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Petrocelli
Lenny Petrocelli had it made until his gangland bosses decided to set him up as the fall guy for a child trafficking prostitution ring.
If this gritty novel rings true, it’s for good reason. Petrocelli is based on actual stories from the violent and gruesome world of human trafficking, where millions of children and adolescents across the globe are held in bondage as slaves.
If this gritty novel rings true, it’s for good reason. Petrocelli is based on actual stories from the violent and gruesome world of human trafficking, where millions of children and adolescents across the globe are held in bondage as slaves.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2015
3 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
About the author
John Rachel
20 books581 followersJohn Rachel has a B. A. in Philosophy, has traveled extensively, is a songwriter and music producer, and an evolutionary humanist. He has spent his life trying to resolve the intrinsic clash between the metaphysical purity of Buddhism and the overwhelming appeal of narcissism.
Author Rachel has written ten novels, and eight non-fiction books. He has also had over 40 short stories, 9 poems, and over 200 political articles published in both print and online magazines.
He has traveled through and lived in 35 countries since leaving America August of 2006, but is now settled in a small traditional farming village in Japan near Osaka. His next project, as he slumps in a hammock he purchased in Vietnam and waits for the Good Ship Lollipop to appear on the horizon, is a anthropological novel about the worship and eating of giraffes, set in sub-Saharan 18th Century Africa. It is mostly the product of the voices in his head which have plagued him since puberty, a biological transition that occurred when he was 34 and working on a chain gang in Arkansas. He was at the time serving a 10-year sentence for destroying the do-not-remove label from a pillowcase he bought at a yard sale.
Author Rachel has recently published two books. One is a fantasy/travel/cookbook called "What Do Mermaids Eat?" The other is political manifesto called "War Is Making Us Poor!: Militarism Is Destroying the US".
The author’s last permanent residence in America was Portland, Oregon where he had a state-of-the-art ProTools recording studio, music production house, a radio promotion and music publishing company. He recorded and produced several artists in the Pacific Northwest, releasing and promoting their music on radio across America and overseas.
John Rachel now lives in a quiet, traditional, rural Japanese community, where he sets his non-existent watch by the thrice-daily ringing of temple bells, at a local Shinto shrine. These days, he's mostly immersed in good vibrations.
Author Rachel has written ten novels, and eight non-fiction books. He has also had over 40 short stories, 9 poems, and over 200 political articles published in both print and online magazines.
He has traveled through and lived in 35 countries since leaving America August of 2006, but is now settled in a small traditional farming village in Japan near Osaka. His next project, as he slumps in a hammock he purchased in Vietnam and waits for the Good Ship Lollipop to appear on the horizon, is a anthropological novel about the worship and eating of giraffes, set in sub-Saharan 18th Century Africa. It is mostly the product of the voices in his head which have plagued him since puberty, a biological transition that occurred when he was 34 and working on a chain gang in Arkansas. He was at the time serving a 10-year sentence for destroying the do-not-remove label from a pillowcase he bought at a yard sale.
Author Rachel has recently published two books. One is a fantasy/travel/cookbook called "What Do Mermaids Eat?" The other is political manifesto called "War Is Making Us Poor!: Militarism Is Destroying the US".
The author’s last permanent residence in America was Portland, Oregon where he had a state-of-the-art ProTools recording studio, music production house, a radio promotion and music publishing company. He recorded and produced several artists in the Pacific Northwest, releasing and promoting their music on radio across America and overseas.
John Rachel now lives in a quiet, traditional, rural Japanese community, where he sets his non-existent watch by the thrice-daily ringing of temple bells, at a local Shinto shrine. These days, he's mostly immersed in good vibrations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 20, 2016
Even members of the underworld can have a conscience, at least Lenny Petrocelli found his as the street smart thug discovers he has no stomach for the human trafficking that is bringing in millions for the mob. Unfortunately, the bottom-feeding mob has no stomach for a man who dares to disagree with the “party line,” that money, power and loyalty are everything, setting him up to be the fall guy should the lucrative skin trade go south and be exposed. Follow along as Lenny witnesses the brutality, the cold-hearted abuse and the end of innocence for young teen girls from Asia.
Lenny has known brutality from his own, and he has known kindness from enslaved young girls as he lies near death at one point. From that day forward, he has vowed to do what he can to unravel the chains of evil and inhumanity suffered by mere children for the vile pleasures of twisted men of money and power. Is this his act of attrition for the life he led or has that smoldering and sputtering spark of goodness still within him being fanned by what he sees?
John Rachel's Petrocelli is far from light or fast reading, this is a dark a gritty look at one of the most heinous crimes humans can inflict on another. Expect to feel uncomfortable, there are no picket fences for these young girls, no comforts of their home, only rape, torture and abuse for being attractive, young and poverty-stricken in a world foreign to all they have known. Some will succumb to “the life.” Some would rather face death and this is a stark look at what happens. Mr. Rachel’s words will cut like a jagged blade; his scenes will put your stomach in knots throughout this extremely well-written tale. If you’re looking for something to feel strongly about, right down to the marrow of your bones, be prepared to see the world in a different light, far removed from the one you know. Powerful reading, meant to disturb and to burrow into your mind long after that last page.
I received this review copy from the author, John Rachel in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Literary Vagabond Books
Publication Date: October 30, 2015
Genre: Thriller | Suspense
Print Length: 328 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Lenny has known brutality from his own, and he has known kindness from enslaved young girls as he lies near death at one point. From that day forward, he has vowed to do what he can to unravel the chains of evil and inhumanity suffered by mere children for the vile pleasures of twisted men of money and power. Is this his act of attrition for the life he led or has that smoldering and sputtering spark of goodness still within him being fanned by what he sees?
John Rachel's Petrocelli is far from light or fast reading, this is a dark a gritty look at one of the most heinous crimes humans can inflict on another. Expect to feel uncomfortable, there are no picket fences for these young girls, no comforts of their home, only rape, torture and abuse for being attractive, young and poverty-stricken in a world foreign to all they have known. Some will succumb to “the life.” Some would rather face death and this is a stark look at what happens. Mr. Rachel’s words will cut like a jagged blade; his scenes will put your stomach in knots throughout this extremely well-written tale. If you’re looking for something to feel strongly about, right down to the marrow of your bones, be prepared to see the world in a different light, far removed from the one you know. Powerful reading, meant to disturb and to burrow into your mind long after that last page.
I received this review copy from the author, John Rachel in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Literary Vagabond Books
Publication Date: October 30, 2015
Genre: Thriller | Suspense
Print Length: 328 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 25, 2015
"Wait. He gently took her arm. " It's very simple, Christine. I just thought you should see where some of your young girls end up. " If incredulity were ice, then Christine instantly turned into a mountain size glacier. Her mouth dropped open as if she had been shot full of animal tranquilizer. Her eyes were as big as saucers, as her thoughts tossed about in the blizzard of disbelief and shock Roger's last statement had unleashed in her head."........
Lenny Petrocelli was living what he thought was the "good life" in the world of the gangsters. Someone has decided to set him up for a child trafficking and prostitution ring. Reeling him in against his wishes and better judgement. Based on actual stories regarding these kind of crimes. This author brings you a glimpse into this horror. He's well researched and well informed in this area, having traveled and gained information from areas of the world where this accepted behavior.
The story begins with his friends turning on him. Not who you're going to expect is in charge of this little raid on Lenny. You almost feel sorry for him. But Lenny isn't the only story here. Tale of corruption and greed in the selling of children. Foreign lands with evil people and evil intentions. Stealing and selling of the innocents.
