Though you probably couldn’t tell the difference.įor those of you who may not know (um, have you been living under a rock, and how did you find this book?!) “Wiseguy” by Nicholas Pileggi published in 1985 is the basis for Martin Scorsese’s gangster epic, “GoodFellas” (1990). So what I’ll do here is try my best to not turn this into a movie review. One more time for the people in the back: not only is GoodFellas my favorite film, I’m borderline obsessed. My only regret is that it has taken me over 30 years to read this book (it was published in 1985!) but I shall be purchasing Pileggi's book Casino on the strength of this book.First things first, GoodFellas is my favorite movie. This book is from the point of view of a 'street mechanic', someone who knows how everything works and that is what makes it a cut above other books of this genre that are mostly journalistic crime hypotheses or old mafia bosses trying to justify a life of greed and self indulgence as if their crimes are a work of art. I haven't found another book of this genre that comes close to being as readable and entertaining. How Henry grows up with the mafia, how he hustles, his different schemes, how he meets the different people who influence his life, Paul Vario, Jimmy Burke, Tommy DeSimone, Karen Hill, his time in prison, drugs, murder, his decision to become an informant. This book also has commentary from his wife, Karen Hill, adding a different dimension to the story.Įverything seems to fit together perfectly in this book. He was friends with Paul Vario (a boss within the Lucchese crime family) and his family (in terms of both genetic and in an organised crime sense), as well as his 'mentor' and friend, Jimmy Burke (a gangster who specialised in hijacking and theft) and other crime figures. From a young age he was involved in hijacking, robbery, gambling, loan sharking, arms dealing, drugs, extortion, the list goes on. Henry Hill was unique in that he had access to many levels and areas of organised crime despite not being a 'made man'. I think it makes both the movie and this book even more interesting though.įor those that haven't seen the movie, this book describes the activities of how the Lucchese crime family in New York operated between the 50's-80's from the point of view of street level gangster who turns informant, Henry Hill. You won't be disappointed.įor those who have seen the film Goodfellas (like I have) and enjoyed the movie (and I haven't met many people who haven't) then this is essential reading as this book gives more detail and also highlights some of the variations that Scorsese has made in the film in comparison to this. If you read no other Mafia/organised crime book, read this one. If it was possible, I would give it 5+ stars, as I thought it was that good.

This is the best book on the Mafia/organised crime I have read to date.

Wiseguy book nicholas pileggi