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The Godmother: Murder, Vengeance, and the Bloody Struggle of Mafia Women
“ The Godmother [is a] crisply written, dutifully researched book exploring the role of women in the…underbelly of Italian life.”
— New York Times Book Review
The chilling story of one woman’s rise to prominence in the Italian Mafia, and the as-yet untold stories of the women who followed in her footsteps.
For as long as it has gripped our imaginations, the Mafia has been tied to an ingrained image of masculinity. We read about "made men ," "wise guys ," and "good fellas " leading criminal organizations whose culture prizes machismo, with women as ancillary and often-powerless trivialized mistresses and long-suffering mob wives. The reality is far more complex.
In The Godmother , investigative journalist Barbie Latza Nadeau tells the stories of the women who have risen to prominence, and fallen out of favor, in the Italian mob, beginning with the most infamous of these Pupetta Maresca. A Mafia woman born and raised, Pupetta avenged her husband’s murder, firing 29 shots at the man who killed him.
Woven throughout Pupetta's story is Nadeau's diligent research, and her personal interviews with the Mafia women themselves. Nadeau takes readers inside the Mafia families to paint a complete and complex portrait of the real culture that has shaped the Mafia, and the women who are part of it.
Leaving behind the stereotypes we know from Mafia movies, The Godmother shows the Mafia in an entirely new full-fledged, ruthless, twenty-first-century criminal enterprises led by whoever is strong enough and smart enough to take control.
— New York Times Book Review
The chilling story of one woman’s rise to prominence in the Italian Mafia, and the as-yet untold stories of the women who followed in her footsteps.
For as long as it has gripped our imaginations, the Mafia has been tied to an ingrained image of masculinity. We read about "made men ," "wise guys ," and "good fellas " leading criminal organizations whose culture prizes machismo, with women as ancillary and often-powerless trivialized mistresses and long-suffering mob wives. The reality is far more complex.
In The Godmother , investigative journalist Barbie Latza Nadeau tells the stories of the women who have risen to prominence, and fallen out of favor, in the Italian mob, beginning with the most infamous of these Pupetta Maresca. A Mafia woman born and raised, Pupetta avenged her husband’s murder, firing 29 shots at the man who killed him.
Woven throughout Pupetta's story is Nadeau's diligent research, and her personal interviews with the Mafia women themselves. Nadeau takes readers inside the Mafia families to paint a complete and complex portrait of the real culture that has shaped the Mafia, and the women who are part of it.
Leaving behind the stereotypes we know from Mafia movies, The Godmother shows the Mafia in an entirely new full-fledged, ruthless, twenty-first-century criminal enterprises led by whoever is strong enough and smart enough to take control.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
April 30, 2025
Книга про те, як жінки добивались поваги та рівних прав у мафії. Окрім історії Пупетти Марески тут багато історій жінок у мафії. Книга досить докладно розкриває світ різних італійських кримінальних організацій. Особливо цікава буде ця книга для людей, які знають про італійську мафію тільки з книги "Хрещений батько" та серіалу "Спрут". Важке життя жінок у мафії, особливо якщо їм не хочеться жити таким життям. Вийти можна з мафії або у в'язницю або у труні. Але в Італії є програми захисту людей, які йдуть на співпрацю з поліцією. Та все одно це непросто... Та й вийти з мафії хочуть насправді не так багато людей, як хотілося би. Більшість сприймає правила цього світу.
"Жінкам мафії промивали мізки із самого народження, і потрібні особливі аргументи, щоб переконати їх в існуванні альтернативного способу життя".
Дуже здивувало яке викривлене сприйняття подій у людей в мафії. Нормою є дуже жахливі вчинки такі, як зґвалтування невірної дружини родичами чоловіка, викрадення та катування дітей для шантажу та багато іншого.
«Через те, що злочинність насаджується з дуже юного віку, її вкрай важко подолати».
"Те, що жінок, які замовляють мерзенні вбивства, брутальні каліцтва і керують тортурами немислимої жорстокості, досі називають «милими», цілком узгоджується з патріархальною природою Італії, де сексизм прийнятний на всіх рівнях: від владних коридорів до дитячих майданчиків. Винятків немає".
І залишу у відгуку перше речення авторки з розділу Подяки.
"Не можна применшити лиха від організованої злочинності на моїй другій батьківщині. Попкультура десятиліттями романтизувала італійську мафію, внормувавши явище, котре щодня руйнує долі та місцеву економіку. Ця книжка не має на меті романтизацію такої злочинності, хоч й досліджує історії жінок, які не мали іншого вибору, аніж залишатися в злочинних родинах".
"Жінкам мафії промивали мізки із самого народження, і потрібні особливі аргументи, щоб переконати їх в існуванні альтернативного способу життя".
Дуже здивувало яке викривлене сприйняття подій у людей в мафії. Нормою є дуже жахливі вчинки такі, як зґвалтування невірної дружини родичами чоловіка, викрадення та катування дітей для шантажу та багато іншого.
