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A review by ehays84
Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts by Julian Rubinstein
5.0
It is difficult to know how to categorize this book. I suppose you could call it a biography, but it is really almost a true fable of Eastern Europe coming out from the Iron Curtain in all of its chaos. Attila Ambrus' story is so unique (the author concludes by saying that it probably only could have happened in the time and place that it did) that it makes for one of the most interesting and unique stories I have ever read. Huge credit to Rubinstein for doing some incredible research and writing a book that was just plain fun to read, not to mention super informative on topics that most Americans like myself know next to nothing about. And that is coming from someone who spent 5 days in Budapest in 2006, so not too long after the events in this book took place.
I had a great time visiting Budapest. While it had less history and beauty than Prague, the people were extremely friendly, and it was a real learning experience. This book filled in so much knowledge for me about a country I really knew next to nothing about, despite having visited it. I did at least know, before reading this book, from several Rick Steves episodes, of the very mixed history of post-communist Eastern Europe, so I was already prepared for that.
I don't want to give too much away about the story itself, but I can say I was fascinated at every step along the way. It is amazing how you constantly feel sympathy for the "whiskey robber" yet you also constantly know his depravity. He really kind of is the Eastern European "every man" who brings to life, in one man's life, that mixed history of post-communist Eastern Europe.
In conclusion, I listened to this book on audiobook, and I saw that it has gained some recognition for its unique style. I can totally see why, and I hope I find more audiobooks like this where there is one main narrator but many voices that play even smaller roles to help bring the characters to life.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Do yourself a favor and add it to your reading list.
I had a great time visiting Budapest. While it had less history and beauty than Prague, the people were extremely friendly, and it was a real learning experience. This book filled in so much knowledge for me about a country I really knew next to nothing about, despite having visited it. I did at least know, before reading this book, from several Rick Steves episodes, of the very mixed history of post-communist Eastern Europe, so I was already prepared for that.
I don't want to give too much away about the story itself, but I can say I was fascinated at every step along the way. It is amazing how you constantly feel sympathy for the "whiskey robber" yet you also constantly know his depravity. He really kind of is the Eastern European "every man" who brings to life, in one man's life, that mixed history of post-communist Eastern Europe.
In conclusion, I listened to this book on audiobook, and I saw that it has gained some recognition for its unique style. I can totally see why, and I hope I find more audiobooks like this where there is one main narrator but many voices that play even smaller roles to help bring the characters to life.
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Do yourself a favor and add it to your reading list.