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There are currently 18 member reviews
for Gomorrah
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Elizabeth (Fairfield OH)
An Entirely New View on Italy
I knew corruption was rampant in the government, but this book rips open the wounds of ongoing and enmeshed organized crime at odds with building a fruitful and strong society. It's a tough read, redundant, and the author is clearly so close to the material it has made him sick. He names names endlessly that must mean more in Italy and I would guess has put himself in jeopardy. It is fascinating, though, because it challenges the idea that Italy is an enchanting, happy place. Globalization has not only helped the world economy, it has helped organized crime itself. This area alone would be a fascinating discussion. The history of the AK-47 is also immensely interesting. Very informative, frightening, and sad.
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Barbara (Roswell GA)
Could have benefited from a glossary of terms, maps and a visual organizational chart
I really wanted to enjoy this book. With descriptive language like this review's title, how can Saviano's "personal journey" be only average? Well, despite its interesting topic, it didn't really feel like this book recounted a personal journey. We learn almost nothing about Saviano in this book, and when he does insert himself in situations to describe it in a first-person voice, it feels disjointed. As a reader, I could have benefited from a glossary of terms, some maps, and a visual organizational chart of the Camorra families and their interconnectedness. It was very difficult to follow all of the detail. Overall, I can't recommend this book to anyone; maybe someone who already has a strong working knowledge of Naples' organized crime system and to whom the more recent information provided here would be an update?
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Kendra (New Orleans LA)
Hard to get through
The opening was gripping, but not enough to offset the next 50 pages. The writer is prone to run-on metaphors, names Italian families and cities with little background and seems scattered. It shapes up after that, but it's hard getting there. And "the anus of the sea" is just a little too visual for me.
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Gail (Dallas TX)
Limited Audience
This book contains some very shocking and important facts. Unfortunately, because it is so poorly written, edited, and translated, it will have little appeal in the United States.
This book will be interesting to people who travel in Italy, value the Made In Italy brands, are disturbed about human rights issues, or have concern for our global environment particularly regarding toxic waste. This book is very difficult to read because of both the structure and the content.