Christine is in Thailand on a humanitarian meeting. She meets up with an old friend and gets a firsthand look at what happens to the young children in that country. It is his intention to show her what her humanitarian mission has done with the children she thought she helped. Shocking to say the least. Is this is what is really happening in our world? I don't doubt it after reading this book.
There were several of these kinds of stories. Taking place in various countries. This book ended up feeling like it was more a story on child trafficking rather than a story about Lenny. Lenny was kind of the back story to the real story. The real story being where these children come from and what happens to them. It's not a criticism though, you needed this other information to get a feel for the severity of the situation. All stories are actually brought together. This was an unusual book.
Gritty, dark, street like. Frightening because it's so realistic. Lenny reminds me of someone from the "Sopranos." It wasn't just a story. It was a lesson in what is happening in this world. Can Lenny find a way out of this mess? You'll have to read it and find out.
Thank you John Rachel
Lenny Petrocelli was living what he thought was the "good life" in the world of the gangsters. Someone has decided to set him up for a child trafficking and prostitution ring. Reeling him in against his wishes and better judgement. Based on actual stories regarding these kind of crimes. This author brings you a glimpse into this horror. He's well researched and well informed in this area, having traveled and gained information from areas of the world where this accepted behavior.
The story begins with his friends turning on him. Not who you're going to expect is in charge of this little raid on Lenny. You almost feel sorry for him. But Lenny isn't the only story here. Tale of corruption and greed in the selling of children. Foreign lands with evil people and evil intentions. Stealing and selling of the innocents.
Christine is in Thailand on a humanitarian meeting. She meets up with an old friend and gets a firsthand look at what happens to the young children in that country. It is his intention to show her what her humanitarian mission has done with the children she thought she helped. Shocking to say the least. Is this is what is really happening in our world? I don't doubt it after reading this book.
There were several of these kinds of stories. Taking place in various countries. This book ended up feeling like it was more a story on child trafficking rather than a story about Lenny. Lenny was kind of the back story to the real story. The real story being where these children come from and what happens to them. It's not a criticism though, you needed this other information to get a feel for the severity of the situation. All stories are actually brought together. This was an unusual book.
Gritty, dark, street like. Frightening because it's so realistic. Lenny reminds me of someone from the "Sopranos." It wasn't just a story. It was a lesson in what is happening in this world. Can Lenny find a way out of this mess? You'll have to read it and find out.
Thank you John Rachel
April 10, 2016
Outstanding read! Very well written. Review to come.
March 8, 2016
This was the most difficult book I've ever written. I did a lot of research, both professional publications and a vast array of less formal literature available on the internet. I also conducted real live boots-on-the-ground investigation. Circulating in the dark world where prostitution, and in particular sex slavery operates, was at times very dangerous. That said, I would add that rubbing shoulders with both the perpetrators and victims of such heinous crimes was very eye-opening and certainly heart-breaking, thus in a tortuous way worth both the risk and the pain. People have commented on the profanity, the violence, the depravity, the raw brutality my novel. I did not set out to shock or write something spectacularly offensive. I merely tried to be faithful to the ugly and horrifying reality of the world the young sex slave girls live, day after day, with no choice in the matter, and no way out. If anything, I toned it down to make the task of writing tolerable. I lost a lot of sleep and my faith in human nature was dealt some very crushing blows. I am still optimistic that most of us rise far above this sort of enterprise, in our aspirations and hopes for humankind. But as long as we coexist with such decadence and degradation, there is only so far we as humans can go in achieving a mastery over the inherent savagery which seems to be intrinsic to human nature. As I said in a blog a couple years ago: "Turning a blind eye does not change the view."
January 13, 2016
This is a gritty no holds barred story that delves deep into the world of child trafficking and the sex trade that primarily follows Lenny Petrocelli as his bosses throw him to the wolves to cover their own backsides. This in itself is an eye-opening journey into the dark world of human trafficking but it is made all the more intense by the addition of views from some of the other characters, including some of the victims of the trafficking rings themselves. And Rachel holds nothing back as the story travels from the urban streets of America to the rural countryside of Vietnam and its neighbours. The characters are really well written and stir many mixed and conflicting emotions while the story itself is generally well paced although there are some sections that get a little slow and bogged down in detail or over explanation without seemingly progressing the story too much, although for many this may not be an issue. An intense and gritty read, not for the faint-hearted.
December 28, 2015
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review.
Petrocelli is a work of fiction based on true life events! It points out the terrible and discusting world of human slavery of SE Asian under 18 !olds( the younger 13to15 are the most desirable) . It takes you on rollercoaster ride of this despicable world of Human Slavery. Check out the organization A21(Facebook or web pages) for more info on this terrible,sleazy world of Human Trafficking. They estimate there are over 27 MILLION people held in slavery today!
Petrocelli is a work of fiction based on true life events! It points out the terrible and discusting world of human slavery of SE Asian under 18 !olds( the younger 13to15 are the most desirable) . It takes you on rollercoaster ride of this despicable world of Human Slavery. Check out the organization A21(Facebook or web pages) for more info on this terrible,sleazy world of Human Trafficking. They estimate there are over 27 MILLION people held in slavery today!
April 6, 2016
Tried to get into this, but I tried and kept trying, but no way coulfd I go with it.
Too hard to get into.
Too hard to get into.
February 1, 2016
This is a definite must read!
The pace is fast without losing any of the story in the haste to find the answers to the questions raised while reading. The characters are well thought out and the action they are involved with well researched. In total the book gives us something we could be witnessing first hand. The reader is often left feeling the same frustrations and other emotions as the various characters throughout the book as the story pulls us in and holds us fast through to the end. This is one book that you won't be able to put down once you pick it up and I would heartily recommend it
I received an e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review
The pace is fast without losing any of the story in the haste to find the answers to the questions raised while reading. The characters are well thought out and the action they are involved with well researched. In total the book gives us something we could be witnessing first hand. The reader is often left feeling the same frustrations and other emotions as the various characters throughout the book as the story pulls us in and holds us fast through to the end. This is one book that you won't be able to put down once you pick it up and I would heartily recommend it
I received an e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review
January 11, 2016
Book - Petrocelli
Author – John Rachel
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages - 327
Movie Potential – None! They'd have to R rate it and have all kinds of warnings about violence.
Ease of reading – very easy to read, with few grammar/spelling mistakes
Would I read it again – Possibly.
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
First, let me start with some warnings. This book contains extensive adult material and themes that may be considered offensive: human trafficking, child abuse, prostitution (particularly unwilling and underage), rape, mutilation, violence gallore, murder and slaves. Oh, and also offensive racist language, as well as swearing. None of this is graphic, but there are enough details to get the point across, so if these are triggers for you, you might want to have someone sympathetic read it first and let you know if you can stomach it.
After seeing that I had marked this as TBR on Goodreads, the author contacted me and offered a copy of the book, in return for a review. I was more than willing to help. The very idea of the story, from the blurb, intrigued me, after seeing it on someone else's shelf.
What I got was a surprise.
~
Let me first say that this book is unapologetically brutal. In that, I mean the swearing, racist language, detailed (telling not showing) and graphic horror that is displayed in the lives of these children, who have been trafficked. This is a no holds barred account of the true atrocities caused by human trafficking, from both sides of the fence – the young girls trafficked into factories or the sex trade, as well as the men who push the trade.
