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Tough Jews
304 pages, 1999
In a Los Angeles deli, the children of Brooklyn natives gather to discuss sports and the weather in their hometown.
Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, Louis Lepke, the self-effacing mastermind behind Murder Inc.'s string of hits; Red Levine, a Brooklyn hit man who refused to kill on the Sabbath; Abe Kid Twist Reles, a gangster with an unassuming appearance but who buried his rival alive--these Robert De Niro-like characters graced the store owned by Cohen's father and are immortalized in Tough Jews.
Through his colorful descriptions of these tough Jews and their white-collar sidekicks, Cohen breathes life into an era long gone and shows that even though organized crime has changed, it’s still as dangerous as ever.
In 'Tough Jews', Rich Cohen takes us on a journey to explore the lives of Jewish gangsters in America. He digs deep into their world, showing us that they were not just criminals, but also a product of their time and circumstances.
The book shows us how the environment and societal pressures can shape individuals. These Jewish gangsters were often immigrants or children of immigrants, struggling to survive in a new country. Their criminal activities were, in many ways, a response to the challenges they faced.
Cohen doesn't just present these gangsters as one-dimensional villains. He takes the time to explore their personalities, their motivations, and their relationships. This gives us a more nuanced understanding of these 'Tough Jews'.
The book also looks into how these gangsters impacted the perception of Jewish identity in America. They defied the stereotype of Jews as weak or submissive, showing a different, tougher side of the Jewish community.
Finally, 'Tough Jews' offers a unique perspective on American history. Through the stories of these gangsters, we get a glimpse into the darker side of the American Dream and the lengths some people will go to achieve it.
Quotes 5
Tough Jews is a vivid, insightful, and fascinating look into the Jewish influence in the American underworld. It's a story that needed to be told.
Martin Scorsese - Film DirectorRich Cohen's Tough Jews is a powerful, raw narrative that takes you into the heart of the Jewish mob.
David Mamet - Playwright, DirectorTough Jews is a compelling, thought-provoking exploration of Jewish gangsters and their impact on American society.
James Ellroy - Crime WriterTough Jews is a riveting, gritty account of Jewish mobsters that is as captivating as it is informative.
Norman Mailer - Novelist, JournalistRich Cohen's Tough Jews is a fascinating, in-depth look at the Jewish influence in the American mob. It's a must-read.
Mario Puzo - Author, ScreenwriterRecommendations
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