«Через те, що злочинність насаджується з дуже юного віку, її вкрай важко подолати».
"Те, що жінок, які замовляють мерзенні вбивства, брутальні каліцтва і керують тортурами немислимої жорстокості, досі називають «милими», цілком узгоджується з патріархальною природою Італії, де сексизм прийнятний на всіх рівнях: від владних коридорів до дитячих майданчиків. Винятків немає".
І залишу у відгуку перше речення авторки з розділу Подяки.
"Не можна применшити лиха від організованої злочинності на моїй другій батьківщині. Попкультура десятиліттями романтизувала італійську мафію, внормувавши явище, котре щодня руйнує долі та місцеву економіку. Ця книжка не має на меті романтизацію такої злочинності, хоч й досліджує історії жінок, які не мали іншого вибору, аніж залишатися в злочинних родинах".
March 27, 2024
мені було дуже цікаво цей нонфікшн читати, хочу більше тру крайму українською
February 6, 2023
Overall this book was very interesting and I respect the lengths the author had to go to to write such a book. If you are at all interested in the role of women in the mafia or the current state in the mafia in Italy I think this is a very good place to start.
All of that being said, I found this very difficult to read. It felt like each paragraph she introduced at least 2 new names, and then these names would be referenced dozens of pages later, expecting you to be able to remember them. There were also a lot of Italian words used, probably because there is no English translation for some of these terms, but I found it very hard to keep track of what was being spoken about. I wish the reporting notes at the end of the book would have been at the beginning because they gave some very helpful background information that I would have loved to reference while reading the book, but I didn't know it was there.
If the Godfather book made me feel like the mafia seemed kinda valid this book made me feel the exact opposite and makes me actually so glad I am not Italian!
All of that being said, I found this very difficult to read. It felt like each paragraph she introduced at least 2 new names, and then these names would be referenced dozens of pages later, expecting you to be able to remember them. There were also a lot of Italian words used, probably because there is no English translation for some of these terms, but I found it very hard to keep track of what was being spoken about. I wish the reporting notes at the end of the book would have been at the beginning because they gave some very helpful background information that I would have loved to reference while reading the book, but I didn't know it was there.
If the Godfather book made me feel like the mafia seemed kinda valid this book made me feel the exact opposite and makes me actually so glad I am not Italian!
September 15, 2022
See my review on www.mysteryandsuspensemagazine.com
Investigative journalist Barbie Latza Nadeau takes on the often undermined and underestimated roles that women play in the male-dominated Italian mafia. Focusing her research on Pupetta Maresca, the self-proclaimed “Godmother of the Mafia”, Nadeau explores the dated misogynistic attitudes of Italian police and officials, as well as the stereotypical roles given to females by society, and how female members of the mafia are faced with threats to their lives and the lives of their loved ones, forcing them into complete participation and compliance.
“The Godmother: Murder, Vengeance, and the Bloody Struggle of Mafia Women” is a dangerously realistic look behind the scenes of some of Italy’s most renowned crime families that goes far beyond anything portrayed in North American media. Latza Nadeau’s true crime story is told in several parts, highlighting why and how females become enwrapped within the mafia web and how they survive ( Nadeau also discusses those who did not survive, and how they met their fate). Not to be outdone, the misogynistic and out-of-date viewpoint of not only the (male) heads of Mafia families, but also the Italian police and officials, take a starring role. In the world of the Mafia, women are often overlooked, and always underestimated, which works only to aid them in avoiding severe punishment (in most cases).
“Godmother” is an in depth look at the political climate of Italy and its centuries-old patriarchal structure. Nadeau highlights many of the crime families that head the mafia in both Italy and in North America, and there are a lot of characters mentioned, but it is evident that she has done her research. Latza Nadeau identifies Italy as her “adopted homeland”, and it is obvious that she has spent much time there, learning the culture and the language, fully immersing herself in the country to be able to provide as much detail as possible in her writings (ignoring the most present dangers).
The legal system in Italy is touched on in Nadeau’s story, but only to depict how corrupt it is. “Godmother” does not focus on the court proceedings, and instead focuses on illegal practices of the mafia in Italy, and the women who make it all possible. This prevents long pages of legal jargon and speeches, which I appreciated, and allows the reader to learn all the nitty-gritty details, which are the best parts.
It is obvious that Nadeau literally took her life into her hands to present the world with “Godmother”, facing danger home and abroad. The story itself is a creative examination of a culture that most people are only vaguely familiar with through (poor) representations on their screens. “Godmother” is a completely immersive, educational experience and Nadeau manages to accrue a type of sympathy for these women, and makes them relatable. “Godmother” is true-crime at its finest.
Investigative journalist Barbie Latza Nadeau takes on the often undermined and underestimated roles that women play in the male-dominated Italian mafia. Focusing her research on Pupetta Maresca, the self-proclaimed “Godmother of the Mafia”, Nadeau explores the dated misogynistic attitudes of Italian police and officials, as well as the stereotypical roles given to females by society, and how female members of the mafia are faced with threats to their lives and the lives of their loved ones, forcing them into complete participation and compliance.
