Prohibition & Gangster Stories: 5 Books Worth Reading (Book Notes)
Book notes may contain spoilers.
Most books in this curated list are available from online bookstores or via your preferred bookseller.
Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-1934
Written by Bryan Burrough (and adapted into a movie starring Johnny Depp in 2009), Public Enemies chronicles the crime wave that swept across America during the early 1930s, focusing on the exploits of notorious gangsters such as John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, and Baby Face Nelson.
The book provides a detailed account of the various crimes committed by these infamous outlaws, including bank robberies, kidnappings, and murders. Burrough also delves into the social and political context of the time, examining the economic hardship and political corruption that contributed to the rise of organized crime in America.
One of the strengths of the book is Burrough's meticulous research. He draws on a wide range of sources, including newspaper accounts, court documents, and interviews with surviving family members and law enforcement officials. This allows him to provide a comprehensive and compelling narrative of this tumultuous period in American history.
Another notable aspect of the book is Burrough's focus on the birth of the FBI and its role in bringing down the gangsters. He details the efforts of FBI director J. Edgar Hoover to transform the Bureau into a professional law enforcement agency, and how this ultimately led to the downfall of many of America's most wanted criminals.
SUMMARY: Public Enemies: America’s Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-1934 is a fascinating and well-written account of a pivotal moment in American history. Burrough's research is impressive, and his narrative is both gripping and informative. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime in America and the birth of the FBI as we know it today.
The Wettest County in the World (book adapted as the film "Lawless")
The Wettest County in the World is a historical novel written by Matt Bondurant. Published in 2008, it was adapted into the 2012 film "Lawless" directed by John Hillcoat, and starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Guy Pearce, and Jessica Chastain.
The novel is based on the true story of the author's grandfather and great-uncles, who were part of a notorious moonshine gang in Franklin County, Virginia during the Prohibition era.
The book follows the story of the Bondurant brothers – Forrest, Howard, and Jack – who are the leaders of the moonshine business in Franklin County. The brothers are known for their high-quality moonshine and their ability to protect themselves from authorities and other rival gangs. However, when a new federal agent, Charlie Rakes, comes to town, the Bondurant brothers are forced to confront a new level of violence and corruption.
Charlie Rakes is a ruthless lawman who is determined to put an end to the illegal moonshine business in Franklin County. He uses any means necessary to achieve his goal, including extortion and violence. The Bondurant brothers are initially able to resist his efforts, but the situation becomes more dangerous when Jack, the youngest of the brothers, falls in love with a city girl named Bertha - the daughter of a local preacher who is against the moonshining business and Jack's involvement in it.
As tensions rise, the Bondurant brothers find themselves in a dangerous and violent confrontation with Charlie Rakes and his corrupt law enforcement team. The novel depicts the brutal violence of the moonshine trade, as well as the struggles of the community during the Great Depression.
SUMMARY: The Wettest County in the World is a gripping and atmospheric novel that provides a vivid portrayal of a bygone era. The characters are well-drawn and the plot is fast-paced and suspenseful. Bondurant's writing style is evocative and poetic, adding depth to the characters and the setting. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Prohibition and the moonshine trade, as well as those who enjoy a thrilling and immersive story.
Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde
Jeff Guinn’s Go Down Together: The True Untold Story of Bonnie & Clyde delves into the real lives of one of America’s most infamous criminal couples - Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Immortalized in popular culture as tragic, romantic outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde's real lives were far less glamorous and far more tragic than their cinematic portrayals. Guinn’s book strips away the myth to reveal the harsh realities of poverty, violence, and desperation that shaped their infamous criminal spree during the Great Depression.
Clyde Barrow was born into a poor Texas family, scraping by as tenant farmers. His early life was shaped by the grinding poverty of rural Texas, where crime often became an escape route for the disenfranchised. Clyde initially fell into petty crimes—small robberies and car thefts—but it wasn’t long before he turned to more serious offenses, including armed robberies, out of a mix of frustration and ambition to escape his grim circumstances.
Bonnie Parker, often described as the more enigmatic half of the duo, came from a similarly poor background. Although she showed early promise - intelligent and with aspirations of becoming a writer or actress - she was drawn into Clyde’s world of crime through a combination of romantic fascination and a lack of other viable opportunities. Bonnie’s role in the Barrow Gang has often been overstated in popular myth, and Guinn takes care to demonstrate that she was less an equal partner in crime and more a fiercely loyal lover who got caught up in something far bigger than herself.
