Snowblind

by Robert Sabbag
Snowblind cover
Good Books rating 4.3
True Crime
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Format • £8.54
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Technical
  • ID: 2843
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781847677761
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Snowblind is a riveting account of Zachary Swan, a key player in the cocaine trade during the 1960s, whose life and actions set the standard for future generations. The book provides a compelling insight into an underworld filled with eccentric characters and rampant paranoia, making it an essential piece of true crime writing that has influenced a generation of writers. /n/n Published in the mid-seventies, Snowblind established itself as a cornerstone of true crime literature. Sabbag's narrative is both illuminating and wild, offering a unique perspective on a dark and fascinating era. The book's impact on subsequent writers underscores its significance and enduring appeal.

Reviews
Amazon.co.uk · 1998-10-10
exciting 4.40

The book is described as the most absorbing account of drug smuggling ever written, praised for being smart, funny, and scary. It's a gripping read that leaves one wondering why it hasn't been adapted into a film.

This reviewer found 'Snowblind' to be an exceptionally engaging and thrilling read. They highlight the book's unique ability to blend intelligence, humor, and a sense of danger, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer is baffled that such a compelling story hasn't been turned into a film, suggesting it has all the elements to make a great movie. They highly recommend it to anyone interested in the darker side of the cocaine trade.

Quick quotes

    THE MOST ABSORBING BOOK ON HOW TO SMUGGLE DRUGS EVER WRITTEN!

    SMART, FUNNY, SCARY AND WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN MADE INTO A FILM IS BEYOND ME.

    JUST GO OUT AND GET IT.

Canongate · 1976-01-01
classic 4.50

The book is praised for its fast-paced narrative and hard-hitting facts, making it a standout among works on the cocaine trade. It's described as a classic that remains relevant.

The reviewer describes 'Snowblind' as a relentless and fast-paced account of the cocaine trade, comparing its narrative drive to a 'threshing machine.' They appreciate the book's blend of dry wit, poetic language, and hard facts, which makes it a compelling read. This reviewer places it among the best books on the subject, noting that it has maintained its relevance over the years.

Quick quotes

    A flat-out ballbuster. It moves like a threshing machine with a fuel tank of ether

    One of the first books about the cocaine trade and it is still among the best

    An extremely rare cut of dry wit, poetry, rock-hard fact and relentless insight

Foyles · 1976-01-01
insightful 4.00

The book is commended for its eye-opening look into the cocaine trade, focusing on the career of a near-genius smuggler. It's considered a rare good true crime book.

This reviewer appreciates 'Snowblind' for its unique perspective on the cocaine trade, particularly through the lens of Zachary Swan's smuggling career. They find it to be an exceptional true crime book, offering an eye-opening look into a world that is both fascinating and disturbing. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to capture the complexities and dangers of the trade, making it a standout in the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is one of those rare things - a good true crime book!

    It's an eye-opening look at the cocaine trade

    Focusing on the career of near-genius smuggler 'Z.'

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