“The Godmother: Murder, Vengeance, and the Bloody Struggle of Mafia Women” is a dangerously realistic look behind the scenes of some of Italy’s most renowned crime families that goes far beyond anything portrayed in North American media. Latza Nadeau’s true crime story is told in several parts, highlighting why and how females become enwrapped within the mafia web and how they survive ( Nadeau also discusses those who did not survive, and how they met their fate). Not to be outdone, the misogynistic and out-of-date viewpoint of not only the (male) heads of Mafia families, but also the Italian police and officials, take a starring role. In the world of the Mafia, women are often overlooked, and always underestimated, which works only to aid them in avoiding severe punishment (in most cases).
“Godmother” is an in depth look at the political climate of Italy and its centuries-old patriarchal structure. Nadeau highlights many of the crime families that head the mafia in both Italy and in North America, and there are a lot of characters mentioned, but it is evident that she has done her research. Latza Nadeau identifies Italy as her “adopted homeland”, and it is obvious that she has spent much time there, learning the culture and the language, fully immersing herself in the country to be able to provide as much detail as possible in her writings (ignoring the most present dangers).
The legal system in Italy is touched on in Nadeau’s story, but only to depict how corrupt it is. “Godmother” does not focus on the court proceedings, and instead focuses on illegal practices of the mafia in Italy, and the women who make it all possible. This prevents long pages of legal jargon and speeches, which I appreciated, and allows the reader to learn all the nitty-gritty details, which are the best parts.
It is obvious that Nadeau literally took her life into her hands to present the world with “Godmother”, facing danger home and abroad. The story itself is a creative examination of a culture that most people are only vaguely familiar with through (poor) representations on their screens. “Godmother” is a completely immersive, educational experience and Nadeau manages to accrue a type of sympathy for these women, and makes them relatable. “Godmother” is true-crime at its finest.
October 10, 2022
Horrific details. Truly, this was stomach turning. Not only the mores, but the practices (common) for revenge, they belong more in the late Middle Ages, then they do now. This is not only killing for payback or dominance, but tortures of the worse types and suffering intensified on purpose.
For the women, and by the women. Just as well and double the volume. Down to killing the two year olds volume. Not always quickly.
I don't recommend this book unless you have a high threshold for reality of some of the very darkest capabilities of humans. I'm serious. I knew it was bad, and that Naples is the USA Armed Forces Hazard Pay station for a reason.
Thank God my grandparents left Italy when they were teenagers and never returned. This is endlessly embedded within every striation of the population and economy. Not only Sicily. Worse in Naples and Calabria as they are not consolidated into one head but are divided by clans. Women's "flying under the radar" or not? Their onus and outcomes are with higher levels of connection to the intiated, much the same. And cruelty even worse.
The form is hard to read as most non-fiction becomes. Because Pupetta Maresca's long life story is told throughout others over the decades embedded within the other women of her era's competitions. Decades. And every day a certain death if loyalty to omerta and the sources are betrayed.
The journalist Nadeau is intrepid. And when 20 to 30 years younger was quite beyond naive to traipse into those elevators, towers, warren paths of alleyways. The Le Vele stories today and most recent for the women from Nigeria? Well, I had to actually skip parts as the trafficking and treatments were so bad.
As I said, do not read this just on a whim. It's heavier than North Korean or other genocide torture practices. And executions. Because it lives behind a more "normal" serene face.
The opinion of woman on the whole! Even to picking their own spouse or path. Or having capability for authority or direction? It's not only in the Mafia/Camorra/'Ndrangherta at all. It is embedded within the entire culture and cognition.
But Covid shut downs have made every branch bigger/ dominant stronger and more controlling of the economy than ever before. And male nuance for women's onus is little different. So if you want a REAL slice of how it works, read this entire. Now the small business is existing hugely upon Mafia loan and sufferance.
The author lives in Rome and often is in France. But has lived a long walk with this for decades and knows Italy. Not every dialect, but close.
I loved the quote from Pope Francis about women which personifies this cognition. Another cultural set of mores which holds concept of female gender as somewhere on a lower scale and other type of Earth than men's. The named and described organizations are more powerful and with stronger eventual outcome than the government of Italy OR the Church. The government may actually run third.
It IS very much like the Middle Ages in other aspects as well. Often brothers, sons, daughters, uncles are destroyed for similar reasons than the "line to the throne" power grabs between nobles during the Renaissance. Pupetta's eldest son was killed by the father of her second born twins, for instance.
Terrible, terrible lives. No peace.
For the women, and by the women. Just as well and double the volume. Down to killing the two year olds volume. Not always quickly.
I don't recommend this book unless you have a high threshold for reality of some of the very darkest capabilities of humans. I'm serious. I knew it was bad, and that Naples is the USA Armed Forces Hazard Pay station for a reason.
