Hitman who became rabbi

The world has an enduring fascination with gangster movies.

Al Pacino in “The Godfather” trilogy and “Scarface”, Robert De Niro’s “Goodfellas” and Denzel Washington’s true story take on “American Gangster” all speak to changing generations of our love story with the mob.

It is strange glamourisation of the underworld, and it has no end in sight.

The literary world has not been left out, and Tod Goldberg’s 2014 critically acclaimed “Gangsterland” is one in a long line of books about the mafia. (“The Godfather” movies are based on Mario Puzo’s 1969 novel.)

“Gangsterland” introduced the world to Sal Cupertine, a legendary hit-man for the Chicago mob who is known for never leaving a trace.

But a botched assassination leaves three FBI agents dead means he has to disappear – leading him to assuming a new life with a new identity as Rabbi David Cohen.

Now the sequel is here, with “Gangster Nation” coming out this last September. It certainly isn’t a Christmas read, but what a read it is!

The sequel is set two years later with Sal settling well with his role of a Jewish religious leader in Las Vegas.

But old habits die hard and former FBI agent Matthew Drew still wants to avenge his slain comrades.

“The obsession, Matthew then understood, had become the result of the thing, not the thing itself … The thing was Sal Cupertine. If he had to, Matthew would get that tattooed on the back of his hand so he wouldn’t forget going forward. Every time he raised his fist, he’d know why.”

“Gangster Nation” not only glorifies mob life, but also sheds light on how organised crime hurts ordinary people.

Goldberg has a witty pen that stunningly juxtaposes humour and violence.