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danielmbensen's review
3.0
The true story about post-communism Hungary's most successful bank robber. I think it captures the gonzo spirit of the transition period (at least when I told my wife about it, she says "yup, that's what it was like") and if you had a cast of characters this colorful in fiction, nobody would believe it. It dragged a bit toward the end, though. Real life doesn't give us a clean three-act story. And the authorial voice was a bit too much "isn't eastern Europe wacky?"
natbmuser's review
adventurous
funny
informative
tense
medium-paced
4.5
The wholly baffling life story of Attila Ambrus, Hungary's infamous Whiskey Robber. Confounding in all the right ways. I thought this was incredibly well-researched. At first I was sure the author was taking some poetic license because the story was so complete and so vividly told. But the well-documented nature of the bank robberies is what made it a story in the first place. The "gentleman robber" image of Ambrus faltered in the final years of his criminal life with his paranoia and rampant greed and gambling, but it's still difficult not to fall under his spell. Is he a money-hungry, narcissistic, alcoholic high-roller? Or is her a champion of the people? A folk hero? Who is harmed in this story?
Has some of the same narrative freneticism as Uncut Gems. Crazy story.
Has some of the same narrative freneticism as Uncut Gems. Crazy story.
shelbyl's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
This events in the book as well as the geopolitical history was well researched and laid out. The beginning and end were fascinating. The middle - detailing the daily life and robberies of Attila - was tedious to read. That lost a lot of momentum and made me less sympathetic to the man. When the question is whether this man was a Robin Hood or a criminal, I would call him a criminal. I don’t think reading it was a waste of time, but I’m not sure who I would recommend it to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Alcoholism
Moderate: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, and Physical abuse
Minor: Death of parent
drjohnbrown's review against another edition
Not a bad start, just didn’t hook me. I have other things I want to read more.
christiek's review
4.0
What a tale! And Rubinstein tells it so compellingly. I don't usually like audio books that put on a show. I want my book to sound like a book being read aloud. This book has sound effects, music and a whole variety of voices, and I loved it. Done so well!
mazza57's review
3.0
This is an interesting and different non-fiction book about an Hungarian bank robber with a unique modus operandi.
hellomari's review against another edition
3.0
Probably 3.5 stars. Fun book, and interesting historical perspective too, just not my fave.