The blurb doesn't do it justice:
“Lenny Petrocelli had it made until his gangland bosses decided to set him up as the fall guy for a child trafficking prostitution ring.
If this gritty novel rings true, it’s for good reason. Petrocelli is based on actual stories from the violent and gruesome world of human trafficking, where millions of children and adolescents across the globe are held in bondage as slaves.”
Yes, all of it is true: it's gritty, it's based on actual true stories and doesn't hold the punches on the factual, devastating truth of the trade. But, it's so much more than that. It's a lesson in human faith, human kindness, politics and more.
~
Overall
This was one hard hitting, gritty novel. Heart-breaking at times, with a few light moments and use of humour as a coping mechanism that I never felt I was drowning in the heavy themes of the story. Due to the factual information that led to this story being written, I feel it's an important read. If you have any interest in human trafficking and need to know more about what these kids go through, then read this book. I knew nothing compared to what is contained in here and I'll never forget what I just read.
This story will stick to you like glue.
The pace was brilliant, the themes destroyed my emotions and the epilogue was a brilliant little addition, to let us know what happened after “The End”.
As said in Lenny's POV:
“He couldn't bear to look. He couldn't stop looking.”
~
To read the FULL review, check out my blog - https://ellelainey.wordpress.com/2016...
Author – John Rachel
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages - 327
Movie Potential – None! They'd have to R rate it and have all kinds of warnings about violence.
Ease of reading – very easy to read, with few grammar/spelling mistakes
Would I read it again – Possibly.
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK, BY THE AUTHOR, IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
First, let me start with some warnings. This book contains extensive adult material and themes that may be considered offensive: human trafficking, child abuse, prostitution (particularly unwilling and underage), rape, mutilation, violence gallore, murder and slaves. Oh, and also offensive racist language, as well as swearing. None of this is graphic, but there are enough details to get the point across, so if these are triggers for you, you might want to have someone sympathetic read it first and let you know if you can stomach it.
After seeing that I had marked this as TBR on Goodreads, the author contacted me and offered a copy of the book, in return for a review. I was more than willing to help. The very idea of the story, from the blurb, intrigued me, after seeing it on someone else's shelf.
What I got was a surprise.
~
Let me first say that this book is unapologetically brutal. In that, I mean the swearing, racist language, detailed (telling not showing) and graphic horror that is displayed in the lives of these children, who have been trafficked. This is a no holds barred account of the true atrocities caused by human trafficking, from both sides of the fence – the young girls trafficked into factories or the sex trade, as well as the men who push the trade.
The blurb doesn't do it justice:
“Lenny Petrocelli had it made until his gangland bosses decided to set him up as the fall guy for a child trafficking prostitution ring.
If this gritty novel rings true, it’s for good reason. Petrocelli is based on actual stories from the violent and gruesome world of human trafficking, where millions of children and adolescents across the globe are held in bondage as slaves.”
Yes, all of it is true: it's gritty, it's based on actual true stories and doesn't hold the punches on the factual, devastating truth of the trade. But, it's so much more than that. It's a lesson in human faith, human kindness, politics and more.
~
Overall
This was one hard hitting, gritty novel. Heart-breaking at times, with a few light moments and use of humour as a coping mechanism that I never felt I was drowning in the heavy themes of the story. Due to the factual information that led to this story being written, I feel it's an important read. If you have any interest in human trafficking and need to know more about what these kids go through, then read this book. I knew nothing compared to what is contained in here and I'll never forget what I just read.
This story will stick to you like glue.
The pace was brilliant, the themes destroyed my emotions and the epilogue was a brilliant little addition, to let us know what happened after “The End”.
As said in Lenny's POV:
“He couldn't bear to look. He couldn't stop looking.”
~
To read the FULL review, check out my blog - https://ellelainey.wordpress.com/2016...
January 13, 2016
"Petrocelli" a gripping, edgy and thrilling novel "based on actual stories" revolves around petty criminal, Lenny Petrocelli who heads up a cyber sex mall in Brooklyn. Unknowingly he gets involved with the trafficking of young Asian girls imported by his Chicago gangster bosses Harold Danko and Ed Valley disguised as prominent legitimate businessmen.
Caged and probed for information about the seamy new business by Bishop Mulcahey who wants to rid the community of this new evil, Lenny is fed and read to by Kimnai, a child prostitute who becomes important to him. But when the children rescued by the Bishop are abducted again Lenny finds himself dragged into a venture he passionately hates, wanting out of a mess that could cost him his life.
The background for this thrilling page-turner is set in the violent and horrific world of human trafficking where children in third world countries are sold from impoverished conditions into the appalling conditions of sweat shops or if beautiful into the sex trade. Resonating with the depravity of man's self-absorption and love of power and money the plot even sends a strong message about humanitarian aid sent to protect the young only to have the good intention subverted.
Threads of this well-written story not only follow Lenny's struggle to leave the Organization; the downslide of young Asian girls Kimnai and Dawa into prostitution; the enlightenment of Christian charity speaker Christine Lindholm; but also the murder of Asian prostitutes by a psychotic killer. The intensity and suspense never slows as the reader is sucked into the corruption and violence of police pay offs; false accusations and killings. Action-packed as Lenny tries to figure a way out of his dilemma while not tipping off his bosses, the story builds swiftly and smoothly to an explosive confrontation at the end. The emotional tension and violence is often broken the witty wisecracks of Alicia Peters and the ups and downs of her romantic involvement with Lenny.
The characters are unforgettable with all their imperfections and flaws. Leonis Petrocelli (Lucky Lenny) is a good-looking audacious, and ambitious petty criminal who finds a conscience. Beautiful divorcé Alicia (Krynynski) Peters a smart-mouthed freelance writer loves but mistrusts the elusive and cocky Lenny. Of all the main characters Christine Lindholm a Christian and charity speaker changes the most dramatically after learning the truth about the destination of the humanitarian aid sent to Thailand. Vulnerable and insecure in her faith she forfeits her marriage after the tragic loss of her son. All these characters and many more, especially the merciless, brutal and cold-hearted criminal element add to the power, passion and drama in this story.
I highly recommend "Petrocelli" a gritty, thought-provoking novel you can't put down until the end. I would rate even higher than a 5 if the scale allowed.
Caged and probed for information about the seamy new business by Bishop Mulcahey who wants to rid the community of this new evil, Lenny is fed and read to by Kimnai, a child prostitute who becomes important to him. But when the children rescued by the Bishop are abducted again Lenny finds himself dragged into a venture he passionately hates, wanting out of a mess that could cost him his life.
The background for this thrilling page-turner is set in the violent and horrific world of human trafficking where children in third world countries are sold from impoverished conditions into the appalling conditions of sweat shops or if beautiful into the sex trade. Resonating with the depravity of man's self-absorption and love of power and money the plot even sends a strong message about humanitarian aid sent to protect the young only to have the good intention subverted.
Threads of this well-written story not only follow Lenny's struggle to leave the Organization; the downslide of young Asian girls Kimnai and Dawa into prostitution; the enlightenment of Christian charity speaker Christine Lindholm; but also the murder of Asian prostitutes by a psychotic killer. The intensity and suspense never slows as the reader is sucked into the corruption and violence of police pay offs; false accusations and killings. Action-packed as Lenny tries to figure a way out of his dilemma while not tipping off his bosses, the story builds swiftly and smoothly to an explosive confrontation at the end. The emotional tension and violence is often broken the witty wisecracks of Alicia Peters and the ups and downs of her romantic involvement with Lenny.
