True Red

by Tuhoe 'Bruno' Isaac, Bradford Haami

Wearing the colour red, living by the 'law of lawlessness' and having the patch with the emblem of the mighty bulldog on your back was what ex-Mongrel Mob leader Tuhoe 'Bruno' Isaac called being True Red. "Because all levels of society hated us we created a new society of hatred symbolised by the bulldog. Its ferocious habits were engraved on our hearts," Tuhoe says, "If you weren't a mobster you weren't worth knowing." He lived this way for 17 years. However, constantly living for the bash, beer, prison and the possibility of dying in a pool of blood eventually saw Tuhoe search for another way of doing life. Leaving the Mob was hard. Not only did he face the rejection of his own and the fierce judgemental prejudices of mainstream society, but with the awakening of his conscience came the realisation of a past filled with inflicting pain on others besides himself, and of a life devoid of any sense of love or hope. This led him down a path of confession, forgiveness and reconciliation. True Red is the essential biography of one man's fascinating journey from the realm of darkness into the world of light.

Tuhoe 'Bruno' Isaac
Tuhoe Bruno Isaac
11/29/2017
198
Binding Paperback
0.60lbs
9.00h x 6.00w x 0.42d
9780473128432

About the Author
Haami, - Bradford Haami (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Kahungunu, Kai Tahu, Tūwharetoa) is a trained journalist with a long history in television production. A researcher and lecturer in Māori oral and written history Brad has published many papers in this area and two books Golan Maori Doctor and Love Mate Tau. Brad is currently working at Tauihu Media Ltd where he is involved in the development of feature film scripts. He continues to write, having recently completed a biography on Ngāti Haua kaumatua, Ike Samuels. Isaac, Tuhoe

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, Biography, Christianity

166 pages

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lily Szymanik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m surprised at the negative reviews on this book, I thought it was an inspiring story of change, and a perfect example of how victims become perpetrations. I think the insights into what being in a gang means and the challenges he faced when leaving are valuable and important to be shared.

There were some points where I thought there may have been a bit of a lack of accountability, with excuses being made especially in how he may have treated woman, but I felt that the last few chapters addressed this and closed the book of well - possibility highlighting the change in mindset?

[Laura Isaac · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book confirmed what i already know about Tuhoe.....he is personally known to me. He book is very vague, in his book he supports the myth perpetuated in the Christian Church that God shines his light on one, speaks audibly and sends angels. In fact the final three chapters ramble on with trite old Christian clap-trap. He has no real verification for his story except for one letter of support from an acquaintance. His details of Mongrel Mob life are not a new read, he gives no new information.

I was left to wonder; Tuhoe being a convicted rapist, where are his close intimate relationships with women if he is transformed as he proclaims? There is a well known saying in Maori that translates as "the kumara does not call itself sweet", or self praise is no recommendation.

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eyeopening view into the mentality and inner working of the gang.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a religious man, but an extremely good story. It made me wonder how much was via his collaborator Bradford Haami, or was written by Tuhoe himself. I met him, and brought this book from him in Jan '08 and haven't prioritized it to the top of my reading list.

Long journey through the mob to god. One could say that it is one gang to another, one institution to another, but obviously one is a little more supported in the wider population.

The early stages goes into gang life, not graphically, but you get the idea. The middle is discussing his desires to change the mob. Finally, is finding god, and working on the transformation. Its not so much preaching, but describing the process of moving into the christian life, the challenges, and the justification and inner-debate to get there.

[Pitri Yosi Leowardi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book shed light onto what gang life was about and Tuhoe's own personal struggle that spanned decades. He spared no details about the atrocities he had done in the past, or led people to do.

In the end, it all came down onto the need to be accepted and being involved in a family. That seems to be a recurrent theme that brought him from one group to another.

The book also touched on how spiritual belief, not only about God and Jesus, but also how the Maori's belief and culture are integrated in Tuhoe's life and that of his comrades.

It is overall, a good book about a journey to redemption and without glossing over the fact that turning a new page is hard work and requires a lot of patience and endurance.

[Mikkel Brøchner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Met the author in Queenstown, New Zealand and bought a signed book. Well written insight on the horrifying events the gang life introduces. However the last 4 or 5 chapters is just rambling about how God saved him which gets a bit repetitive and straight up weird.

[Jenn Sarich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. While it’s a story of one’s entry into the gang world, the realities of it and then overcoming it... It really hammered home the power of ideology. As he shifts from the ideology of the dog to one of god, how much power both have in shaping one’s identity.

[Beale Stainton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book you will never find in the new age religious section, but it speaks. It’s a quick read. I’ve just read it in a morning and an afternoon. Tūhoe Isaac has made a momentous change of face. When I read about the crimes and sins he committed I realise, that I myself, in some ways, not in action, but in times of my life when things weren’t looking too good, felt similar feelings of fear and resentment in my heart. The difference is that he acted violently upon those feelings. Can such a person change? Can they be forgiven? Can they forgive themselves? Yes. It is possible. This is a well written and poignantly structured story to stand as some proof.

