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We Do What We Must: Blood, Wine, and the Birth of the American Mafia in New Orleans
An immigrant Sicilian family triumphs over The Mafia in turn of the century New Orleans, just not in the way they'd planned.
This fictionalized tale recounts the story of the true life Giacona family, who emigrated from Sicily to New Orleans in the 1890s. They came to the US to escape the influence of The Mafia, only to be confronted by the same challenges in the New World.
Pietro and Corrado, father and son, do what they must to defend their family and business from the dreaded Black Hand, as well as powerful organized crime families. They proceed the only way they know how, through bravery, guile, and tough choices. Although committed to living as ‘Honest Italians,’ their choices lead them down a perilous path.
This fictionalized tale recounts the story of the true life Giacona family, who emigrated from Sicily to New Orleans in the 1890s. They came to the US to escape the influence of The Mafia, only to be confronted by the same challenges in the New World.
Pietro and Corrado, father and son, do what they must to defend their family and business from the dreaded Black Hand, as well as powerful organized crime families. They proceed the only way they know how, through bravery, guile, and tough choices. Although committed to living as ‘Honest Italians,’ their choices lead them down a perilous path.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2022
9 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Richard Robbins
4 books1 followerRichard’s novels explore the complexities of family dynamics to address important moral questions, while imparting a strong sense of location.
His first novel, Love, Loss, and Lagniappe takes to the streets of New Orleans and New York City to explore the journey of self-discovery after heartbreaking loss, while revealing the scientific basis for the meaning of life.
His second novel, Panicles, covers the lives of two intertwined families in and around Washington DC, while addressing the price of fame and fortune.
His new release, The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy, follows Hana, a young Guatemalan immigrant mute from childhood tragedy, as her quiet life is upended by the birth of a daughter who turns out to be different. And special. The kind of special that soon draws worldwide attention, for the better, and worse…
Richard was named Louisiana Independent Author of the Year for 2020, and his works have won numerous awards, including the Feathered Quill Book Awards and the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. He lives in New Orleans and New York City with his wife Lisa, near their beloved grown children.
His first novel, Love, Loss, and Lagniappe takes to the streets of New Orleans and New York City to explore the journey of self-discovery after heartbreaking loss, while revealing the scientific basis for the meaning of life.
His second novel, Panicles, covers the lives of two intertwined families in and around Washington DC, while addressing the price of fame and fortune.
His new release, The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy, follows Hana, a young Guatemalan immigrant mute from childhood tragedy, as her quiet life is upended by the birth of a daughter who turns out to be different. And special. The kind of special that soon draws worldwide attention, for the better, and worse…
Richard was named Louisiana Independent Author of the Year for 2020, and his works have won numerous awards, including the Feathered Quill Book Awards and the Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. He lives in New Orleans and New York City with his wife Lisa, near their beloved grown children.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 16, 2022
We Do What We Must by Richard Robbins is a historical fiction novel based on true events. This novel, that takes place in the early 1900s in New Orleans, LA is going to captivate you and keep you page-turning to the very end.
You will witness the growth of Corrado Giacona as he travels as a young man from Sicily to rejoin his family in New Orleans. The desire to escape the dangers of Sicily is the intent of the family, but the New World holds both old and new dangers that must be confronted and fought against for the sake of their futures and families.
This book recounts the lives of Corrado and his father with some fictional embellishments. The story is engaging from beginning to end. The author sets the stage from the beginning with an interesting overture, then shifts to New Orleans, 1908. Then the story shifts backward in time before progressing forward a chapter at a time.
The twists and turns the author details throughout this book along with pertinent newspaper articles, and their corresponding links, are absolutely delightful in keeping me engaged.
I highly recommend this novel to all readers who enjoy fiction based on true people’s lives. I’m rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
You will witness the growth of Corrado Giacona as he travels as a young man from Sicily to rejoin his family in New Orleans. The desire to escape the dangers of Sicily is the intent of the family, but the New World holds both old and new dangers that must be confronted and fought against for the sake of their futures and families.
