Bella Mafia

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!!! <br /><br /><br /> "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.<br />

I read this novel in the late 90s and loved it. I reread it and loved it again. It’s fast paced, exciting, and compelling reading. <br /><br />The courageous five women of the Luciano Mafia family, in Sicily, bond together to get revenge on the rival family who mercilessly killed all their men, including young twin boys. As they grieve they also argue with each other because they all have different and strong personalities. Guided by the mama they decide to let go of their disagreements and avenge their loved ones. They become a force to be reckoned with. These women will not be ignored!<br /><br />This is Lynda La Plante’s first novel but she has the talent of a seasoned author. This exciting believable story left me breathless the first and second time I read it.<br /><br /><br /><br />

Loved this book. It shows how women can be independent and strong as they have to make the most difficult of choices with the most heartbreaking results.

A novel filled with suspence. a must read for those who love Mafia novels. It kept me turning pages.

<strong>Brilliant</strong><br /><br />My first read of a Lynda La Plante book. Couldn’t put it down. A superb read. Loved it. Highly recommended.

I saw this movie when I was a teenager and haven't shut up about it since. Anyone in the vicinity gets an earful whenever James Marsden shows up on tv. I'm scared to watch it again in case it's not as amazing as I remember.<br /><br />Anyway, I somehow only just found out it was a book first. It's out of print, unfortunately, meaning not available for the kindle. Such is my love for the movie that I ordered it anyway AND read this giant hardcover ex-library book, mostly propped up on the arm of the couch. It weighed about the same as a toddler, but it was worth it. I loved it. I read The Godfather last year and honestly think this is better. Nobody's pelvic floor was a stupid and bizarre plot point.

And just like that, 1,000 pages are done and dusted... Or 1,000 pages have been swiped to be more precise. It's a pretty long book and probably could have been a lot shorter but it's bloody good. <br /><br />Bella Mafia gives off a pretty strong Godfather vibe as it's very family focused but maybe centres in around the character relationships more and the mafia 'structure' less than Puzo would, especially the female family members which are often less developed. I would definitely say this veers more towards Godfather than Wiseguy<br /><br />The characters are strong and every chapter leaves you with that 'i need to know what happens' feeling. Any fan of the mob will enjoy this. I would probably give Bella Mafia 9 out of 10, rounding up to a 5 star as it's so much better than a 4.

I can't articulate through any mundane language how spectacular this book is. It took me completely by surprise as standing at 787 pages, it intimidates even the most avid of readers. I flew through this book and it lifted me from my world into the ever more dangerous and vengeful lives of the 'Bella Mafia'. La Plante's writing prose is one of the most compelling to literature and this is simply a work of art. Every page is a new drama and i simply cannot recommend this enough.

My favourite book. I've read it at least 4 times in 15 years. It has drama, betrayal, loss, excitement and it's very emotive. If like me you like mafia books (the God father, the last don) this is definitely worth a read.

What goes around....comes around...and this novel played out this old cliche to its fullest...great book.