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hellomari's review against another edition
3.0
Probably 3.5 stars. Fun book, and interesting historical perspective too, just not my fave.
laurwaur's review
5.0
I cannot recommend listening to this book enough. The audiobook version is so well layered with different voice actors, music, etc it made an already entertaining story even better.
dannb's review
4.0
If it wasn’t true, it would be unbelievable. Also includes a good history lesson of Hungary.
mlemons's review
5.0
One of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. Pleasantly surprised by this funny and impressive story.
anjreading's review
4.0
“A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts.” If you want non-fiction that reads like a novel, look no further. The story of Attila Ambrus, Hungarian bank robber and folk hero, is fascinating. I learned so much about Hungarian history along the way as well, but never in a pedantic way. Ballad of the Whisky Robber is masterful crime/adventure/comedy story.
dmahanty's review
4.0
This is the true story of Atilla Ambrus. He grew up a Hungarian living in Romania under Ceausescu. He succeeds in escaping and leaving behind a beloved Aunt and Uncle who cared for him when his mother and abusive father abandoned him. He thought is dream of becoming a Hungarian citizen was coming to fruition, only to be stalled by political hurdles. His other dream of becoming a professional hockey player does come true (although he starts as the zamboni driver and is unpaid). Financial issues in the wake of the downfall of communism lead him to pelt smuggling, and ultimately becoming the most wanted bank robber in Hungary. Attila is flawed but endearing. The book highlights post ww2 history of Eastern Europe with a critical eye on the role of the U.S during the economic shift from communism to capitalism. A great insightful and entertaining read.
kararkoehn's review
funny
informative
4.75
How was this book a biography? It felt like a novel. I enjoyed it immensely and loved all the details it had. Before I read this book I didn’t know anything about Hungry or Budapest or anything that went on there in the past or present. The book was very enjoyable
edboies's review
4.0
What a story! I don't remember the book getting in the way that much, but I remember thinking how a better writer could place the reader in there more, make it more real.