Cover image of Mafia Princess
Mafia Princess
Antoinette Giancana
Quick Take
In an autobiography illustrated with family photographs, the daughter of a gangster once the most powerful Mafia boss west of the Mississippi and an award-winning investigative reporter reveal the day-to-day life of a Mafia family
Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Mafia Princess

Introduction

"Mafia Princess" is an autobiography written by Antoinette Giancana, the daughter of Sam Giancana, a former Mafia boss who was once the most powerful in the West of the Mississippi. This book offers a unique insight into the day-to-day life of a Mafia family, as told by someone who lived it. With family photographs and Antoinette's personal experiences, readers will be taken on a journey into the world of organized crime.

About Antoinette Giancana

Antoinette Giancana is an award-winning investigative reporter and the daughter of Sam Giancana, a notorious Mafia boss. Her memoir provides a firsthand account of her upbringing in the macho world of organized crime, including her physically abusive father and the blood-thirsty enforcers she knew as a child. Antoinette's story is a remarkable and honest portrayal of her life within the Mafia.

Analysis of Views

  1. Fascinating and Hard to Put Down: Readers were captivated by Antoinette's story, finding it both fascinating and hard to put down. The book kept readers engaged from start to finish, making it difficult to put down.
  2. Insightful and Revealing: Many readers appreciated the insightful and revealing nature of the book. Antoinette's memoir shed light on the day-to-day life of a Mafia family and provided readers with a unique perspective on organized crime.
  3. Engaging Storytelling: The storytelling in "Mafia Princess" was praised for its engaging nature. Antoinette's writing style kept readers hooked, making it easy to follow along and become immersed in the story.
  4. Honesty and Authenticity: Readers appreciated the honesty and authenticity displayed in Antoinette's memoir. Her openness about her experiences and her father's actions resonated with readers, making the book feel genuine and relatable.
  5. A Glimpse into History: Some readers found "Mafia Princess" to be a glimpse into history, providing insights into racist growth patterns and experiences in Chicago during the late 1800s. The book highlighted how Italians were at the bottom of the totem pole when they arrived in droves, offering a unique perspective on the city's history.
  6. Omissions and Disappointments: A few readers expressed disappointment with certain omissions in the book, such as the JFK assassination. They felt that certain aspects of Sam Giancana's life were not adequately covered or explored in depth.

Reasons for Recommendation

  1. Fascinating and Engaging: Readers highly recommend "Mafia Princess" for its fascinating and engaging storytelling. The book offers a unique perspective on organized crime and captivates readers from start to finish.
  2. Insightful and Educational: The book is also recommended for its insightful and educational value. Antoinette's memoir provides readers with a glimpse into the life of a Mafia family and sheds light on the history of organized crime in America.
  3. Honest and Authentic: Readers appreciate the honesty and authenticity displayed in Antoinette's memoir, making it a compelling read that resonates with readers on a personal level.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

  1. Omissions and Disappointments: Some readers felt that certain aspects of Sam Giancana's life were not adequately covered or explored in depth, leading to disappointment with certain omissions in the book. This may be a reason for some readers to not recommend "Mafia Princess."
  2. Limited Focus on JFK Assassination: Another reason some readers may not recommend this book is due to its limited focus on the JFK assassination. While Sam Giancana was involved in this historical event, it is not extensively covered in "Mafia Princess."

Conclusion

"Mafia Princess" by Antoinette Giancana offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Mafia family through Antoinette's personal experiences. The book is highly recommended for its engaging storytelling, insightful revelations, and honest portrayal of organized crime. While some readers may find certain omissions or limited focus on certain aspects of Sam Giancana's life disappointing, overall, "Mafia Princess" is an entertaining and educational read that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.