This book recounts the lives of Corrado and his father with some fictional embellishments. The story is engaging from beginning to end. The author sets the stage from the beginning with an interesting overture, then shifts to New Orleans, 1908. Then the story shifts backward in time before progressing forward a chapter at a time.
The twists and turns the author details throughout this book along with pertinent newspaper articles, and their corresponding links, are absolutely delightful in keeping me engaged.
I highly recommend this novel to all readers who enjoy fiction based on true people’s lives. I’m rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
February 4, 2026
2.5/5
Corrando has been waiting for as long as he can remember for the ever promised summons from his father. Left alone when he was a baby as his family departed for the shores and promises of American opportunity, that day has finally come. Leaving his known world behind he soon meets new acquaintances and reshapes an old one on his journey providing him with contemporaries on this same process who have varying levels of established support on this new adventure.
Pietro, the patriarch, has built a respectable wine businessmen. He quickly begins grooming his middle son to follow in his footsteps as the others have minds better suited elsewhere. Together they build their reputations not only for profit but to improve the perception of Italian immigrants in general. That goal is one day put into peril when they're forced into a series of difficult decisions to counter the threats of a local criminal order whose style will later become familiar as the roots of Mafia culture.
On the surface, the premise itself is intriguing. I always enjoy learning about people and times that had passed by me. Unfortunately, I felt the execution of this idea was incredibly underwhelming.
While it is clearly well researched, historical information is usually spewed out under the guise of something like a letter to a character but is so stilted that it reads more like a wikipedia article. The dialogue gives little differentiation of character voice. I had no clue from speech or thought patterns if our protagonist started the series as ten or fifteen. The only distinct tone was possibly Pietro's. The relationships both of friends, foes, and lovers were boiled down to show the character's role rather than personality. For example, the friend drawn to crime because he had no options and a history of it, the two warring love interests who begrudgingly call a truce, The good citizens shaking all long established biases to back the noble and righteous hero.
The most frustrating, however, is the lack of transitioning. Our protagonist doesn't cascade into their ultimate role. They flip a switch without having had any build up of distrust or change of perspective. This might have worked if the entire novel hadn't seemed posed to battle the stereotypes both of the manipulation of crime syndicates, the classical family pride justification, and for the bulk of the book the very concept that Sicilians were ultimately what people came to associate them with. Even if you had known this figure from history, you still need to plant the seeds.
However, this book has been an introduction. I wouldn't be opposed to reading a more direct biography. I just had hopes that this would be a more solid standalone.
Corrando has been waiting for as long as he can remember for the ever promised summons from his father. Left alone when he was a baby as his family departed for the shores and promises of American opportunity, that day has finally come. Leaving his known world behind he soon meets new acquaintances and reshapes an old one on his journey providing him with contemporaries on this same process who have varying levels of established support on this new adventure.
Pietro, the patriarch, has built a respectable wine businessmen. He quickly begins grooming his middle son to follow in his footsteps as the others have minds better suited elsewhere. Together they build their reputations not only for profit but to improve the perception of Italian immigrants in general. That goal is one day put into peril when they're forced into a series of difficult decisions to counter the threats of a local criminal order whose style will later become familiar as the roots of Mafia culture.
On the surface, the premise itself is intriguing. I always enjoy learning about people and times that had passed by me. Unfortunately, I felt the execution of this idea was incredibly underwhelming.
While it is clearly well researched, historical information is usually spewed out under the guise of something like a letter to a character but is so stilted that it reads more like a wikipedia article. The dialogue gives little differentiation of character voice. I had no clue from speech or thought patterns if our protagonist started the series as ten or fifteen. The only distinct tone was possibly Pietro's. The relationships both of friends, foes, and lovers were boiled down to show the character's role rather than personality. For example, the friend drawn to crime because he had no options and a history of it, the two warring love interests who begrudgingly call a truce, The good citizens shaking all long established biases to back the noble and righteous hero.