Thank God my grandparents left Italy when they were teenagers and never returned. This is endlessly embedded within every striation of the population and economy. Not only Sicily. Worse in Naples and Calabria as they are not consolidated into one head but are divided by clans. Women's "flying under the radar" or not? Their onus and outcomes are with higher levels of connection to the intiated, much the same. And cruelty even worse.
The form is hard to read as most non-fiction becomes. Because Pupetta Maresca's long life story is told throughout others over the decades embedded within the other women of her era's competitions. Decades. And every day a certain death if loyalty to omerta and the sources are betrayed.
The journalist Nadeau is intrepid. And when 20 to 30 years younger was quite beyond naive to traipse into those elevators, towers, warren paths of alleyways. The Le Vele stories today and most recent for the women from Nigeria? Well, I had to actually skip parts as the trafficking and treatments were so bad.
As I said, do not read this just on a whim. It's heavier than North Korean or other genocide torture practices. And executions. Because it lives behind a more "normal" serene face.
The opinion of woman on the whole! Even to picking their own spouse or path. Or having capability for authority or direction? It's not only in the Mafia/Camorra/'Ndrangherta at all. It is embedded within the entire culture and cognition.
But Covid shut downs have made every branch bigger/ dominant stronger and more controlling of the economy than ever before. And male nuance for women's onus is little different. So if you want a REAL slice of how it works, read this entire. Now the small business is existing hugely upon Mafia loan and sufferance.
The author lives in Rome and often is in France. But has lived a long walk with this for decades and knows Italy. Not every dialect, but close.
I loved the quote from Pope Francis about women which personifies this cognition. Another cultural set of mores which holds concept of female gender as somewhere on a lower scale and other type of Earth than men's. The named and described organizations are more powerful and with stronger eventual outcome than the government of Italy OR the Church. The government may actually run third.
It IS very much like the Middle Ages in other aspects as well. Often brothers, sons, daughters, uncles are destroyed for similar reasons than the "line to the throne" power grabs between nobles during the Renaissance. Pupetta's eldest son was killed by the father of her second born twins, for instance.
Terrible, terrible lives. No peace.
October 4, 2023
Fact is stranger than fiction. If you think how the mafia is portrayed in the movies or on the tele is a stretch- you might think again after you read this reporters biographical account of actual interviews she has had with real woman that were mafia related.
Not for the faint of heart - graphic details of the crimes committed are told in horrific detail, in my opinion not so much for sensationalism, but I believe the author is trying to communicate how real, powerful, evil, these mafia organizations are. At times sensing her own life was in danger, she was careful to stay within the boundaries given her and never to overstay her welcome.
Author of the book is also the narrator of the audiobook - she does an impressive and impeccable job of relating everything she felt and heard. Her command of the Italian language and phrases also lend huge credibility to the experience she undertook to get the info. A fascinating, engrossing read to some people you will have probably heard of - a glimpse into their mindset that controls their actions and instills fear.
I wholeheartedly recommend the audio book and obtained a free copy on Libby/local library.
Not for the faint of heart - graphic details of the crimes committed are told in horrific detail, in my opinion not so much for sensationalism, but I believe the author is trying to communicate how real, powerful, evil, these mafia organizations are. At times sensing her own life was in danger, she was careful to stay within the boundaries given her and never to overstay her welcome.
Author of the book is also the narrator of the audiobook - she does an impressive and impeccable job of relating everything she felt and heard. Her command of the Italian language and phrases also lend huge credibility to the experience she undertook to get the info. A fascinating, engrossing read to some people you will have probably heard of - a glimpse into their mindset that controls their actions and instills fear.
I wholeheartedly recommend the audio book and obtained a free copy on Libby/local library.
April 29, 2023
More like 2.75.
Things I like:
- the writer doesn’t glamorized mafias
- there are a lot of interesting stories about different women throughout the years.
Things I’m not a big fan of:
- her writing feels all over the place. She has a lot of information that she tries to condense into this book, but the way she structured the stories are not really compelling. It’s apparent that her background is in journalism.
- the story of the women are not deep enough. I know it’s probably the limited access she had of them, but I want to know more. I would appreciate more depth in one story than breadth.
- the main story revolves around Pupetta, which had a pretty interesting life. But halfway through the book, there’s no new information about her. She used Pupetta’s story to start and end each chapter, but they all felt like repetitions of earlier chapter. She couldn’t get deeper into her story, but it felt like she’s already set her mind on her, so she keeps telling Pupetta’s story in different words.
Things I like:
- the writer doesn’t glamorized mafias
- there are a lot of interesting stories about different women throughout the years.
Things I’m not a big fan of:
- her writing feels all over the place. She has a lot of information that she tries to condense into this book, but the way she structured the stories are not really compelling. It’s apparent that her background is in journalism.
