 |
Teresa Biano was devastated when her beloved father, Giacomo “Jack” Bianco, was murdered. A quick, spotty investigation closed the case with no suspect. Although she was a young girl at the time, her heart told her that something was wrong. She vowed to identify the killer and bring him to justice.
The story of the author’s family is complex. Like most Italian immigrant families, there were deep traditional ties that bonded the community, even after they began their new lives in America. Her grandfather, Salvatore, was involved with the Mafia in Gary, Indiana. The lifestyle and his cruelty had a deep impact on his family. Bianco’s father, Jack, was the brother who took care of everyone. Tony, his half-brother, would be the one to follow in Salvatore’s footsteps. Jack’s seminal bond with Tony caused him and his family hardships. Bianco feared that her father paid the ultimate price for Tony’s crimes in the end.
Bianco’s memoir, like other Mafia family memoirs, surfaces the hard truths of life. It is similar in theme to works by other authors who write from a personal point of view about the extreme tension between family life and their criminal endeavors. The fear and trauma of living in and around all the brutality is ever-present, yet they are being protected from it. The lasting scars left on the children are evident in the cycle of violence that continues for generations. This is often where memoirs diverge from the pop culture novels that portray mobsters as celebrities who are misunderstood.
Bianco does not make any attempt to veil or glorify the lifestyle. Instead, she describes this within the context of the shared immigrant experience. Growing up in this environment seems to leave dimples in the nascent self when one is still developing. The duality of observing family members taking care of each other while at the same time doing unspeakable things is unsettling. The line of truth and goodness becomes permeable.
The author’s informal storytelling style is a suitable fit for this genre. Her voice lends comfort to the material, which can be disquieting at times. Telling the narrative from her perspective grounds it with a genuineness. Bianco skillfully threads in context to provide a foundation for the characters. The time and place are illustrated by colorful vignettes. She incorporates insightful observations that broaden the readers’ experience. For example, the symbols of masculinity of that time—a mustache, providing for the family, and the respect of the community—are prevalent images.
Bianco’s unique account of living around the Mafia and investigating her father’s murder is eye-opening. Readers will be fascinated by her story. Her narrative also encompasses the wide-angle view to tell the story of a family, a community, and time. Italian Americans, especially, will identify with many of the daily activities she describes. Most audiences will recognize common familial moral dilemmas and drama. Family photographs bring the cast of characters to life. Bianco has crafted a compelling story of an uncommon experience. Readers who are looking for an insider’s look into Italian American families impacted by the Mafia will likely discover this book fits the bill.