Book Review Summary: The Last Mafioso: The Treacherous World of Jimmy Frantianno

Introduction

"The Last Mafioso: The Treacherous World of Jimmy Frantianno" is a gripping non-fiction book written by Ovid Demaris. It delves into the life and exploits of Jimmy Frantianno, a notorious figure in the Mafia scene during the 1930s to the 1970s. Frantianno's story offers a unique perspective on the Mafia's history and its impact on American society. This book review summarizes the author's background, readers' opinions, and reasons for recommending or not recommending this book.

About Ovid Demaris

Ovid Demaris, the author of "The Last Mafioso," is a well-known journalist and author. He has written extensively on organized crime, including books such as "The Enforcer" and "Mafia Kingfish: Carlos Marcello and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy." Demaris has a keen understanding of the Mafia's operations and its impact on American society. His writing style is engaging and provides readers with a comprehensive look into the world of organized crime.

Analysis of Views

1. In-depth exploration of the Mafia: Readers praise the book for its detailed exploration of the Mafia's operations, including its history, structure, and impact on American society. The book provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the Mafia's influence on various aspects of American life, from politics to entertainment.
2. Compelling storytelling: Many readers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. The author's storytelling style captures the reader's attention and keeps them engaged throughout the book. The narrative is well-structured, making it easy to follow and understand.
3. Real-life accounts: The book is based on real-life accounts, providing readers with a glimpse into the world of organized crime. Readers appreciate the authenticity of the stories and find it fascinating to learn about the Mafia's inner workings from an insider's perspective.
4. Major players and events: The book covers major players and events in organized crime history, including Lucky Luciano, Al Capone, Frank Nitti, Bugsy Siegel, Mickey Cohen, Moe Dalitz, and many others. Readers appreciate the inclusion of these well-known figures and find it valuable to have their stories in one place.
5. Informative and educational: The book is informative and educational, providing readers with a wealth of information about organized crime. It sheds light on the Mafia's business practices, their code of silence (omerta), and their impact on American society. Readers find it enlightening and appreciate the author's ability to present complex information in an accessible way.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. In-depth exploration: Readers recommend this book for its in-depth exploration of organized crime, including its history, structure, and impact on American society. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the Mafia's operations and their influence on various aspects of American life.
2. Compelling storytelling: The book's engaging narrative style captures readers' attention and keeps them engaged throughout the reading experience. It offers a captivating look into the world of organized crime through real-life accounts and major players in the field.
3. Authenticity: Readers appreciate the authenticity of the stories presented in the book. They find it valuable to have access to real-life accounts from an insider's perspective, providing a unique insight into the Mafia's inner workings.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Disjointed narrative: Some readers find the book disjointed due to numerous names mentioned without sufficient description of the players involved. They feel that it lacks an overarching arc that connects the various stories together, making it hard to follow at times.
2. Lack of coherence: A few readers find that the book lacks coherence and is confusing at times due to its meandering narrative. They feel that some sections are irrelevant or don't contribute significantly to the overall storyline, making it difficult to maintain interest throughout the reading experience.

Conclusion

"The Last Mafioso: The Treacherous World of Jimmy Frantianno" by Ovid Demaris offers readers a comprehensive exploration of organized crime in America during the 1930s to the 1970s. The book provides an in-depth look into the Mafia's history, operations, and impact on American society through real-life accounts and major players in the field. While some readers find it disjointed and lacking coherence, others praise its compelling storytelling and authenticity. Overall, this book is recommended for those interested in organized crime, history, or those seeking a gripping true crime narrative.