- the story of the women are not deep enough. I know it’s probably the limited access she had of them, but I want to know more. I would appreciate more depth in one story than breadth.
- the main story revolves around Pupetta, which had a pretty interesting life. But halfway through the book, there’s no new information about her. She used Pupetta’s story to start and end each chapter, but they all felt like repetitions of earlier chapter. She couldn’t get deeper into her story, but it felt like she’s already set her mind on her, so she keeps telling Pupetta’s story in different words.
February 18, 2025
Фух, я нарешті дочитала.
January 18, 2023
I like this kind of non-sensationalized true crime writing. The author manages to make the main subject of this book seem mysterious, glamorous and powerful (a very North American idea of what a mafia woman might be), while examining how Italy’s deeply patriarchal systems and culture over look the power mafia women may be able to capture - with the police, media, and consorts all believing their femininity renders them lesser in every way, and not capable - and also keeps them as victims trapped within these systems, where there is very little chance of safe escape.
She allows her subjects to be dynamic full human beings, complicated and multifaceted. Both the victims of terrible circumstance, yet also the perpetrators of unimaginable cruelty.
She allows her subjects to be dynamic full human beings, complicated and multifaceted. Both the victims of terrible circumstance, yet also the perpetrators of unimaginable cruelty.
September 13, 2023
has a good history of
Assunta "Pupetta" Maresca (19 January 1935 – 29 December 2021) was an Italian criminal who was a well-known figure in the Camorra. She made international newspaper headlines in the mid-1950s when she killed the murderer of her husband in revenge.
On 14 October 1955, Maresca was arrested. Her trial started in April 1959 at the Court of Assizes in Naples. The killing and the following trial made international headlines.
At the trial, she defiantly declared, "I would do it again!" and the whole courtroom burst into cheers.
.........
Assunta Maresca was born in Castellamare di Stabia, a town south of Naples in Campania.
She was the only daughter, and had four brothers. Her father Alberto Maresca was a dangerous smuggler. Her uncle Vincenzo Maresca, sentenced to seven years in prison for the murder of his brother Gerardo, was a known Camorrista who controlled their hometown.
The Maresca family was known as the "Lightning Knives" (Lampetielli) for their expert use of switchblades, and made their money in contraband cigarettes.
Tiny, pretty, and spoiled, she was nicknamed Pupetta "little doll".
At the age of 19, she won a local beauty contest and became Miss Rovegliano, a suburban village of Naples.
In February 1982, during the war between the Nuova Camorra Organizzata (NCO) and the Nuova Famiglia (NF), she held a press conference to defend her men, publicly defying the NCO boss Raffaele Cutolo. Cutolo had imposed a 'tax' on every case of smuggled cigarettes, a measure the Marescas resisted.
September 12, 2022
A look at women in the Italian Mafia, with mostly about Pupetta. I found this interesting, but I would have liked it better had Pupetta's story been told in one or two chapters instead of interspersed throughout the book.
The only way to leave the Family is either death or in a police car arrested for a crime. If you happen to be a woman who married, there is no divorce.
The women in the Mafia are looked down on as second class citizens. They are to raise the next generation of the family. A daughter is often married off to raise the status of the family. Some women do become Grandmother's' that are revered, but most don't.
Published September 6, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley, and Penguin Books for the Kindle Version of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#netgalley
#penguinbooks
📚 Happy Reading 🙂📚
The only way to leave the Family is either death or in a police car arrested for a crime. If you happen to be a woman who married, there is no divorce.
The women in the Mafia are looked down on as second class citizens. They are to raise the next generation of the family. A daughter is often married off to raise the status of the family. Some women do become Grandmother's' that are revered, but most don't.
Published September 6, 2022
Thanks to Netgalley, and Penguin Books for the Kindle Version of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#netgalley
#penguinbooks
📚 Happy Reading 🙂📚
June 14, 2024
бувало дратували повтори;
історія Пупетти видалась мені не маніфестом відважної діви помсти, а життям жінки, що помстилась колись вбивці свого чоловіка, а з вбивцею свого сина спокійно прожила до кінця життя, очікуючи хоча б зізнання у скоєному, за що вже була готова його пробачити
я розумію мотиви, але однаково вважаю це чудернацьким і парадоксальним
історія Пупетти видалась мені не маніфестом відважної діви помсти, а життям жінки, що помстилась колись вбивці свого чоловіка, а з вбивцею свого сина спокійно прожила до кінця життя, очікуючи хоча б зізнання у скоєному, за що вже була готова його пробачити
я розумію мотиви, але однаково вважаю це чудернацьким і парадоксальним
March 16, 2023
Hey Italy, you have a problem! This was a very scary book to read. In case you thought the Italian mafia was a thing of the past, this book will make you think again. And here I thought Italy was a pretty modern country. 🫣
September 17, 2022
I now feel like The Woman Who Knew Too Much. Nadeau takes the reader into some of the darkest corners of mob controlled Southern Italy. Pupetta, one of the most infamous of mob wives and mobster in her own right grants Nadeau interviews that would shake even the toughest of journalists to their core.
