Luis P. reviewed Evil Empire: John Gilligan, His Gang and the Execution of Journalist Veonica Guerin on + 25 more book reviews
I was intrigued about this book after watching the movie, where I forgot her name did the leading role which I thought she played it very convincingly. The thing that caught my attention the most was the impunity in which this so called big shot gangster and all his minions, got away with. Knowing how similar drug lords had devastated Colombia in more ways than one, and also how Mexico was experiencing the reckless abandon for violence from the drug cartels, where death is a daily occurrence and no one answers for the crimes unless the cartels throw a bone or two to the authorities. In short, how some unscrupulous characters could manage to defy a whole nation and basically succeed.
What made this ugly story different is that it was happening in Europe, where one is sometimes naive enough to believe is more civilized and protected, than the so called third world countries. The boldness of these criminals rivals those of south america and Mexico any day. Just vicious, almost ignorant of their arrogance, with an insatiable desire for more and more power (or is it money?). Anywhoo, I read the book which overall is well written but found myself dozing off in some sections, due to the detailed description of the gangsters pursuits and escapades, only to somewhat later connect the journalist with the story.
Having read countless true crime of bigger and lesser criminals, I kept a feeling of disbelief how the authorities allow these low lives to advance as far as they did. I also loved Mrs. Guerin and her intrepid spirit, comparable to the greater journalists in this world that not always end well. Yes, well worth reading if that story connects, and a great feeling of relief when finally the wheels of justice start to turn on these type of scum. Instead of being satisfied with their already vast illegal gains they threatened anyone to basically try to stop them. Stop them they did and thanks to their way of doing business they awoke the international law enforcement, which in the end will win every time. How's that song by John Mellencamp (I know authority, authority always win, I know authority always wiiins...). Ask Pablo Escobar if somedays returns from the hell he created, not all the money in the world can save the bold, violent low lives that start thinking they are bigger and tougher than the rest. Hope they never get a day of rest and that their violent pasts visits them in twisted and unwanted day. No mercy for the wicked! 3.5 Stars. PS: Did I really go overboard this time? I think I just might have....
What made this ugly story different is that it was happening in Europe, where one is sometimes naive enough to believe is more civilized and protected, than the so called third world countries. The boldness of these criminals rivals those of south america and Mexico any day. Just vicious, almost ignorant of their arrogance, with an insatiable desire for more and more power (or is it money?). Anywhoo, I read the book which overall is well written but found myself dozing off in some sections, due to the detailed description of the gangsters pursuits and escapades, only to somewhat later connect the journalist with the story.
Having read countless true crime of bigger and lesser criminals, I kept a feeling of disbelief how the authorities allow these low lives to advance as far as they did. I also loved Mrs. Guerin and her intrepid spirit, comparable to the greater journalists in this world that not always end well. Yes, well worth reading if that story connects, and a great feeling of relief when finally the wheels of justice start to turn on these type of scum. Instead of being satisfied with their already vast illegal gains they threatened anyone to basically try to stop them. Stop them they did and thanks to their way of doing business they awoke the international law enforcement, which in the end will win every time. How's that song by John Mellencamp (I know authority, authority always win, I know authority always wiiins...). Ask Pablo Escobar if somedays returns from the hell he created, not all the money in the world can save the bold, violent low lives that start thinking they are bigger and tougher than the rest. Hope they never get a day of rest and that their violent pasts visits them in twisted and unwanted day. No mercy for the wicked! 3.5 Stars. PS: Did I really go overboard this time? I think I just might have....
