I wasn't sure , at the start, if I was going to enjoy this book; it's very different to anything else I have read by Linda La Plante, and I struggled at the beginning with all the Italian names sounding alike. I found it difficult to remember who was who. As soon as I had got my head around all the character names I really enjoyed the story of the Luciano family; their involvement with the mafia, based in Palermo, Italy, and all the wealth, violence and tragedy that comes with it. Despite what Don Roberto Luciano, the head of the family, did for a living I couldn't help but love his character and how he did his best to keep his morals in some very difficult situations.The Don ans his wife Graziella have four sons that are ,also, destined to a life in 'The Family'. When things go terribly wrong for the men it's Graziella and her daughters in law' who have to be strong, untangle all then lies, and get justice for the terrible things done to their loved ones.Can a woman ever be an oathed in member of the Mafia? A Bella Mafia?At around 800 pages this is quite a long book, but it's well worth the effort. I give it four stars out of five.
This book was amazing, i read 965 pages in 5 DAYS. I couldnt put it down. I had seen the movie based on this book and i was hooked, i must have seen the movie a dozen times before reading the book. I have to say the difference btween the movie and booked left me speechless. I was not disappointed. The mafia, and their ways back then leave me in awe. It did show me how tough women can become, especially with the loss of true loved ones and innocent children. It breaks my heart the lil boys having to become victims, as a mother of 3 boys myself, i get brought to tears on their deaths, and with the irony that their half brother was the one to do so. I love Sophia in both the book and movie, her strength, her sterness, her dipicted beauty. The Luciano's are an amzing family and i respect the fact that they chose to stay away from Narcotics. If you like mafiosa books, and drama, courage and suspense then this is a MUST read!!! "LE SPINE DELLA ROSA SONO NASCOSTE DAL FLOR". (The thorns of the rose are hidden by the bloom). This line is my fav, and very true.
What do You think about Bella Mafia (1991)?
I am still in shock....in awe...and so sad that the book ended. I saw the mini-series on TV when I was a kid and I was in awe then. It was the first time I had seen an example that women could be more than just the family cook and look after the children. I loved how it displayed that the women learned to be strong because of their grief, loss, anger, and realization of their mistakes and how they fought for vengeance and their inheritance. The book is that and sooooo much better. The book Is fa
—Velia
3.5 STARS"Bella Mafia follows the story of the family of Sicilian magnate Don Luciano. When a series of murders tear the family apart, its women group get together to gain revenge on those responsible for the carnage.Don Roberto Luciano turns informer for the biggest Mafia trial in history, but his family pays a terrible price. The head of his family, his three sons, his two grandsons and his nephew are all killed leaving the five widows to reclaim their inheritance from a dangerous Mafioso." (From Amazon)I watched a television miniseries based on this novel and wanted to know more about the characters. It was hard getting a hold of the novel but when I found it - it was well worth the wait. Great writing and as it was during my mafia books and movies phase I enjoyed the subject matter.
—Kris - My Novelesque Life
omg okay. so, ages ago i saw my mom watching some movie (vhs tape, mind you), and it looked good, so i sat by her side and watched it, too. it was called "bella mafia". it was definitely not meant for someone my age (back then, obviously) and i only watched it once, but i loved it. so much that to this day --fifteen years later-- i still remembered it.i started thinking about it yesterday for some reason, about watching it a second time now that i'm an actual adult. and also how awesome it would've been if it were a book, but alas. so i started looking for a streaming link and what do i see? it is an actual book mlkjhghjso anyway, long story short, i just ordered it. can't wait.i also recommend the movie (well, the mini series) to everyone because it's great, the actors are amazing, and i'm surprised the book only has 500+ ratings.
—Mari