Although Pupetta is the primary interviewee and storyteller, Nadeau weaves the histories and tales of other women into The Godmother, grouping similar stories into chapters with titles such as ''Til Death Do Us Part', 'Drugs, Guns and Vats of Acid' and 'Dying to Escape'. Sounds like fun, huh?
Don't let the measly amount of reviews The Godmother has so far put you off; it was truly a fascinating and eye opening account. I think it's a book that would entertain most readers, as long as you're not too squeamish. Definitely put this one on your TBR pile, but maybe not right before that family vacation to The Boot.
Although Pupetta is the primary interviewee and storyteller, Nadeau weaves the histories and tales of other women into The Godmother, grouping similar stories into chapters with titles such as ''Til Death Do Us Part', 'Drugs, Guns and Vats of Acid' and 'Dying to Escape'. Sounds like fun, huh?
Don't let the measly amount of reviews The Godmother has so far put you off; it was truly a fascinating and eye opening account. I think it's a book that would entertain most readers, as long as you're not too squeamish. Definitely put this one on your TBR pile, but maybe not right before that family vacation to The Boot.
October 30, 2022
Journalist dives into the dark corners of Italy’s mafia & discusses the brilliant & violent women who run many of the clans, and call many of the shots. Listened as an audiobook,- not sure I would’ve liked it as a book to read. To listen, it was great. 4 stars. These women were evil, but also incredibly powerful,- and took swings at the glass ceiling of the mafia world
December 16, 2023
This was a really great read. It's amazing and horrifying the things that happen in the mafia. I really enjoyed reading about the different women's stories and how mafia, or prosecutor, they defied the gender norms of their country/organization and did amazing things.
March 31, 2024
Really enjoyed the glimpse into Pupetta’s life and Nadeau’s research on how Italy’s government, policing, and gender expectations historically allowed women to pull the strings in the mafia behind the scenes.
I wish Nadeau spent less time straying away from Pupetta’s story and focused more on her interviews. I’d have preferred she also spent less time giving short sentences about the lives of other women towards the end of the book with very little context. Scattered at the end, but otherwise a good journalistic view into Italy’s mafia.
I wish Nadeau spent less time straying away from Pupetta’s story and focused more on her interviews. I’d have preferred she also spent less time giving short sentences about the lives of other women towards the end of the book with very little context. Scattered at the end, but otherwise a good journalistic view into Italy’s mafia.
October 3, 2024
loved this, no notes
December 30, 2024
Цікава документальна книга про жінок в італійській мафії. Трохи не зрозуміла захоплення авторки центральною фігурою — жінкою, яка була однією з перших мафіозних босів своєї статі. Авторка романтизує людину, яка все своє життя вбивала, роздавала злочинні накази та все життя користувалася всіма благами родини.
Історії всіх цих жінок показують наскільки хворим та одержимим помстою та «сімейними» цінностями є кримінальний світ.
Історії всіх цих жінок показують наскільки хворим та одержимим помстою та «сімейними» цінностями є кримінальний світ.
January 9, 2025
I definitely will not look at the mafia—or Italy—the same way! The misogyny and abuse the featured women experience—and then sometimes dole out—is deeply unsettling and saddening. I appreciate that the mob world isn’t glamorized or celebrated here. However, as a reporter, the author seems to insert herself into the story quite a bit, speculating on what interviewees are thinking and feeling without any real evidence to back it up. Made the book feel less credible. And while I think it was clever to try to use Pupetta’s story as the book’s framework, popping in and out of her interview just makes things feel convoluted and repetitive. An interesting read but not a favorite.
January 11, 2023
DNF- not terrible, just repetitive and therefore a bit boring.
I wish this were organized better, so that certain anecdotes didn’t need to be repeated every chapter. I do appreciate that the author recalled her interview subjects’ stories and then offered contradicting evidence or even her suspicion of lying. However I think the author took it too far at several points by speculating on her interview subjects’ actual thoughts.
Ultimately- interesting stories, imperfect vehicle. I may look into some of the author’s sources for further reading.
I wish this were organized better, so that certain anecdotes didn’t need to be repeated every chapter. I do appreciate that the author recalled her interview subjects’ stories and then offered contradicting evidence or even her suspicion of lying. However I think the author took it too far at several points by speculating on her interview subjects’ actual thoughts.
Ultimately- interesting stories, imperfect vehicle. I may look into some of the author’s sources for further reading.
September 2, 2022
Thank you to goodreads, the publisher & the author for providing me with this ARC!
For me, I think maybe if Pupetta's story was in one whole chapter instead used to launch into different topics would have been better.
So many interesting stories of these women but honestly it makes me kinda just never want to ever go to Italy. oops.
For me, I think maybe if Pupetta's story was in one whole chapter instead used to launch into different topics would have been better.
