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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thoroughly researched, a genuine history of the Mafia, 16 Jul 2004
I picked this book up on impulse while waiting for a flight to Sicily to visit my girlfriend. I expected it to be another typical Mafia book, with rumours and gangster confessions related as fact - enjoyable but ultimately worthless as a historical study. However, what Dickie has actually written is a real, academically convincing history of the Mafia. The bibliograpy is impressive, while Dickie has also studied large amounts of official records such as court and police documents, as well as interviewing leading Sicilian magistrates.The result is a study that conforms to the high standards of books I used during my History degree - analytical and thorough. Despite this academic rigorousness, the Cosa Nostra is a fast paced, enjoyable read. Dickies prose style is entertaining, definitely provocative in a number of places, but the more contentious analysis is always backed with convincing evidence. The descriptions of links between the Sicilian and American Mafia are well balanced, explaining their significance without detracting from the emphasis on the Sicilian side of things. The topic of political corruption is also well handled, especially 'the sack of Palermo'. All in all, I would recommend Cosa Nostra to anyone with an interest in Sicily, the Mafia, the seedy side of Italian politics or just looking for a damn good read. I can also recommend a visit to Sicily itself - it has a wealth of stunning architecture, beaches and culture.
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