The most frustrating, however, is the lack of transitioning. Our protagonist doesn't cascade into their ultimate role. They flip a switch without having had any build up of distrust or change of perspective. This might have worked if the entire novel hadn't seemed posed to battle the stereotypes both of the manipulation of crime syndicates, the classical family pride justification, and for the bulk of the book the very concept that Sicilians were ultimately what people came to associate them with. Even if you had known this figure from history, you still need to plant the seeds.
However, this book has been an introduction. I wouldn't be opposed to reading a more direct biography. I just had hopes that this would be a more solid standalone.
October 18, 2022
When you think of the Itailian Mafia, you probably picture New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas, their bloody crimes and casinos.
When you think of New Orleans, I'm betting Mardi Gras, French Creole Culture, and Hurricanes come to mind.
So how does the lynching of 11 innocent Sicilians that almost led to a war between the United States and Italy to the assassination of JFK tie into the beautiful New Orleans? You'll want to give We Do What We Must a read to find out!(Reader beware if you're a history lover like me you will fall down many rabbit holes looking up events in this book)
In We Do What We Must we follow the life of Corrado Giacona, from 1893 as a 16 year old living in Cinisi, Sicily with his Zia and Zu as he prepares to emigrate to the United States to be reunited with his parents and family he never met. We follow his journey via steamship from the port of Palermo until he arrives in New Orleans, from there we learn of the events that lead up to his family's commitment to lead a life as "Honest Itailians".
This is one of those books where I believe you're best going into it not knowing much, I was not previously aware of the history of the Giacona family and was surprised at some of the turns this story took, even though I had a slight idea where it may lead.
My only criticism for this is at certain parts of the book I thought Corrado's voice sounded to young for the age he was supposed to be.
Overall I highly recommend this one for history buffs, true crime lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good fictional read about real people!
Thank you to RRBookTours and the author for sending me a finished review copy for the Instagram tour and an honest review.
When you think of New Orleans, I'm betting Mardi Gras, French Creole Culture, and Hurricanes come to mind.
So how does the lynching of 11 innocent Sicilians that almost led to a war between the United States and Italy to the assassination of JFK tie into the beautiful New Orleans? You'll want to give We Do What We Must a read to find out!(Reader beware if you're a history lover like me you will fall down many rabbit holes looking up events in this book)
In We Do What We Must we follow the life of Corrado Giacona, from 1893 as a 16 year old living in Cinisi, Sicily with his Zia and Zu as he prepares to emigrate to the United States to be reunited with his parents and family he never met. We follow his journey via steamship from the port of Palermo until he arrives in New Orleans, from there we learn of the events that lead up to his family's commitment to lead a life as "Honest Itailians".
This is one of those books where I believe you're best going into it not knowing much, I was not previously aware of the history of the Giacona family and was surprised at some of the turns this story took, even though I had a slight idea where it may lead.
My only criticism for this is at certain parts of the book I thought Corrado's voice sounded to young for the age he was supposed to be.
Overall I highly recommend this one for history buffs, true crime lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good fictional read about real people!
Thank you to RRBookTours and the author for sending me a finished review copy for the Instagram tour and an honest review.
July 11, 2023
"We Do What We Must" by Richard Robbins is a captivating historical novel that explores the struggles and dilemmas of a Sicilian immigrant family in New Orleans at the turn of the 20th century. The author skillfully blends fact and fiction, creating a vivid and realistic portrait of the Giacona family, their business, their enemies, and their values.
The main characters, Pietro and Corrado, are father and son who share a strong bond and a sense of duty to protect their family and their honor. They face many challenges and threats from the Black Hand, a ruthless extortion racket that preys on Italian immigrants, as well as from other powerful crime families that vie for control of the city. They also have to deal with the prejudice and discrimination of the American society, which often views them as criminals or undesirables.
The author does not shy away from depicting the violence and brutality of the underworld, but also shows the human side of the characters, their emotions, their hopes, and their regrets. He also incorporates historical details and events that enrich the narrative and add authenticity to the story. The book is well-written, engaging, and suspenseful, keeping the reader hooked until the end.