So many interesting stories of these women but honestly it makes me kinda just never want to ever go to Italy. oops.
September 5, 2022
The writing style of this author is not my favorite. There is a lot of speculation in the commentary by the author and I think it takes away from the story.
The story is an interesting look at the women of the mafia and the injustices they bear but I just couldn’t get into it. I finished it but it was not my kind of book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
The story is an interesting look at the women of the mafia and the injustices they bear but I just couldn’t get into it. I finished it but it was not my kind of book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
July 23, 2022
Absolutely fascinating! I didn’t know too much about the mafia, let alone a woman’s life within it, and this book really went into. Huge respect to Barbie Nadeau who went and spoke with many of these women.
March 25, 2025
4,5
вони народжені бути trophy wives та виховувати майбутні злочинні покоління...
але, чи це насправді так?
пані Барбі виклала в цій маленькій книжці великий матеріал пов'язаний з італійськими жінками-мафіозі.
через те, як медіа репрезентує жінок в мафії можна дійти висновку, що це слабка стать, яка не претендує на владу, задоволена або не задоволена своїм подружнім життям, народжує дітей та розчиняється в своїй сім'ї, на сторінках цієї книжки таких жінок складно знайти.
головна постать у цій книзі пані Ассунта Мареска, або як всі її знали — Пупетта. ця жінка увірвалася в історію італійської мафії, коли нанесла 29 вогнепальних поранень замовнику вбивства свого коханого чоловіка, при цьому будучи 18-річною вагітною дівчиною. від неї не чекали 'вендети' за вбивство її чоловіка, але вона її таки вчинила, за що отримала визнання в мафіозному колі. але Леді Каморру важко назвати кровожерливою постаттю у італійські мафії, не зважаючи на її злочини, опісля вбивства Антоніо Еспозіто, та погляди. історія італійської мафії сповнена кривавими подіями, але саме ім'я Пупетти залишилося в ній на тривалий термін. вона була єдиною жінкою, чий похорон заборонили проводити публічно та загалом віддавати данину цій жінці.
загалом, матеріал зібраний пані Барбі викликає як відразу, через жорстокість справжньої мафії, так і захоплення, бо ця інформація дійсно цікава. авторка прочиняє двері у світ справжньої мафії, де багато несправедливості та насильства. де, як і в усьому світі, панує патріархальний устрій, але деяким жінкам вдається посісти керівні посади, де жінкам вдається залишити кримінальний світ та почати нове життя, обираючи свій шлях самостійно.
і на додачу. проблема не у самій мафії, проблема в її романтизації. вони такі, які є, з їх традиціями та порядком життя, який вони приймають, суспільство ж спотворює мафію роблячи її такою, якою ми бачимо її на сторінках дарк романів.
вони народжені бути trophy wives та виховувати майбутні злочинні покоління...
але, чи це насправді так?
пані Барбі виклала в цій маленькій книжці великий матеріал пов'язаний з італійськими жінками-мафіозі.
через те, як медіа репрезентує жінок в мафії можна дійти висновку, що це слабка стать, яка не претендує на владу, задоволена або не задоволена своїм подружнім життям, народжує дітей та розчиняється в своїй сім'ї, на сторінках цієї книжки таких жінок складно знайти.
головна постать у цій книзі пані Ассунта Мареска, або як всі її знали — Пупетта. ця жінка увірвалася в історію італійської мафії, коли нанесла 29 вогнепальних поранень замовнику вбивства свого коханого чоловіка, при цьому будучи 18-річною вагітною дівчиною. від неї не чекали 'вендети' за вбивство її чоловіка, але вона її таки вчинила, за що отримала визнання в мафіозному колі. але Леді Каморру важко назвати кровожерливою постаттю у італійські мафії, не зважаючи на її злочини, опісля вбивства Антоніо Еспозіто, та погляди. історія італійської мафії сповнена кривавими подіями, але саме ім'я Пупетти залишилося в ній на тривалий термін. вона була єдиною жінкою, чий похорон заборонили проводити публічно та загалом віддавати данину цій жінці.
загалом, матеріал зібраний пані Барбі викликає як відразу, через жорстокість справжньої мафії, так і захоплення, бо ця інформація дійсно цікава. авторка прочиняє двері у світ справжньої мафії, де багато несправедливості та насильства. де, як і в усьому світі, панує патріархальний устрій, але деяким жінкам вдається посісти керівні посади, де жінкам вдається залишити кримінальний світ та почати нове життя, обираючи свій шлях самостійно.
і на додачу. проблема не у самій мафії, проблема в її романтизації. вони такі, які є, з їх традиціями та порядком життя, який вони приймають, суспільство ж спотворює мафію роблячи її такою, якою ми бачимо її на сторінках дарк романів.