Guinn provides insight into how Bonnie and Clyde’s criminal exploits were romanticized even while they were still alive, thanks in part to Bonnie’s poetry and their staged photographs, which were often published in newspapers and tabloids. Their image as glamorous, gun-slinging lovers-on-the-run was a media creation that bore little resemblance to their actual lives of squalor, hunger, and constant fear.
The bulk of the book chronicles their crime spree, which lasted from 1932 until their deaths in 1934. During this period, the couple and their gang embarked on a series of increasingly violent robberies and murders, crisscrossing several states and narrowly escaping capture multiple times. The Barrow Gang left a trail of bodies in their wake, including police officers, bystanders, and rival criminals. The book details not only the crimes but also the incompetence and brutality of law enforcement at the time, which helped to cement the public’s perception of Bonnie and Clyde as antiheroes fighting against a corrupt system.
However, the reality of their lives was far more tragic. They were constantly on the move, living in stolen cars, often without basic comforts, and always under the threat of being caught. Clyde was driven by a mix of personal vendettas, particularly against the Texas prison system, which had brutalized him during earlier incarcerations, and a desire to maintain a fleeting sense of control over his life. Bonnie, meanwhile, was often injured and in pain throughout their final years due to a severe leg injury sustained in a car accident.
Their downfall came when law enforcement, tired of being outmaneuvered, brought in hardened former Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, who methodically tracked them down. Guinn describes their infamous ambush on a rural Louisiana road on May 23, 1934, where Bonnie and Clyde were gunned down in a hail of bullets without any warning. The violent end to their lives was as brutal as the way they had lived, their bodies riddled with gunfire, shocking even the hardened officers who killed them.
BOOK NOTES:
Jeff Guinn’s Go Down Together is a thoroughly researched and engagingly written account that dispels the myths surrounding Bonnie and Clyde while painting a nuanced picture of their lives. Guinn’s portrayal is neither overly sympathetic nor judgmental, presenting the couple as flawed, tragic figures trapped by their circumstances and choices.
- One of the strongest aspects of the book is Guinn’s ability to dismantle the romanticized image of Bonnie and Clyde. By contextualizing their actions within the harsh realities of the Great Depression, Guinn provides a more grounded understanding of why they became outlaws. Their crimes were not born out of a desire for fame but rather as a means of survival and rebellion against an unforgiving society.
- Guinn humanizes Bonnie and Clyde without excusing their violent actions. He delves into their backgrounds, showing how their early lives of poverty and marginalization pushed them toward crime. The author also illustrates the loyalty and affection they had for each other, though their relationship was often as much a liability as a source of strength.
- The book doesn’t just focus on Bonnie and Clyde; it also provides a balanced look at the other figures in their lives, including their families, gang members like Raymond Hamilton, and the lawmen who pursued them. The inclusion of law enforcement perspectives adds depth to the narrative, showing how Bonnie and Clyde’s myth grew even as authorities were closing in on them.
- While Guinn’s commitment to detail is commendable, the middle section of the book, which covers their endless cycle of robberies, chases, and close calls, can feel somewhat repetitive. The constant escapes, while historically accurate, may bog down the pacing for some readers.
- Although Guinn provides an excellent historical and factual account, some readers may feel that the book doesn’t delve deeply enough into the psychological aspects of Bonnie and Clyde’s personalities and relationship. Their motivations, while explained, could have been explored in greater depth to fully understand their emotional dynamics.
SUMMARY: Go Down Together is an engrossing, well-researched account that offers readers a clear-eyed look at the real Bonnie and Clyde, stripping away the Hollywood glitz to reveal a pair of desperate criminals shaped by poverty, social alienation, and bad luck. Jeff Guinn’s thorough research and engaging narrative style make this a must-read for anyone interested in the true story behind the legendary outlaws. While the couple’s criminal career was short-lived, Guinn’s account ensures that their story - both the human and the mythological aspects - will continue to fascinate readers for years to come.
Texas Ranger: The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, The Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde (inspiration for the movie "The Highwaymen")
Texas Ranger by John Boessenecker is a gripping biography that chronicles the remarkable life and career of Frank Hamer, a legendary lawman who played a pivotal role in the pursuit and ultimate demise of the notorious criminal duo, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.
