great fruit of his work.

[Damian · Rating 2 out of 5]

John's story starts off fairly interesting and you can see why he went off the rails. However the second half of the book charts his descent into religious fervour and as a result proves more rewarding to skim through. Even so it does give you some insight into the mind of a troubled youth.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back Cover:
He was a serious "Face" in London's East End. His jackets were tailored to hold his machete and knuckledusters. His drug deals netted him thousands. He had a penthouse, sports cars and women. He nearly killed a man outside a nightclub. Then something extraordinary happened...

[George M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written story. Anyone who wishes to explore the Catholic Faith should read this book. It examines the faith without using theology. It is about the experiences of very ordinary people.

[Alfonso Cabrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book. What a crazy story that is also eye-opening at the same time. Highly recommend. God will work through anyone!

[Ty Zeiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing isn't very well done, but the story is a truly powerful one about a man's journey from darkness and into the light.

[Sharon Rieck]

A must read