[Lisa Lingrell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disturbing. The detached way he tells his story without much self reflection has me thinking that he hasn't truly understood his choices or understands the steps needed to accept what he can't change. Which includes himself. Time will tell whether finding Jesus is redemption enough or that brotherhood will be the stronger of the two. I appauld his strength to question and take the steps for a brighter future where possibilities extend the boundaries of prison.

[Yvette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting. But quite hard at times. The psychological impacts and process of wanting to remove himself and actually removing himself was what I was most interested in. I don't feel satisfied by the last part of his story though. Perhaps that's because it isn't over.

[Convenience Store Person · Rating 3 out of 5]

Met the author in Queenstown by the wharf - a really interesting biker guy. Bought the book on a whim as I was intrigued. This really had the potential to be a great book, but desperately needed a decent editor and to delve past the surface level events. One thing that irked me was that he often talks of the story of Joseph and being wrongfully committed for sexual assault, yet he describes many rapes/cases of abuse he did participate in but was never convicted of. It just felt off at parts.

I wasn’t really into the religious aspect of it but I have a respect for the role it played in Tuhoe’s life. I’m glad to hear of the rehabilitation work he’s doing now both in his own life and that of others. I wish there was less emphasis on his “path to God” (22 of the 29 references were to the Bible) and more focus on other sources related to gang life (e.g. letters or notes from fellow Gang Members, copies of correspondences, etc) rather than just newspaper clippings. But all in all, it was an interesting, quick read, and I appreciate the sometimes brutal honesty that was detailed in the first half of the book.

[Shontelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't usually rate DNFs but I have to. I even made a new tag just for this memoir.

This is a bad book. It is so clearly not written by the author (a fact made extremely obvious when listening to audio) that it throws the narrative off. In the audio there is a fucked up word basically every sentence that he has to correct and it is very difficult to listen too.

There is zero insight into the reasons behind why people choose to enter gangs (so it feels more like ego writing rather than reflective regret), but wait! There is an opinion given into why women (sorry children) choose to enter gangs, which not only is the author not the voice to talk about that but also he so clearly has no clue (and is downright offensive to victims of gang rape). Absolutely disgusting and obviously no regret in participation of rape and other abuses.

And to be honest, knowing all the religious crap coming in the latter half, I cannot bring myself to continue. I'm sure he forgives himself because of Jesus or some other bullshit.
I will NOT be continuing.

Back to my feminist non fiction reads now. Side note, I would be very interested to read an account of gang life written by a women.

[Haedyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be an interesting insight into Tuhoe's personnel story and his journey into life within a gang. I think it was courageous of him to reveal what he did in the beginning and understand what he is attempting to accomplish with this book. In the end, I think this comes down to wanting to be part of a group and the comradery that brings. It is simply a shame that in this case this could only be achieved through a gang and led to some of the terrible actions described in this book.

The book is candid in its approach. In some ways, I believe this book would appal many readers, intrigue others while appear to, at some points, glorify the gang life to some. For those looking for a personnel journey into a particular gang from childhood then this is for you. For those who are of a religious predisposition and want a short story of how finding religion changed an individual's life for the better then this may also be for you. For those like myself that find people and their behaviours interesting then this book might be worth a read.

[Lisa Hoskin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very hard to read (or listen to via audible). Tuhoe shares stories about abuse he experienced as a child growing up, and abuse he inflicted on others as a mobster - these stories are heartbreaking & horrifying.

This book highlights the impact of substance abuse, sexual abuse, violence & oppression. While it’s sad, it exposes ugly truths that shouldn’t be ignored.

I’m glad he’s found god - and I truly hope this book helps anyone who needs to know there is ‘a way out’. The content in this book is not for everyone.

I wish Tuhoe the best as he transforms his life & helps others, and I look forward to the day when all children are safe and protected from abuse & sexual predators.

For audible - while I think there’s value in hearing Tuhoe tell his story, it wasn’t always easy to listen to, and I think the book was a couple of chapters longer than it needed to be (descriptions and stories became a little repetitive).

[Jonathan Natusch · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's interesting to contemplate what the author's life would have been like had he not gone to jail at a young age for something he didn't do. By his account, he had a decent upbringing, and it was only jail that pushed him into the arms of the Mongrel Mob. That said, this is a biography that continues little introspection regarding the crimes he then committed...

It's also not a great read because it so often lacks any degree of specificity. Obviously, one shouldn't admit to past crimes like rape with any degree of detail or one might end up facing an historic charge or three... But the once-over-lightly discussion of his transgressions is unsatisfying in a literary sense.

The point of the book, as far as I can gather, is for the author to explain (at great length, in the final third) about how he found God, which set him on a new path. This was not for me... My god gene is set to zero...

[Tiffany Cavanaugh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly the ‘ghost writer’ doesn’t understand how to capture the voice of his subject. Listening to the audiobook read by Isaac made it abundantly clear he had little to do with the writing. Bradford Haami seems to actively shame Isaac with his oversized vocabulary that makes Tuhoe Isaac sound completely illiterate when reading the script.

The story itself demonstrates how we could all fall into a twisted life if exposed to what Isaac was as a child. His whanau and early life gave him some potential to get to his final chapters, but predatory adults destroyed his self in the intervening years.

The disservice that Haami has done to Isaac is more infuriating than the violence Isaac and the Mob committed. He washes over these crimes with flowery language, dulling the redemption in the final chapters. Yet another predator taking advantage of this man who clearly has a voice of his own that has yet to be heard.

[Georgie Anderson Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike many other reviews I don’t mind that the author may have had help writing the book.

I think I maybe would have appreciated it more if I was shocked about the gang behaviour but a lot of the stories I had heard before through the gangs paper I took at Uni. The religious aspect of the book also was a bit lost on me but I am glad it helped Tuhoe reform. However I feel like I could have trimmed down a bit and maybe instead included more self reflection in other aspects.

Overall, I think leaving a gang and reforming your life like Tuhoe did is no small feat and deserves recognition and respect. Whilst the execution of this book wasn’t perfect it’s still worth the read.

[Pete Pender]

Tuhoe I'm compelled to write and say what an awesome read. Couldn't put your words down.I thank our Mighty Father for the work he is doing with you brother. Feels like I know you from what I have read in this story of your life. Your book is to be widely acknowledged by all of my circle.Have friends already buying online.Feels as though I already know you from this amazing story from gloom and doom to hope and love. Thank you our Mighty Father for the work you are doing with this beautiful man.Bless you and your whanau bro. Love Pete (Te Arawa)

[Mavis Duncanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written from the heart and is a straightforward account of one man's life and the potential for change. Most salutary for me was his experience of non-acceptance when he ventured into churches and the like. Tuhoe's passion to build a better world and to break intergenerational patterns of abuse and violence shines through like a powerful beacon. I feel privileged to have read his story.

[NZthuglife · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is not easy for a man to leave his past,identity, and only known “community” behind.

Even while in the mob, Isaac fought for reform, wanting to go legit and move on from violence and hate.

If the mobsters had followed his leadership, the mob would be much more powerful and have members in politics, law, and education. They would be earning real money, not just petty gun/drug sales.

Not everyone will agree with the Christian message, but as readers we can appreciate his courage&hope.

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A plainly written insight into what it means to be a member of the Mongrel Mob. Really significant to have this insiders view and a worry to know how the problems of gangs can be addressed given the depth of ingrained hatred, anger and violence. Bruno was saved by religion - and it does truly seem to be the only way out.

[Hayden Pyke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aroha to Bruno for writing this and for turning his life around. The book does show some insights particularly into the horrors of Paremoremo prison, but otherwise surface level stuff like newspaper clippings on gang life. Shame. A good edit and a serious self reflection could have made sure Bruno's message was heard and not weighed down by religious clap trap.

[Amanda Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comes to my mind often.
It gave a rare glimpse at the life of a gang member in NZ.
While the ending felt abrupt, I found the first three-quarters of the book to be delivered in a very honest and raw tone, which I admired. It provided great insight on something I knew very little about.
Well done to the author.

[Bridget Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delving into a totally new world was a wild ride. It was inspirational to see journey with Tuhoe as he climbed out of such a dark world. I found it pretty heavy though. It's weighted much more in his gang life than his life after. So you have to read for a long time through a lot of harrowing experiences in detail before you get to his transformation.

[Alex Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing insight into the dehumanising gang culture that Tuhoe Isaac experienced as part of the Mongrel Mob. Powerful and encouraging testimony of God’s miraculous intervention in his life. A must read for followers of Jesus living in Aotearoa to better empathise with those living on the margins of society.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book was interesting especially as I'm quite naive in the workings of gang life. However the second half was loaded with religion. It made me realise that the author had just swapped one gang for another. Didn't finish the book after the god squad spiel started.

[Robbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It is quite similar to 'Run Baby Run' by Nicky Cruz, but with a local flavour. I didn't realise before quite what the Mongrel Mob were into which was a bit of an eye-opener. Definitely worth a read.

[Brett Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought a signed copy from the author on the street in Queenstown, nice bloke (now). An interesting insight into gang life with the Mongrel Mob in NZ however the last few sections were quite repetitive, almost like the publisher needed a certain word/page count.

[Kath Dorrans · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought I would get a better insight to what attracts and retains people into gang life but this story didnt really tell me anything I didnt already know. The end was hard going as it was just preaching religious scripture.

[Kandi Hoeta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put the book down reading the first half of it about Tuhoe's gang life style. Things you hear about but don't know how bad it is, until you read about it from Tuhoe himself. Amazing that a person so stuck in their ways can actually change, for the better.