The characters are unforgettable with all their imperfections and flaws. Leonis Petrocelli (Lucky Lenny) is a good-looking audacious, and ambitious petty criminal who finds a conscience. Beautiful divorcé Alicia (Krynynski) Peters a smart-mouthed freelance writer loves but mistrusts the elusive and cocky Lenny. Of all the main characters Christine Lindholm a Christian and charity speaker changes the most dramatically after learning the truth about the destination of the humanitarian aid sent to Thailand. Vulnerable and insecure in her faith she forfeits her marriage after the tragic loss of her son. All these characters and many more, especially the merciless, brutal and cold-hearted criminal element add to the power, passion and drama in this story.
I highly recommend "Petrocelli" a gritty, thought-provoking novel you can't put down until the end. I would rate even higher than a 5 if the scale allowed.
February 25, 2016
TWO FISTED STORY THAT PULLS NO PUNCHES
A 'pottypourri' of potty-mouth, verbal and physical nastiness, with contrapuntal contrasts of deep expressions of love and compassion. This novel is unlike anything this author has ever written before, both in theme and voice. I don’t think there is another subject that makes my blood boil quite like modern day child slavery and sex trafficking. John Rachel’s novel does that in spades.
When a shady character, Lenny Petrocelli’s Chicago bosses tell him they’ve got big things planned for him, he sees a brighter future for himself. After all, it’s a simple matter of going to Thailand, Laos Vietnam and a few other places, acquiring a stable of adolescent and younger girls to become prostitute slaves in the USA. It's a tremendous multimillion dollar US nationwide business that Lenny will run; they had promised.
Lenny soon discovers that anything that goes wrong will be his fault. A fall guy for his morally evil bosses. “Slime-balls” is far too mild a word for these two thugs, and I won’t use the other word that comes immediately to mind, but I think you get the picture. I can see my fingers closing around both their necks, and I am not by nature a violent person. Bringing children to be their slaves in the sex trade, to make loads of money is worse than evil. Sad to say, everything that happens in this fictional story has its origins in the reality of the author on location research.
A multi-level portrayal of American greed at it's worst — anything goes, as long as the outcome is profitable. This book is a boiling cauldron of morality contrasts. I found the ending rather wimpy, in contradiction to the brutal two-fisted narrative. Still this book is a page turner, worthy of my five-star rating.
A 'pottypourri' of potty-mouth, verbal and physical nastiness, with contrapuntal contrasts of deep expressions of love and compassion. This novel is unlike anything this author has ever written before, both in theme and voice. I don’t think there is another subject that makes my blood boil quite like modern day child slavery and sex trafficking. John Rachel’s novel does that in spades.
When a shady character, Lenny Petrocelli’s Chicago bosses tell him they’ve got big things planned for him, he sees a brighter future for himself. After all, it’s a simple matter of going to Thailand, Laos Vietnam and a few other places, acquiring a stable of adolescent and younger girls to become prostitute slaves in the USA. It's a tremendous multimillion dollar US nationwide business that Lenny will run; they had promised.
Lenny soon discovers that anything that goes wrong will be his fault. A fall guy for his morally evil bosses. “Slime-balls” is far too mild a word for these two thugs, and I won’t use the other word that comes immediately to mind, but I think you get the picture. I can see my fingers closing around both their necks, and I am not by nature a violent person. Bringing children to be their slaves in the sex trade, to make loads of money is worse than evil. Sad to say, everything that happens in this fictional story has its origins in the reality of the author on location research.
A multi-level portrayal of American greed at it's worst — anything goes, as long as the outcome is profitable. This book is a boiling cauldron of morality contrasts. I found the ending rather wimpy, in contradiction to the brutal two-fisted narrative. Still this book is a page turner, worthy of my five-star rating.
January 11, 2016
I received this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I found this book a bit confusing at the beginning. There seemed to be various scenes described involving different characters which didn't appear to fit together. As the book progressed things became clearer as the links were explained. I found it quite intriguing and compelling.
The subject matter of the book is difficult to read at times as it centres upon the illegal trafficking of young underage Asian girls. Parts of it are quite graphic so if you don't like blood and gore then steer clear.
The central character, Lenny Petrocelli is a small time criminal who finds himself drawn into the schemes of his bosses, not altogether willingly. Throughout the book he struggles with himself as he becomes increasingly unhappy with the things he is involved with. He walks a tightrope trying not to upset his bosses yet not get drawn in any deeper than he already is. He becomes increasingly aware that he is being manipulated and that one step out of line and his bosses will kill him.
When he befriends two of the girls he realizes that he can't continue but what can he do ?
This book is easy to read with enough description to bring the scenes to life without losing the pace of the story.
Lenny does some bad things yet has some likeable qualities. I kept turning the pages because I really wanted to know how things would turn out for him. It was quite compelling reading. Be warned though there are some very graphic, unpleasant scenes so it isn't a book for everyone.
I found this book a bit confusing at the beginning. There seemed to be various scenes described involving different characters which didn't appear to fit together. As the book progressed things became clearer as the links were explained. I found it quite intriguing and compelling.
The subject matter of the book is difficult to read at times as it centres upon the illegal trafficking of young underage Asian girls. Parts of it are quite graphic so if you don't like blood and gore then steer clear.
The central character, Lenny Petrocelli is a small time criminal who finds himself drawn into the schemes of his bosses, not altogether willingly. Throughout the book he struggles with himself as he becomes increasingly unhappy with the things he is involved with. He walks a tightrope trying not to upset his bosses yet not get drawn in any deeper than he already is. He becomes increasingly aware that he is being manipulated and that one step out of line and his bosses will kill him.
When he befriends two of the girls he realizes that he can't continue but what can he do ?
This book is easy to read with enough description to bring the scenes to life without losing the pace of the story.
Lenny does some bad things yet has some likeable qualities. I kept turning the pages because I really wanted to know how things would turn out for him. It was quite compelling reading. Be warned though there are some very graphic, unpleasant scenes so it isn't a book for everyone.
April 8, 2016
Lenny Petrocelli, a cynical small time crim, finds himself in way too deep before he realises that he’s the fall guy. Will his quick wit get him out of this alive or are Lucky Lenny’s days numbered?
Christine is a benevolent Christian, tirelessly raising funds to “save the children” until a friend shows her the other side of her fundraising. All she has ever believed in is shattered. How can she right this terrible wrong?
After serving time in Vietnam and witnessing the horrific deaths of his fellow soldiers, John has lost his faith in humankind. John turns to the bible and preaches on the streets. He is regarded by all as a harmless nutcase. Then John receives his next mission. Direct from God!
Petrocelli is a fast paced read. The sentences are short and sharp and pack a powerful punch.
Rachel’s writing is bleak and sets the mood of the story perfectly. As I read I am wishing that this is purely fiction but afraid much of what I read is actual fact.
Petrocelli has multiple storylines that converge into a horror story of murder, kidnapping, corrupt police, human trafficking, prostitution and rape.
There is plenty of racial slurring, violence and explicit language. Some characters are disgusting foul mouthed pigs, but they are so well drawn. So Real!
This story is gruesome and confronting. Not many books leave me sleepless at night. This one did!
Brilliant Characterisation!
With my thanks to John Rachel for my copy to read and review.
Christine is a benevolent Christian, tirelessly raising funds to “save the children” until a friend shows her the other side of her fundraising. All she has ever believed in is shattered. How can she right this terrible wrong?
