A New York Times Notable Book of 2007"A tremendous achievement."--The Sunday Times (London)The Whisperers is a triumphant act of recovery. In this powerful work of history; Orlando Figes chronicles the private history of family life during the violent and repressive reign of Josef Stalin. Drawing on a vast collection of interviews and archives; The Whisperers re-creates the anguish of family members turned against one another--of the paranoia; alienation; and treachery that poisoned private life in Russia for generations. A panoramic portrait of a society in which everyone spoke in whispers; The Whisperers is "rigorously compassionate. . . . A humbling monument to the evil and endurance of Russia's Soviet past and; implicitly; a guide to its present" (The Economist).
#45143 in Books Griffin 2006-10-31 2006-10-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .32 x 1.17 x 5.53l; .85 #File Name: 0312362846432 pagesGriffin
Review
46 of 48 people found the following review helpful. A spellbinding taleBy Andy in WashingtonThe Westies controlled the West Side of Manhattan; known as Hell's Kitchen (currently Clinton). TJ English takes us through a history of the Westies; primarily as a personal history of several of the main characters. Of these characters; Mickey Featherstone was perhaps the most interesting.There is no doubt Featherstone was a nasty sort-you certainly didn't want to be on his bad side. But he also had some interesting touches that made him a very complex and multi-dimensional character. If I had to characterize him; he was sort of a anti-Shakespearean hero...a man who is basically evil; but with a tragic "good" flaw.I won't spoil the excitement of the book by revealing too many details; but English does a very credible job of relating the trials and tribulations of Featherstone; fellow gangster Jimmy Coonan; and a host of other mostly despicable characters.The Westies were a loose organization-even their name came from the newspapers-but were a constant target of organized crime investigators. The book ends with the virtual elimination of the Westies as a gang; although Realtors and Developers may have been as much responsible as cops and prosecutors.There is a fair amount of blood and gore in the book; but while somewhat graphic; is not overly sensationalized or highlighted. The book is easy and almost "fun" to read. I found myself actually "rooting" for Featherstone; as his character does create sympathy and empathy; despite his obvious character flaws.So if you are a fan of crime history; especially relating to NYC or organized crime; you will enjoy this volume.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly Recommended - Fascinating and Written WellBy Francie NolanThe Mafia sure didn't corner the market on crime and violence. I never read about the Irish Mob in New York. The beginnings are like the beginnings for the Sicilians/Italians. Squashed in tenements and facing prejudice in employment; they had few options. For the Irish; it was the priesthood; the police or join a gang. Seems like the Irish and Italian Mobs had it all under a sort of control with their understandings with the NYC police; politicians and neighborhood people...until the 60's when drugs came in; the younger guys came up and the old guys started dying out (or were murdered). The Irish; in particular Coonan; became extremely; absurdly; irrationally murderous. At the same time; Coonan meets up with Castellano and they come to an agreement. But Coonan made a mistake when he didn't look after the family of his main man when he was in prison. That; IMO; was the beginning of the end.This is written well and fascinating; although I must admit--I skimmed when the author described the killings and cutting up. Can't take that aspect anymore.Highly recommended.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Highly recommendedBy Jo AnnEnglish*s research and acumen show throughout. I particularly appreciated that he included all the information necessary for reader to know how the lives of all the players turned out; and not just the major players. It turns out that in some ways this ends as a feel goof story. The good guys win; for the most part. The bad guys for the most part get what they reserve; or at least part of it. Featherstone does turn his life; and that of his family; around.. A good read. I also have English"s PAddywhacked; and look forward to reading it. N
