Berlusconi's Shadow

by David Lane

As one of the first investigative journalists to publicly question Berlusconi's fitness for government, Economist writer David Lane sparked an uproar in Italy. Now, after years of research and using many unique documents and material, including numerous in-depth interviews with senior magistrates, top lawyers and a former President, he reveals the truth about Berlusconi's life and his dubiously acquired wealth and secret offshore companies; his shadowy business associates; his links with noted mafia figures; his extreme right-wing contacts and lingering sympathy for the high days of Italian Fascism; his scandalous manipulation of the legal system; and the staggering conflicts of interest that enable him to exploit his money and media to silence opposition. Berlusconi's Shadow is also an exploration of the dark underside of Italy a nation still steeped in violence and corruption, where bribery and back-handers are commonplace and the Mafia seems unstoppable. It is a crisis which, Lane shows, matters now more than ever and we cannot afford to ignore.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2005

About the author

David Lane is emeritus fellow of social sciences at Emmanuel College.

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very detailed, yet taut, description of the systematic debauchery of Italian financial and political life undertaken by Berlusconi and his cronies. Lane tells the story with a real sense of urgency, made all the more potent by the fact that this shyster is once again Prime Minister of Italy.



I particularly liked his use of the expression 'bespoke laws' to describe how Berlusconi's parliamentary lieutenants drafted and then passed legislation designed to get him and the other members of his cabal off the hook in the array of legal proceedings which they were facing, especially in Milan.



A timely read.

[Susanna Nocchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must say I could not complete this book. Nothing to do with the style or the author, anyway. After about 60 pages I realised I had had enough with the main character and didn't really want to read or hear anymore about him.
As simple as that.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating stuff, but a few dry patches and assumes a bit of knowledge of Italian politics...but very interesting look at mafia-politics-legal system.

[Will James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really disturbing book, that shows just how corrupt Italian politics is, especially with Berlusconi at the heart of it all. Made me glad I don't live in Italy.

[Allyson]

Absolutely fascinating. Every point is documented. Despite the protests of pro-Berlusconians, the facts all add up!