They Called Him a Gangster
My Secret Life with Meyer Lansky, the Financial Genius Behind the Mafia
by Zali de Toledo
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Pub Date Aug 02 2020 | Archive Date Jul 18 2020
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Description
A powerful memoir about a secret life with the head of the mafia .
Only few people are well acquainted with Meyer Lansky, known as the ‘Mob’s Accountant’ who, in his youth, managed the investments of the New York mafia and was considered one of the leading figures of the city’s underworld.
Most of the stories known to the public are related to his past illegal activities. But as we are all aware, there is more than one side to every story.
The Other Side of the Story is a captivating biography that sheds a positive new light on the character of the "Gangster".
Zali de Toledo was a teenager who arrived in Israel into a new culture, wishing simply to make a fresh start in her beloved country.
While working as a waitress in the "Dan" hotel lobby, the two met, as fate would have it. Soon, an intimate relationship developed between them and their secret love blossomed and flourished.
In this riveting unique memoir, de Toledo reveals the powerful love affair she had with Lansky, the hundreds of letters he wrote to her over the years, the other personality and sensitivity of the man who was, in the eyes of many, a criminal, the little things between him and her, and the tough decisions they had to make.
Advance Praise
"What a life lived! Such an Amazing life to have lived and be able to share it with the world. This is a MUST READ! Jam packed with things that the average person has never seen, heard of will encounter in their entire lifetime.
I love the great detail and depth she goes into and I'm hoping there is a second book in the horizon! Check it out! TadofDAT
i love that great sentence: ""The truth has three realities: mine, yours and the truth's own"". this isn't one of the typical gangster or mob books that you just know what is going to happen, on the contrary, it's surprising and interesting. i finished reading it in no time just because i couldn't stop! very recommended! Amit Toledano"
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798645269876 |
| PRICE | $3.99 (USD) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
PAUL W, Reviewer
What a life lived! Such an Amazing life to have lived and be able to share it with the world. This is a MUST READ! Jam packed with things that the average person has never seen, heard of will encounter in their entire lifetime.
Ionia F, Reviewer
Okay, so, Meyer Lansky, not the first person who comes to mind when you think kind, compassionate lover. But, it turns out, as there is to every story, there are multiple sides. I really enjoyed this book, It gives readers an insight into the behind the scenes world of Lansky, not the Mafia connections so much as the person himself. And surprise, just like us, he had wants and desires, emotional longings, and the drive to be a sort of humanitarian even when it conflicted with his other associations.
The first half of this book is a memoir about being the amour of Lansky, and the second half features many of his private letters, now made public. I thought both parts were interesting, but certainly seeing the documents with one's own eyes and realising that Lansky was more than just an overinflated personality was fascinating.
If you enjoy looking into the history of famous personalities and being able to see things from a different point of view than the media offers, this would be an excellent book for you. I found myself beginning to like this man by the end of the book. Something I didn't think was possible before.
Recommended.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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