The Apple and the Shady Tree: The Mafia, My Family, and Me

by Lisa Novick Goldberg

The true story of how a Jewish New Yorker’s familial relations to the Mafia profoundly shaped her life. They say that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” In Lisa Novick Goldberg’s memoir, she explores the veracity of this proverb by examining her complicated relationship with her father, whose closest friends happen to be bosses of the Genovese crime family. Goldberg begins with a mob-related murder that forever alters the way she views the world. Through chronological vignettes, both riveting and humorous, she takes us behind the scenes into the glitzy and corrupt world of organized crime, where chaotic consequences wreak havoc on her fragile family. From her early childhood in Brooklyn, to growing up in the Five Towns of Long Island, to adulthood, Goldberg examines the fear, disappointment, and confusion that comes with a lifetime of negotiating identities as a privileged Jewish girl and a sort-of Mafia princess. In The Apple and the Shady Tree, Lisa Novick Goldberg takes you on her intensely heartfelt journey as she uproots her family tree and explores its misshapen branches and weakened leaves.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2019

Reviews

[Lorraine Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting memoir from the daughter of a NYC mobster. She grew up among the disfunction of arguing parents, a mobster dad, and all of his friends and business partners who were involved in the one scheme or another.

I never realized how prevalent crime was in NYC in the 80s and 90s, but it was interesting to learn about this "underworld" and what it was like in really life and not just the movies.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought my family was dysfunctional but Lisa’s takes the cake. Parents who had no idea how to parent and on top of that involved with the Mafia! Wow! Being from New York, myself, I related to so much of Lisa’s story. She made me think about my family ,in the garment business, traveling on junkets and Ebinger Chocolate Cake! Seriously, though, the insecurities she had and the way she tried to express herself to her family, will cause many people to relate . Congratulations to Lisa for her personal insight that helped her overcome the damage that was done to her as a child. Easy quick read. Great for a first time writer.

[Nancy Lombardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Novick Goldberg’s first book, The Apple and the Shady Tree is a terrific Mafia memoir. From her early family Mafia ties to the present day. Lisa fearlessly delves into volatile family life, crimes ties, and PSTD. She flavors this well-seasoned book also with nostalgic memories of growing up on Long Island. In this book, she has managed to heal herself and hopefully help others by encouraging others to create and gain from pain as well. Lisa is a true survivor and The Apple and The Shady Tree is insightful and entertaining. I highly recommend it and would love to see it on screen as well.

Nancy Lombardo Host of What’s The Buzz NY Blog talk Radio

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting memoir, as it was written with such honesty at the challenges and rewards of being the daughter of someone "connected" to the mafia in New York. I admire the author's writing, as this book wasn't cheesy, as some mafia memoirs are because they exaggerate in an obvious way.

[Chuck Throckmorton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and poignant

Lisa Goldberg’s memoir of her relationship with her parents and her interactions with her father’s Mafia associates is full of hilarious stories mixed with brutally honest recollections of painful family dynamics, with vivid backdrops of life in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Las Vegas. A wonderful read.

[Mari Iglesia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about mafia and growing up in the life