A review by dmahanty
Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts by Julian Rubinstein

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.