April 8, 2023
About women’s role in Italian organized crime groups like the Camorra. What I found interesting: 1) women’s roles have long been underestimated and overlooked by rival groups, police and historians (and many women have exploited this), and 2) horrific and crazy how much people are a product of their environment (many actively choosing to remain in this environment, and perpetuate the mob’s moral code of revenge and family honor at the risk of their own lives and their children’s). Incredible topic made four stars the floor. Didn’t reach 5 stars because it’s only good enough to recommend to those who love fringe books about organized crime.
Interesting facts:
- Organized crime remains a big force in parts of Italy today
- COVID lockdowns furthered organized crime in many areas. Many businesses could not fully tap government aid during the pandemic because of rampant tax underreporting/evasion. Mob stepped in offering loans.
- Mob facilitates illegal burying of toxic waste (in previously fertile farmland) which catches on fire. Led to cancer clusters across Italy (very sad)
Interesting facts:
- Organized crime remains a big force in parts of Italy today
- COVID lockdowns furthered organized crime in many areas. Many businesses could not fully tap government aid during the pandemic because of rampant tax underreporting/evasion. Mob stepped in offering loans.
- Mob facilitates illegal burying of toxic waste (in previously fertile farmland) which catches on fire. Led to cancer clusters across Italy (very sad)
October 18, 2024
4,5⭐️/5
Не знаю кому щось не було не так у цій книзі, але вона мене приємно вразила. Тут не було романтизації чи «обілення» злочинів і жахливих вчинків мафіозних організацій. Багато чого дізналась нового, і зовсім іншого, ніж собі думала. Це така собі книга інтервʼю-репортаж, якщо б її можна було описати. Було легко читати і авторка все пояснювала, або ж залишала покликання на те чи інше слово, цитату чи згадку інших книг або ж справ, які фігурували в минулому чи теперішньому. Якщо ви цікавитесь мафією і дотичними до неї питаннями, то ця історія саме для вас
Не знаю кому щось не було не так у цій книзі, але вона мене приємно вразила. Тут не було романтизації чи «обілення» злочинів і жахливих вчинків мафіозних організацій. Багато чого дізналась нового, і зовсім іншого, ніж собі думала. Це така собі книга інтервʼю-репортаж, якщо б її можна було описати. Було легко читати і авторка все пояснювала, або ж залишала покликання на те чи інше слово, цитату чи згадку інших книг або ж справ, які фігурували в минулому чи теперішньому. Якщо ви цікавитесь мафією і дотичними до неї питаннями, то ця історія саме для вас
November 28, 2022
I'm very whelmed - on the one hand, I learnt about a topic I hadn't even considered before, and it's always interesting to see how women elsewhere are exploiting patriarchal biases to their advantage. The stories of the brave women who stand up to the mafia, and those who choose to stay, was juxtaposed together and there are some kick-ass women on both sides, it must be said. I also found the discussion about how much we (the consumers of mafia media) are to be blamed for romanticizing the mafia, and the broader discussion around the kind of generational poverty and despair that leads to a flourishing criminal world in the first place.
On the other hand, it felt like a lot of information thrown together and only loosely connected by a theme - the storytelling was lacking somewhere. In theory, one woman's life story is the thread that binds the book together, but honestly she's almost a background figure for the most part. And the women whose stories the author chooses to tell isn't even loosely connected to this woman - the organization of the book wouldn't change if you took her out of it. And finally I would have liked to spend more time understanding the societal conditions these mafia women operate in, and what's being done to help bring them out of it.
All in all, not disappointing - but not earth shattering either. Maybe I'll come back and re-read this at a slower pace someday, coupled with some googling for wider context
On the other hand, it felt like a lot of information thrown together and only loosely connected by a theme - the storytelling was lacking somewhere. In theory, one woman's life story is the thread that binds the book together, but honestly she's almost a background figure for the most part. And the women whose stories the author chooses to tell isn't even loosely connected to this woman - the organization of the book wouldn't change if you took her out of it. And finally I would have liked to spend more time understanding the societal conditions these mafia women operate in, and what's being done to help bring them out of it.
All in all, not disappointing - but not earth shattering either. Maybe I'll come back and re-read this at a slower pace someday, coupled with some googling for wider context
December 27, 2023
This book was super captivating about the struggles and the triumphs of women who are associated with or affected by the mafia. The writing is really straightforward where it almost reads like a well written news article, but it is a book written by a journalist so I guess that checks out. This book was really well paced and an overall good read.
April 21, 2024
Навіть не знаю, що написати про цю книжку.
Журналістське розслідування однозначно варте уваги як жінок, так і чоловіків)
А висновки й інсайти кожен знайде свої.
Але те, що знайде, це точно)))
Книжка з серії «подумати потім»))
🖌️ Постійний контакт з брехунами та злочинцями робить людину черствою щодо правди.
Журналістське розслідування однозначно варте уваги як жінок, так і чоловіків)
А висновки й інсайти кожен знайде свої.
Але те, що знайде, це точно)))
Книжка з серії «подумати потім»))
🖌️ Постійний контакт з брехунами та злочинцями робить людину черствою щодо правди.
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