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Good Mothers: The True Story of the Women Who Took on the World's Most Powerful Mafia
Good Mothers: The True Story of the Women Who Took on the World's Most Powerful Mafia | Alex Perry
7 posts | 3 read | 15 to read
As seen in The New YorkerAn unprecedented look inside a deadly and obscenely wealthy branch of the Italian mafia and the electrifying story of the women who risked everything to bring them down.The Calabrian Mafia--known as the 'Ndrangheta--is one of the richest and most ruthless crime syndicates in the world, with branches stretching from America to Australia. It controls seventy percent of the cocaine and heroin supply in Europe, manages billion-dollar extortion rackets, brokers illegal arms deals--supplying weapons to criminals and terrorists--and plunders the treasuries of both Italy and the European Union.The 'Ndrangheta's power derives from a macho mix of violence and silence--omert. Yet it endures because of family ties: you are born into the syndicate, or you marry in. Loyalty is absolute. Bloodshed is revered. You go to prison or your grave and kill your own father, brother, sister, or mother in cold blood before you betray The Family. Accompanying the 'Ndrangheta's reverence for tradition and history is a violent misogyny among its men. Women are viewed as chattel, bargaining chips for building and maintaining clan alliances and beatings--and worse--are routine.In 2009, after one abused 'Ndrangheta wife was murdered for turning state's evidence, prosecutor Alessandra Cerreti considered a tantalizing possibility: that the 'Ndrangheta's sexism might be its greatest flaw--and her most effective weapon. Approaching two more mafia wives, Alessandra persuaded them to testify in return for a new future for themselves and their children.A feminist saga of true crime and justice, The Good Mothers is the riveting story of a high-stakes battle pitting a brilliant, driven woman fighting to save a nation against ruthless mafiosi fighting for their existence. Caught in the middle are three women fighting for their children and their lives. Not all will survive.
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Suet624
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A well-researched book about a branch of the mafia brought down due to the bravery of 4 women. The clan was particularly violent & expected allegiance & silence. Three women, wishing better lives for their children, at great personal peril, provide information to the state. The prosecutor, again at personal peril, works to bring the mafia to trial. The details on the finances of the mafia was equally fascinating. Their reach is international.

Christine Wow, sounds great! (edited) 6y
Suet624 @Christine it was a little dry at the beginning but I‘m so glad I powered through that part. It‘s an amazing story. 6y
kspenmoll I am amazed at the amount of reading you get done, along with taking care of grandkids etc. 😘 6y
Suet624 @kspenmoll haha. I don‘t have a partner or a job like you do and I‘m kind of a homebody. With Lyme, the couch and a book are sometimes the only thing to do. 😂😂 6y
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Suet624
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I‘m about to start reading this book and I‘m a little sad there are three options for the book to select on Litsy. Sometimes being able to add books on your own creates this type of issue. Oh well. There are bigger issues to be solved than this. 😁

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ArianaGrace
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This book started off a little slow to me. Then there are like two or three different stories that go back and forth so it confused me a little at the beginning as well. But overall, I would definitely recommend it.

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ArianaGrace

Today has been such an amazing day! I've read almost all of The Good Mothers AND I finally got the soldier that I am going to support from AAUSS today! I'm super excited to hear back from the soldier and send out the packages that I'm planning for them.

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ArianaGrace
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It's my day off so I'm still in pajamas even though it's noon. Getting a good chunk of this book done today along with a big pot of coffee ❤

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Tav
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Finished this on the flight home from San Francisco. What an incredible piece of investigative journalism! This is a story of four women - 1 prosecutor and 3 witnesses - who were instrumental in bringing down the Calabrian mob. I loved the twists and turns in the cases, the high stakes and the family drama. It‘s a true story about strong and brave women. What an incredible story! Hashtag girl power!

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Tav
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Today‘s subway read - this fascinating book about the Calabrian mafia. As an Italian-American I love how it completely strips away any romanticism of the mob. Also, the heroes are women! Yeah!