The Prince of Naples is a book that attracted me immediately. The cover and title intrigued me. The fact that it is a true story as well just ensured I would accept this tour invitation from Anne Cater of Random Things Tours, and I must thank her for that invitation. Let’s have a look at the synopsis of this interesting book.
The true story of a courageous 13-year-old boy who took down the Mafia.
Nicknamed “The Prince” due to his sharp dress sense and superior attitude, this story is a memoir of an anonymous Neapolitan who, in 1980, at the age of just 13, took on the Camorra.
It starts in the 1980s when Naples is ravaged by an earthquake. The Camorra, Naples’ all-powerful Mafia, have pocketed the reconstruction funds. Thousands languish in rat-infested shanty-towns. One citizen has lost everything and vows revenge. As the strikes against the Camorra mount up – bombings, thefts, exposure – no one suspects the identity of their tormentor. For “The Prince” has the perfect disguise.
A true story that I really enjoyed reading. These types of books make me feel like I am learning something as I spend hours just being entertained by a book.
Hugh Gurney has written a highly detailed book that transported me to Naples in the 1980s after it has been ravaged by an earthquake. I was quite shocked at the state of Naples and the greed of The Camorra, who keep the money that is earmarked for the rebuilding of Naples.
We are introduced to a thirteen year old boy who decides to enact a campaign of revenge against Camorra as he has been left with literally nothing. As he increases his attacks, the Comorra are unable to find the source…because he is 13.
Hugh Gurney has written this so well. It has all the elements to make it such a well written and interesting book. The attention to detail makes this a great read. For me, the history of recent years was enough to have me almost speed reading. It isn’t exactly a fast-paced story – more of one that you can get to grips with exactly what happened and just why a thirteen year old boy grew up with so much hate within himself.
This book is a great read for anyone who likes getting to know exactly how the Mafia and other organised crime gangs operate to their advantage.
Thanks for the copy of the book so I can give you my opinion today on the book tour.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 