After serving time in Vietnam and witnessing the horrific deaths of his fellow soldiers, John has lost his faith in humankind. John turns to the bible and preaches on the streets. He is regarded by all as a harmless nutcase. Then John receives his next mission. Direct from God!
Petrocelli is a fast paced read. The sentences are short and sharp and pack a powerful punch.
Rachel’s writing is bleak and sets the mood of the story perfectly. As I read I am wishing that this is purely fiction but afraid much of what I read is actual fact.
Petrocelli has multiple storylines that converge into a horror story of murder, kidnapping, corrupt police, human trafficking, prostitution and rape.
There is plenty of racial slurring, violence and explicit language. Some characters are disgusting foul mouthed pigs, but they are so well drawn. So Real!
This story is gruesome and confronting. Not many books leave me sleepless at night. This one did!
Brilliant Characterisation!
With my thanks to John Rachel for my copy to read and review.
January 21, 2016
I received a free e-copy of this book from Mr. Rachel in return for a fair review.
Before you read this book, you should be aware that it is a tough read on multiple levels: the main subject matter involves child prostitution / slavery, with the addition of rape, mutilation, torture, huge amounts of violence, psychological stress, and cursing and swearing. It's not an easy read.
Sadly, child kidnapping and slavery and prostitution are horrible, modern issues. It's apparent that Mr. Rachel did an extensive job researching these topics, as they are realistically laid out in astonishing detail. If you are looking for a story that has been well-researched with convincing details, you'll get that here.
Unfortunately for the reader, the actual story jumps around, often within each chapter, back and forth between a multitude of characters, locations, and even timeframes. The main character, Petrocelli, doesn't feel like THE main character throughout the book, with so many other people and situations to track. His story is interesting, but not as compelling as it could have been without all the detours.
Some of the other characters are extremely interesting and could make a great follow-up book on their own, including Sr. John the Baptist of Hell's Kitchen. His title alone catches your interest!
Overall, I have a new appreciation, heart-breaking though it is, for these things going on in our world today.
Before you read this book, you should be aware that it is a tough read on multiple levels: the main subject matter involves child prostitution / slavery, with the addition of rape, mutilation, torture, huge amounts of violence, psychological stress, and cursing and swearing. It's not an easy read.
Sadly, child kidnapping and slavery and prostitution are horrible, modern issues. It's apparent that Mr. Rachel did an extensive job researching these topics, as they are realistically laid out in astonishing detail. If you are looking for a story that has been well-researched with convincing details, you'll get that here.
Unfortunately for the reader, the actual story jumps around, often within each chapter, back and forth between a multitude of characters, locations, and even timeframes. The main character, Petrocelli, doesn't feel like THE main character throughout the book, with so many other people and situations to track. His story is interesting, but not as compelling as it could have been without all the detours.
Some of the other characters are extremely interesting and could make a great follow-up book on their own, including Sr. John the Baptist of Hell's Kitchen. His title alone catches your interest!
Overall, I have a new appreciation, heart-breaking though it is, for these things going on in our world today.
January 26, 2016
This was sent to me as a free review copy by
in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy and sorry it to so long in getting this read but you know how life is busy all at once...smiles
I gave this a 4 star review even though some might have given it a higher rating but I'm not interested in buying this in the future so therefore that is why it goes with a 4 star instead of a 5 star.
This book really had me thinking about a lot of things that's for sure and probably never forget the ones that live this way. It's just not human but many countries and organizations I've learned are doing this even right here in our own backyards without us knowing or believing it.
I would still recommend this book for others to read but once is enough for me...
in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the copy and sorry it to so long in getting this read but you know how life is busy all at once...smilesI gave this a 4 star review even though some might have given it a higher rating but I'm not interested in buying this in the future so therefore that is why it goes with a 4 star instead of a 5 star.
This book really had me thinking about a lot of things that's for sure and probably never forget the ones that live this way. It's just not human but many countries and organizations I've learned are doing this even right here in our own backyards without us knowing or believing it.
I would still recommend this book for others to read but once is enough for me...
February 2, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is intense. It is fiction based on real, modern day issues of child trafficking and sex slavery. It is obvious that the author did some real research on the topic. I had to step a away a few times because the victims in this story (as they are in real life) are just children. This is a heavy read and I needed to take it in smaller doses.
I liked this book in that it was well written and obviously well researched. This is not my usual type of read but I am glad I read it. As much as some of us hide behind our own lives, these things really do happen in this world. This book is fiction but it is also very eye-opening. It is realistic, explicit and full of real world violence.
This book is intense. It is fiction based on real, modern day issues of child trafficking and sex slavery. It is obvious that the author did some real research on the topic. I had to step a away a few times because the victims in this story (as they are in real life) are just children. This is a heavy read and I needed to take it in smaller doses.
I liked this book in that it was well written and obviously well researched. This is not my usual type of read but I am glad I read it. As much as some of us hide behind our own lives, these things really do happen in this world. This book is fiction but it is also very eye-opening. It is realistic, explicit and full of real world violence.
January 29, 2016
Disclaimer: Free copy received in exchange for an honest review
Reviews describe this book as gritty and I have a hard time disagreeing. Petrocelli, the book and title character both, are anything but polished yet not to the novel's detriment. Instead readers find themselves rooting for not so "Lucky Lenny" as he gets mired deeper and deeper in a trafficking ring for a national prostitution syndicate. The prose is sparse and characters skeletal, but people into that bare bones almost noir grit will enjoy Petrocelli. Truth be told it's not really my favorite genre, but I do think it's well done for the style so 4 stars it is.
Reviews describe this book as gritty and I have a hard time disagreeing. Petrocelli, the book and title character both, are anything but polished yet not to the novel's detriment. Instead readers find themselves rooting for not so "Lucky Lenny" as he gets mired deeper and deeper in a trafficking ring for a national prostitution syndicate. The prose is sparse and characters skeletal, but people into that bare bones almost noir grit will enjoy Petrocelli. Truth be told it's not really my favorite genre, but I do think it's well done for the style so 4 stars it is.
January 5, 2016
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This book is a fictional account about the issue of human trafficking. The author has clearly invested a lot of research into his novel and highlights issues going on in he current world. He uses a number of characters, all of which are different and varied. This isn't an easy subject matter and the book does a good job at exposing the darker side of humanity to the world and raising awareness of these current issues.
January 11, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a while to get pulled into the book. There are a lot of main characters and the well researched subject matter is rather intense. Child trafficking is the main story line but the tangent lines of several characters lives can make it challenging to keep the main story in focus. Well written and developed characters are what earns the book three stars.
It took me a while to get pulled into the book. There are a lot of main characters and the well researched subject matter is rather intense. Child trafficking is the main story line but the tangent lines of several characters lives can make it challenging to keep the main story in focus. Well written and developed characters are what earns the book three stars.
January 30, 2016
Amazing
It took me awhile to finish this book. Parts of it were so disturbing that I had to clear my head. Reads more like non-fiction than fiction. The parts about the sex slaves was heartbreaking. I didn't know whether or not to dislike the main character. It ended as strong as it began. A definite must-read.
It took me awhile to finish this book. Parts of it were so disturbing that I had to clear my head. Reads more like non-fiction than fiction. The parts about the sex slaves was heartbreaking. I didn't know whether or not to dislike the main character. It ended as strong as it began. A definite must-read.
December 27, 2015
I could honestly read this book again and again! It takes you into the dark pits of modern day society and human trafficking. Sadly, this is just one of those things that happens commonly in this world and I think Rachel does a great job of presenting it. It was a thrill and I look forward to reading more! This was a well-written novel on the issues troubling our society. Well done!