"We Do What We Must" is a compelling and informative novel that offers a glimpse into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of American history. It is a story of courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and survival in a harsh and hostile environment. It is also a story of family, love, and identity in a multicultural society. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, crime drama, or stories about immigration and assimilation.
The main characters, Pietro and Corrado, are father and son who share a strong bond and a sense of duty to protect their family and their honor. They face many challenges and threats from the Black Hand, a ruthless extortion racket that preys on Italian immigrants, as well as from other powerful crime families that vie for control of the city. They also have to deal with the prejudice and discrimination of the American society, which often views them as criminals or undesirables.
The author does not shy away from depicting the violence and brutality of the underworld, but also shows the human side of the characters, their emotions, their hopes, and their regrets. He also incorporates historical details and events that enrich the narrative and add authenticity to the story. The book is well-written, engaging, and suspenseful, keeping the reader hooked until the end.
"We Do What We Must" is a compelling and informative novel that offers a glimpse into a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of American history. It is a story of courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and survival in a harsh and hostile environment. It is also a story of family, love, and identity in a multicultural society. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, crime drama, or stories about immigration and assimilation.
October 19, 2022
Great historical novel, inspired by real events. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, but it moved a little slow at times for me. I can't say I really knew much about the family or the ties Sicilians had to New Orleans going in, but this has definitely made me want to learn more. The mafia aspect was definitely interesting, and Corrado's journey from Sicily to New Orleans, and reuniting with his family and all that comes with it, kept me reading. Overall, a great book that will interest history and historical fiction lovers.
January 21, 2026
The plot of this book is very thin. Beyond that, the dialogue is ridiculous. Sicilians just off the boat in New Orleans have a vocabulary of which an Eton graduate in this Victorian Age would be jealous.
I almost gave it a one star based upon the trial scene where the prosecutor in a murder case called the defendant to testify. Such a lack of knowledge one of the most basic of American Constitutional rights puts the entire "history" of the book in question.
I almost gave it a one star based upon the trial scene where the prosecutor in a murder case called the defendant to testify. Such a lack of knowledge one of the most basic of American Constitutional rights puts the entire "history" of the book in question.
January 28, 2026
This is a captivating, fictionalized account of true events in the life of the Mafia in New Orleans. Although the author used a lot of imagination in descriptions and conversation, the basic story is historical. It has some surprising twists and turns, so I won't give away how it ends, but I was disappointed that the book did not explain the ending of the relationship between Carrado and Gianna. Also, it had a lot of F-bombs that seemed over the top.
August 22, 2023
Historical novel concerning the mafia in New Orleans, and the Black Hand, which apparently are two distinct entities. Very enjoyable story involving a part of New Orleans history that I need to learn more about.
November 16, 2024
I was unaware of the mafia in New Orleans until I met one of the families connected to this story. I now have a fuller understanding of this southern Italian connection in NOLA and found this a fascinating historical read.
January 20, 2026
Great historical fiction of the Italian people fighting against or for the Mafia.
January 27, 2026
This was a great book. The choices of a few key figures have effected the lives of so many.
January 28, 2026
Interesting historical fiction of the Italian community in New Orleans.
February 12, 2026
Excellent story.
February 19, 2026
This sounded so interesting, but I just could not get into it. It might be better in print, rather than recorded book. Ultimately, shelved as DNF.
December 22, 2022
An engaging, informative read
For me, historical fiction is hit or miss. Robbins new novel is definitely a hit. An engaging plot and characters that spin a solid page turner. From start to end, I was hooked. And what an ending! A truly American historical fiction novel. Keep an eye out for Robbins, his work has yet to disappoint.
For me, historical fiction is hit or miss. Robbins new novel is definitely a hit. An engaging plot and characters that spin a solid page turner. From start to end, I was hooked. And what an ending! A truly American historical fiction novel. Keep an eye out for Robbins, his work has yet to disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews