White Shotgun

by Attilio Bolzoni

A searing journey into the world of the Sicilian mafia, in their own words Lupara bianca (White Shotgun)—an Italian term that refers to a Mafia-style killing, in which no trace of the victim can be found. For 30 years, prize-winning Sicilian journalist Attilio Bolzoni has reported on the shadowy activities of Cosa Nostra. Now, for the first time, he has collected a powerful anthology of rare interviews, court proceedings, and transcripts of phone taps that together capture the essence of this most hidden of secret societies. From the "traditional" Mafia of the early 20th Century to the "Maxi" show-trials of the 1980s and beyond, this book is both a history of modern Sicilian crime, and an explanation of the twisted logic and language of Cosa Nostra. From the most humble of foot soldiers to famous pentiti (snitches) and top-level Bosses, this is a portrait of the men who live by a code of silence—in their own words.

Genres: Crime, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

Reviews

[Kapil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book and interesting with short lesson chapters. It helps you to understand the Mafia, the culture of Italy and the impact of guns, power and people. The lessons of respect, dealing with situations the Mafia way.

Also, bad-in-the-crime concept stings a cord in moral understanding for what and how the Mafia functions. The book uphelds Mafia beliefs, their understanding and dealing situations in cold blood.

[Trevor · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried with this one, got well over a quarter of a way through it but just found it so incredibly boring and one dimensional.

[Louise Panks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read

[Taylor · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at page 97/473 (listed page number is wrong)

Honestly this was just a mass of names and people that jumble together and made no sense. I don't understand what the logic was for the way they were ordered but, if this had been put in chronological order with a little bit of info of what was needed to know every so often I would have loved this.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting collection of direct quotes from mafia soldiers, leaders, murderers. A considerable effort to gather all of these quotes considering the code of silence (omerta) that operates in the mafia. Essential reading if you are interesting in the socio-cultural aspects of this phenomenon.