December 29, 2015
I got this as a e-book from the author in exchange for a honest review. It wasn't too bad of a book. I enjoyed reading it. It had a good variety of characters in it. It would make a good R rated movie to show at movie theaters. I hope to read more books by this author.
April 2, 2016
A wonderful brutally honest book. Well written and well developed characters through out. I'm would recommend this to anyone who wants their eyes opened in regards to what humans are capable of. Well worth the read
November 15, 2016
A hard-hitting eye-opening novel.
Right off the bat I must say that this was not an easy read for me; very few things make me uncomfortable, this book did that to me, which is a testament to talented author John Rachel and his well-researched novel.
Small time crocked low life ‘Lucky’ Lenny Petrocelli becomes embroiled in the sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors for an outfit operating out of Chicago; New Yorker Lenny is way over his head. And while the Djin Djin girls ply their trade in the dirty streets of Brooklyn, Bishop Mulcahy and a brutal serial killer with a messiah complex try to clean the streets. The Bishop by railing the community, the serial killer with brutality learned in the Vietnam War. Multiple story lines converge to make Petrocelli a compelling read worthy of a place in the New York Times Best Seller List as stories like this one are worthy of National attention, as the ‘Author’s Note’ reads in the introduction: … “It is currently estimated that human trafficking is annually a 36 billion dollar business worldwide. I have also read there are more than 25 million people in the world kept in bondage as slaves. I fear this is a low figure.” Another thing of note is that despite the subject matter; author John Rachel writes in a witty, world weary manner, with believable characters in a world where greed rules; profit above all else, even the lives of innocent children. Powerful stuff.
5 out of 5
Right off the bat I must say that this was not an easy read for me; very few things make me uncomfortable, this book did that to me, which is a testament to talented author John Rachel and his well-researched novel.
Small time crocked low life ‘Lucky’ Lenny Petrocelli becomes embroiled in the sexual exploitation and trafficking of minors for an outfit operating out of Chicago; New Yorker Lenny is way over his head. And while the Djin Djin girls ply their trade in the dirty streets of Brooklyn, Bishop Mulcahy and a brutal serial killer with a messiah complex try to clean the streets. The Bishop by railing the community, the serial killer with brutality learned in the Vietnam War. Multiple story lines converge to make Petrocelli a compelling read worthy of a place in the New York Times Best Seller List as stories like this one are worthy of National attention, as the ‘Author’s Note’ reads in the introduction: … “It is currently estimated that human trafficking is annually a 36 billion dollar business worldwide. I have also read there are more than 25 million people in the world kept in bondage as slaves. I fear this is a low figure.” Another thing of note is that despite the subject matter; author John Rachel writes in a witty, world weary manner, with believable characters in a world where greed rules; profit above all else, even the lives of innocent children. Powerful stuff.
5 out of 5
July 2, 2020
The author sent me the book for an honest review.
This was a great book to read. It is about the buying and selling of young girls from mostly Asian countries and bringing them to America. Lenny is a low level guy in a "mob". He is called in by the big bosses because they want to promote him (maybe). He is generally a good person at heart and he is brought further into the dealings and feels that he may be getting set up to take a fall or something. You also have Christine who is a very religious person who thinks she is helping these young girls by getting people to donate money to organizations that help with schooling and making sure these girls do not get kidnapped and sold.
Loved how well this was written and really felt the characters were real people with real problems and how you can get caught up in things you don't know you are involved in.
This was a great book to read. It is about the buying and selling of young girls from mostly Asian countries and bringing them to America. Lenny is a low level guy in a "mob". He is called in by the big bosses because they want to promote him (maybe). He is generally a good person at heart and he is brought further into the dealings and feels that he may be getting set up to take a fall or something. You also have Christine who is a very religious person who thinks she is helping these young girls by getting people to donate money to organizations that help with schooling and making sure these girls do not get kidnapped and sold.
Loved how well this was written and really felt the characters were real people with real problems and how you can get caught up in things you don't know you are involved in.
December 19, 2025
Petrocelli is a gut-wrenching, masterfully told story that dives deep into the darkest corners of humanity while managing to find a glimmer of hope. John Rachel does not shy away from the brutal reality of human trafficking, making this one of the most "gritty" and honest novels I’ve read in years.
Lenny Petrocelli is a fascinating protagonist. Watching his transformation from a "mediocre slacker" to a man willing to risk his life for justice was incredibly moving. It’s rare to find a thriller that balances high-octane gangland danger with such a profound character study on moral awakening and redemption. Because it’s based on actual stories, the stakes feel terrifyingly real. This is a brave, necessary book that demands to be read. It’s haunting, raw, and ultimately inspiring.
Lenny Petrocelli is a fascinating protagonist. Watching his transformation from a "mediocre slacker" to a man willing to risk his life for justice was incredibly moving. It’s rare to find a thriller that balances high-octane gangland danger with such a profound character study on moral awakening and redemption. Because it’s based on actual stories, the stakes feel terrifyingly real. This is a brave, necessary book that demands to be read. It’s haunting, raw, and ultimately inspiring.
December 20, 2021
An awesome book
An excellent story. Great characters, good one liners and plenty of action to keep the reader awake into the early hours.
An excellent story. Great characters, good one liners and plenty of action to keep the reader awake into the early hours.
January 24, 2016
When I started reading Petrocelli, I knew it would be something that should make me feel anger, remorse, a desire to change the world, etc. How could you not when there are children being sold into the sex slave trade and being used by adults around the world? On a personal note, I have a friend that was a victim of this, and I dealt with it often as part of my work with UNICEF.
I was disappointed that I didn't feel as much as I should.
Story
Lenny Petrocelli is a mid-level slimball that runs a regional branch of an internet sex site. His bosses in Chicago start to expand into human trafficking and don't warn him before they send the Djinn Djinn girls to Brooklyn. The girls' plight is somehow seen by the Bishop of Brooklyn, who then tries to rescue them.
The Bishop is a rather forceful human being, so he has Alicia, a girl that went to high school with Petrocelli and has unrequited love for him go and convince him to come in. She, of course, does it with cloak and dagger style "just because". ¬_¬ Petrocelli is then forced into a cage and kept there for a while. (Nope, still not sure how long, but not long enough for people to call the cops or the guy's landlord to bitch about non-payment, but long enough to look like a Holocaust victim.) During his imprisonment, he is nursed by a Djinn Djinn girl named Kimnai - who isn't important until the end of the book as a catalyst.
After the Bishop's place is raided, the girls are taken back to the sadistic bosses in Chicago (aren't they always "sick fucks"?), Petrocelli gets a "raise" from the bosses in Chicago where they start to fuck with him. The story is one big set up full of twists and turns because the guys in Chicago are either bored or stupid. Probably a mix of both. Anyway you slice it, it makes for some pretty predictable Hollywood-ised action and drama.
It's not a bad book by any means. It's fast, fun, and drama-tastic. It's perfect if you are listening to a radio station with a lot of epic movie songs on it and imagine it directed by Michael Bay or J.J. Abrams. It's predictable in all the right ways, but some twists through in there if you don't actually know the sex trade. Even the ending is perfect for the movies -- especially if you are aiming to have so many sequels you want to throw yourself out the window just to make the suffering end.