The book delves into the early years of Frank Hamer, painting a vivid picture of his formative experiences that shaped him into the relentless and fearless law enforcement officer he would become. Born in 1884 in a small Texas town, Hamer grew up surrounded by the harsh realities of the Wild West. He developed a keen sense of justice and a deep understanding of the frontier mentality, which would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Boessenecker meticulously explores Hamer's career as a Texas Ranger, providing a detailed account of his numerous accomplishments and the challenges he faced. From confronting cattle rustlers and bandits to tackling labor strikes and investigating corruption, Hamer showcased his unwavering commitment to upholding the law and ensuring justice prevailed.
However, it is Hamer's relentless pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde that remains the centerpiece of this enthralling narrative. Boessenecker recounts the infamous crime spree of the notorious couple, vividly illustrating the chaos and violence they left in their wake. As the body count rose and law enforcement agencies struggled to contain them, Hamer was summoned out of retirement to put an end to their reign of terror.
The author masterfully details the cat-and-mouse game that unfolded between Hamer and the criminal duo. Drawing from extensive research, including firsthand accounts and archival materials, Boessenecker provides a riveting portrayal of the high-stakes chase that took place across multiple states. Hamer's relentless pursuit and meticulous planning led to the fateful ambush that ended Bonnie and Clyde's criminal escapades.
Texas Ranger goes beyond the Bonnie and Clyde episode, delving into Hamer's post-retirement life and his involvement in other high-profile cases. The book examines Hamer's foray into private detective work and his involvement in the controversial case of the Texas prison system's blood-soaked "trusty" system, which shed light on corruption and abuse within the penal system.
Through Boessenecker's thorough research and compelling storytelling, Texas Ranger: The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, the Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde offers readers a rich and nuanced exploration of one man's extraordinary life and his pivotal role in the fight against crime in early 20th-century Texas. It serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of Frank Hamer, an American legend whose legacy continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Live by Night
Live by Night by Dennis Lehane is a captivating crime novel set during the Prohibition era, blending historical fiction with a gripping narrative of ambition, crime, and redemption. Lehane, known for his intricate storytelling and rich character development, crafts a compelling tale that explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of choices.
The novel centers around Joe Coughlin, the youngest son of a prominent Boston police captain. Despite his father's wishes, Joe turns away from his law-abiding upbringing to embrace a life of crime. The story begins in the 1920s, at the height of Prohibition, a time when the illegal alcohol trade is booming and organized crime is on the rise.
Joe starts as a small-time criminal but quickly rises through the ranks of the underworld. His journey takes him from the gritty streets of Boston to the vibrant, dangerous world of Tampa's Ybor City, known for its rum-running operations and ties to the Cuban mob. Along the way, Joe navigates a landscape filled with ruthless gangsters, corrupt law enforcement, and morally ambiguous choices.
As Joe builds his empire, he encounters a series of complex characters, including his first love, Emma Gould, a cunning moll who introduces him to the life of crime; Dion Bartolo, a charismatic and dangerous gangster; and Graciela Corrales, a beautiful and intelligent woman who becomes Joe's partner and true love.
Throughout the novel, Joe grapples with his identity and the moral consequences of his actions. Despite his ruthless business practices, he remains haunted by a sense of loyalty and a desire for redemption. The narrative delves into themes of power, loyalty, betrayal, and the inescapable pull of one's past.
Live by Night is a masterfully written novel that showcases Dennis Lehane's talent for creating rich, atmospheric settings and complex, believable characters. Lehane's meticulous attention to historical detail brings the Prohibition era to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and tensions of the time.
Joe Coughlin is a compelling protagonist whose internal conflicts drive the story forward. Lehane expertly balances Joe's criminal activities with his moments of vulnerability and introspection, making him a character that readers can empathize with despite his morally ambiguous actions.
The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the novel's depth and complexity. The relationships Joe forms with these characters - whether based on love, loyalty, or power - are intricate and believable, adding layers to the narrative.
Lehane's prose is both lyrical and gritty, capturing the harsh realities of the criminal world while also exploring the beauty and tragedy of human experience. The novel's pacing is well-executed, with moments of intense action interspersed with reflective passages that delve into the characters' inner lives.
Live by Night also excels in its exploration of broader themes, such as the corrupting influence of power, the search for redemption, and the impact of choices on one's destiny. Lehane doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of his characters' lives, but he also highlights moments of humanity and hope.
SUMMARY: Live by Night is a richly woven tapestry of crime, love, and redemption set against the backdrop of one of America's most turbulent periods. Dennis Lehane's skillful storytelling and deep characterizations make this novel a standout in the crime genre, offering readers a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.