Characters
I... honestly couldn't tell you what many of the characters were. Obviously, there was Petrocelli. And a lot of other people. Some do-gooder that did fundraising had a minor role, a crazy 'Nam vet was predictably crazy and had a minor role of making things hilariously chaotic, a handful of Asians that I've forgotten the name of added dimension, but played even a more spectacularly more minor role. Oh, and I nearly forgot about the forceful Bishop that played a somewhat key role of Ex Machina.
... And I even forgot about The Bad Guys. I know there are two sadisitic guys in Chicago, some guys in Southeast Asia, and one homicidal Japanese guy. Can't remember anyone's name, though.
I had no emotional attachment to any of them. It felt like they were all there playing to the story, but had no depth of character. They were all just ex machinas for the plot line, setting it along and coaxing it. Not that it matters if you are only in it for the story.
Thoughts>
Normally I don't pick up on trite things like the minor grammar error and things. However, there were quite a few things that I picked up with casual reading that set me on edge. Things like:
-- Using the word "think" instead of "thing".
-- Spelling Mai Lai properly in the first instance, but all following instances spelling it My Lai.
-- Confusing genders of the character from one sentence to the next.
-- Calling a magazine a clip even though the clip is what helps you put bullets into the magazine.
-- Weird phrasing that made me start reading the passages like Shatner.
And, although the phrasing was weird and Shatneresque in some places, it was used as a tool to make you feel like you were on the level with the criminals. That was pretty awesome, but it drove me nuts to have short, clipped sentences for a page or so at a time. Seriously, I started reading it and using a cheesing (and terrible) Shatner impression every single time. >.< No one can stay sane that long.
All in all, though, it wasn't a bad book if you like this sort of quick thrill and don't mind William Shatner's voice in your head for pages at a time.
I was disappointed that I didn't feel as much as I should.
Story
Lenny Petrocelli is a mid-level slimball that runs a regional branch of an internet sex site. His bosses in Chicago start to expand into human trafficking and don't warn him before they send the Djinn Djinn girls to Brooklyn. The girls' plight is somehow seen by the Bishop of Brooklyn, who then tries to rescue them.
The Bishop is a rather forceful human being, so he has Alicia, a girl that went to high school with Petrocelli and has unrequited love for him go and convince him to come in. She, of course, does it with cloak and dagger style "just because". ¬_¬ Petrocelli is then forced into a cage and kept there for a while. (Nope, still not sure how long, but not long enough for people to call the cops or the guy's landlord to bitch about non-payment, but long enough to look like a Holocaust victim.) During his imprisonment, he is nursed by a Djinn Djinn girl named Kimnai - who isn't important until the end of the book as a catalyst.
After the Bishop's place is raided, the girls are taken back to the sadistic bosses in Chicago (aren't they always "sick fucks"?), Petrocelli gets a "raise" from the bosses in Chicago where they start to fuck with him. The story is one big set up full of twists and turns because the guys in Chicago are either bored or stupid. Probably a mix of both. Anyway you slice it, it makes for some pretty predictable Hollywood-ised action and drama.
It's not a bad book by any means. It's fast, fun, and drama-tastic. It's perfect if you are listening to a radio station with a lot of epic movie songs on it and imagine it directed by Michael Bay or J.J. Abrams. It's predictable in all the right ways, but some twists through in there if you don't actually know the sex trade. Even the ending is perfect for the movies -- especially if you are aiming to have so many sequels you want to throw yourself out the window just to make the suffering end.
Characters
I... honestly couldn't tell you what many of the characters were. Obviously, there was Petrocelli. And a lot of other people. Some do-gooder that did fundraising had a minor role, a crazy 'Nam vet was predictably crazy and had a minor role of making things hilariously chaotic, a handful of Asians that I've forgotten the name of added dimension, but played even a more spectacularly more minor role. Oh, and I nearly forgot about the forceful Bishop that played a somewhat key role of Ex Machina.
... And I even forgot about The Bad Guys. I know there are two sadisitic guys in Chicago, some guys in Southeast Asia, and one homicidal Japanese guy. Can't remember anyone's name, though.
I had no emotional attachment to any of them. It felt like they were all there playing to the story, but had no depth of character. They were all just ex machinas for the plot line, setting it along and coaxing it. Not that it matters if you are only in it for the story.
Thoughts>
Normally I don't pick up on trite things like the minor grammar error and things. However, there were quite a few things that I picked up with casual reading that set me on edge. Things like:
-- Using the word "think" instead of "thing".
-- Spelling Mai Lai properly in the first instance, but all following instances spelling it My Lai.
-- Confusing genders of the character from one sentence to the next.
-- Calling a magazine a clip even though the clip is what helps you put bullets into the magazine.
-- Weird phrasing that made me start reading the passages like Shatner.
And, although the phrasing was weird and Shatneresque in some places, it was used as a tool to make you feel like you were on the level with the criminals. That was pretty awesome, but it drove me nuts to have short, clipped sentences for a page or so at a time. Seriously, I started reading it and using a cheesing (and terrible) Shatner impression every single time. >.< No one can stay sane that long.
All in all, though, it wasn't a bad book if you like this sort of quick thrill and don't mind William Shatner's voice in your head for pages at a time.
March 1, 2016
John Rachel is a most unusual author, having done many different things in his life, and lived in many places throughout the world. As he writes in his blog: “Since leaving America in August 2006, I’ve traveled to thirty-two countries.” He has lived in the parts of the world where the sex-trade thrives, as he writes in his introductory “Note from the Author” in “Petrocelli”:
“But it was the time I spent during 2007 living in Africa, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia which really codified my understanding of the flesh trade for both sweatshops and the sex service industry. It is currently estimated that human trafficking is annually a 36 billion dollar business worldwide. I have also read there are more than 25 million people in the world kept in bondage as slaves. I fear this is a low figure.”
“Petrocelli” is a novel, a work of fiction. But the writing is so very real. John Rachel describes in detail what he obviously considers the moral outrage of sex trafficking, but he writes with a passion to tell a good story and inform – never to shock, much less to titillate.
A novel about young Asian girls being kidnapped and sold into the prison of forced prostitution can never be pleasant. It is brutal, as many of the reviews indicate; but how could it be otherwise, given the world it describes. The brutality is redeemed by the truth revealed to us about the evil practice of sexually exploiting and destroying the lives of children for money.
Much of what we encounter in this novel comes to us through the experience of Lenny Petrocelli, and his relationships with very bad guys, and very sad victims of the sex trade. The presentation of the reality of both sides of sexual exploitation (perpetrator and victim) is a revelation. Lenny begins as a clueless worker (“a slacker, a mediocre low-life”) in the underworld, who learns as we the readers learn, about the sordid details of the world-wide sex trade to which he has unknowingly become a part through the evil machinations of his Chicago gangster bosses Harold Danko and Ed Valley.
Somehow Lenny Petrocelli evolves into a decent person with some heroic characteristics. Like the world we live in, he never becomes “great” or “perfect.” He becomes real, and he does indeed become a better person – especially through his coming to know and care about the young female victims of the sex trade. Yes, his transformation is inspiring, as is the courage displayed by some of the Asian sex-trade victims – “the Djin Djin girls.”
There is one small aspect of this novel that had particular resonance with me because I am a Vietnam Veteran. Early in the novel, the author introduces a very unremarkable young man, who embodies all of the American virtues to include devout Christianity and the adherence to sexual abstinence before marriage. He is introduced as “Big John,” and in 1967 he volunteers to be an Army grunt in Vietnam. From a normal, all-American boy he develops (devolves) after more than two years of seeing death and destruction in the killing fields of Vietnam, into a raging man with no conscience and an endless appetite for revenge. The author makes this malignant transformation utterly believable within nine pages, as “Big John” becomes a serial killer who stalks Asian women in America. Author John Rachel is able simultaneously to demonstrate the absurdity and destructive toll of the Vietnam War upon one formerly normal guy, and by implication the destructive force of this War on all Americans.
The writing is superb, the characters are real and varied, and the vast underworld of illegal sex commerce with minors is masterfully revealed.
There is one other aspect of this novel, and the writing of John Rachel, and that is his sly wit and sense of irony. That is a natural by-product of his intelligence, and his realistic view of the world in which we live. This sense of irony is no more evident than in the “Epilogue,” about which I will restrain from commenting further so as not to spoil a reader’s future enjoyment.
This novel engages you with the fine mind of John Rachel. I feel lucky to have been enlightened and absorbed by my reading of “Petrocelli” and my encounter with the world of Lenny Petrocelli.
Raymond Keen – author of “Love Poems for Cannibals” and “The Private and Public Life of King Able”
“But it was the time I spent during 2007 living in Africa, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia which really codified my understanding of the flesh trade for both sweatshops and the sex service industry. It is currently estimated that human trafficking is annually a 36 billion dollar business worldwide. I have also read there are more than 25 million people in the world kept in bondage as slaves. I fear this is a low figure.”
“Petrocelli” is a novel, a work of fiction. But the writing is so very real. John Rachel describes in detail what he obviously considers the moral outrage of sex trafficking, but he writes with a passion to tell a good story and inform – never to shock, much less to titillate.
A novel about young Asian girls being kidnapped and sold into the prison of forced prostitution can never be pleasant. It is brutal, as many of the reviews indicate; but how could it be otherwise, given the world it describes. The brutality is redeemed by the truth revealed to us about the evil practice of sexually exploiting and destroying the lives of children for money.
Much of what we encounter in this novel comes to us through the experience of Lenny Petrocelli, and his relationships with very bad guys, and very sad victims of the sex trade. The presentation of the reality of both sides of sexual exploitation (perpetrator and victim) is a revelation. Lenny begins as a clueless worker (“a slacker, a mediocre low-life”) in the underworld, who learns as we the readers learn, about the sordid details of the world-wide sex trade to which he has unknowingly become a part through the evil machinations of his Chicago gangster bosses Harold Danko and Ed Valley.
Somehow Lenny Petrocelli evolves into a decent person with some heroic characteristics. Like the world we live in, he never becomes “great” or “perfect.” He becomes real, and he does indeed become a better person – especially through his coming to know and care about the young female victims of the sex trade. Yes, his transformation is inspiring, as is the courage displayed by some of the Asian sex-trade victims – “the Djin Djin girls.”
There is one small aspect of this novel that had particular resonance with me because I am a Vietnam Veteran. Early in the novel, the author introduces a very unremarkable young man, who embodies all of the American virtues to include devout Christianity and the adherence to sexual abstinence before marriage. He is introduced as “Big John,” and in 1967 he volunteers to be an Army grunt in Vietnam. From a normal, all-American boy he develops (devolves) after more than two years of seeing death and destruction in the killing fields of Vietnam, into a raging man with no conscience and an endless appetite for revenge. The author makes this malignant transformation utterly believable within nine pages, as “Big John” becomes a serial killer who stalks Asian women in America. Author John Rachel is able simultaneously to demonstrate the absurdity and destructive toll of the Vietnam War upon one formerly normal guy, and by implication the destructive force of this War on all Americans.
The writing is superb, the characters are real and varied, and the vast underworld of illegal sex commerce with minors is masterfully revealed.
There is one other aspect of this novel, and the writing of John Rachel, and that is his sly wit and sense of irony. That is a natural by-product of his intelligence, and his realistic view of the world in which we live. This sense of irony is no more evident than in the “Epilogue,” about which I will restrain from commenting further so as not to spoil a reader’s future enjoyment.
This novel engages you with the fine mind of John Rachel. I feel lucky to have been enlightened and absorbed by my reading of “Petrocelli” and my encounter with the world of Lenny Petrocelli.
Raymond Keen – author of “Love Poems for Cannibals” and “The Private and Public Life of King Able”
January 24, 2016
This is a tricky book to describe. The fundamental plot of the story is Lenny Petrocelli's involvement with the activities around organised crime, specifically a prostitution ring, but on many levels that's more a background item in what is a very good work of observation on society. The fact it works makes this book quite a find, but it also left me with a niggling doubt that both aspects on their own would've been even more impressive.
Starting with the sociological study that this book presents John Rachel delivers some incredible writing. The depth of empathy shown by the author allows each character to hold views that are so believable it's easy to think the author is projecting his own views to try - until you get to the next section and another character presents polar opposite views with just as much conviction and plausibility. It took me a while to shake the feeling that this was a book with a personal agenda, and to stop trying to work out what that might be. It's actually a very accepting and forgiving work in that regard. Given it deals with some very challenging topics it is happy to show that the world is rarely binary simplicity. The characters have a humanity and realism to them that shows a deep insight into people.
Unfortunately that realism and fairness blunts the narrative of the main storyline a little. It could've grown into a full blown thriller. More exaggerated characters would've ramped up the tension and suspense. By handling these issues with sensitivity we get a lot of backstory, history, and facts - which no doubt make the sociological work above, but they do anchor the action in a reality that is a little more subdued than typical.
Overall it works quite well. Much as I came away thinking both aspects of the book had the potential to be more there are merits in the approach taken. By combining these works you end up with something more unique, something that actually is probably greater than the individual parts in an odd way. This offers a far broader appeal for example, with the narrative helping to soften the tone of the topic and the topic offering a clever background for the plot. This would be a very easy book to get very wrong, but John Rachel has delivered something of note - he displays impressive skills as both a writer and a social commentator. With Petrocelli he's opened up a very tricky subject and he can hold his head high. Books like this can put subjects on the agenda, they can be catalysts for more.
I received a copy of this book for review from the author.
Starting with the sociological study that this book presents John Rachel delivers some incredible writing. The depth of empathy shown by the author allows each character to hold views that are so believable it's easy to think the author is projecting his own views to try - until you get to the next section and another character presents polar opposite views with just as much conviction and plausibility. It took me a while to shake the feeling that this was a book with a personal agenda, and to stop trying to work out what that might be. It's actually a very accepting and forgiving work in that regard. Given it deals with some very challenging topics it is happy to show that the world is rarely binary simplicity. The characters have a humanity and realism to them that shows a deep insight into people.
Unfortunately that realism and fairness blunts the narrative of the main storyline a little. It could've grown into a full blown thriller. More exaggerated characters would've ramped up the tension and suspense. By handling these issues with sensitivity we get a lot of backstory, history, and facts - which no doubt make the sociological work above, but they do anchor the action in a reality that is a little more subdued than typical.
Overall it works quite well. Much as I came away thinking both aspects of the book had the potential to be more there are merits in the approach taken. By combining these works you end up with something more unique, something that actually is probably greater than the individual parts in an odd way. This offers a far broader appeal for example, with the narrative helping to soften the tone of the topic and the topic offering a clever background for the plot. This would be a very easy book to get very wrong, but John Rachel has delivered something of note - he displays impressive skills as both a writer and a social commentator. With Petrocelli he's opened up a very tricky subject and he can hold his head high. Books like this can put subjects on the agenda, they can be catalysts for more.
I received a copy of this book for review from the author.
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