The Irishman

by Charles Brandt
The Irishman cover
Good Books rating 4.33
True Crime
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2895
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781848946644
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-02-18
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Irishman is a gripping true crime narrative that delves into the world of organized crime in post-war America. Through the eyes of Frank Sheeran, a WWII veteran turned hitman, the book explores his involvement with notorious figures like Russell Bufalino and his alleged role in the disappearance of union boss Jimmy Hoffa. Sheeran's story, compiled from nearly five years of interviews with Charles Brandt, reveals the inner workings of the mob and its ties to politics. The book spans decades, chronicling Sheeran's rise in the criminal underworld and his eventual prominence in a RICO suit against the Commission of La Cosa Nostra. Sheeran's confessions, which include details of over twenty-five hits, provide a raw and unfiltered look into the life of a mob enforcer. This page-turning account is not just a personal memoir but also a historical exploration of organized crime's influence in America.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2024-10-30
significant 4.50

The book keeps a tight focus on Sheeran and Hoffa, quickly marching the reader through Sheeran's rise in the criminal underworld. It provides a detailed and gripping account of their lives and the events that shaped them.

This review emphasizes the book's ability to maintain a tight focus on its central figures, Frank Sheeran and Jimmy Hoffa. The reviewer appreciates how the narrative moves swiftly through Sheeran's life, providing a detailed and gripping account of his rise in the criminal underworld. The book is praised for its ability to capture the essence of these complex characters and the events that shaped their lives. The reviewer also notes the book's significance in shedding light on a often overlooked chapter in American history.

Quick quotes

    Brandt keeps the focus tightly on Sheeran and Hoffa, quick-marching the reader through Sheeran's rise from carnival gofer to klepto-trucker to ...

    The book provides a detailed and gripping account of Sheeran's life, from his early days to his involvement in the mob.

    It's a significant work that sheds light on a often overlooked chapter in American history.

Town & Country Magazine · 2020-02-07
fascinating 4.00

The narrative is compelling and tidy, tying up many of America's unsolved mysteries and conspiracy theories. The story of Frank Sheeran is presented in a way that is both engaging and informative.

This review highlights the book's ability to present a complex and often murky history in a clear and engaging manner. The reviewer appreciates how the narrative ties together various unsolved mysteries and conspiracy theories, providing a coherent and compelling account of Frank Sheeran's life and his role in the American Mafia. The book is praised for its ability to make a complicated subject accessible and interesting to a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    It's a compelling, tidy narrative; Sheeran's tale ties up many of America's unsolved mysteries and long-held conspiracy theories in a tidy bow.

    The book provides a fascinating insight into the world of organized crime and the individuals who operated within it.

    Sheeran's story is presented in a way that is both engaging and informative, making it a must-read for anyone interested in American history.

Handful of Dust · 2019-11-07
compelling 4.50

The book reads like a thrilling narrative, offering an inside look at the American Mafia's operations. It provides a gripping account of Frank Sheeran's life and his involvement in organized crime.

This reviewer found the book to be incredibly engaging, almost like a thriller. It offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the American Mafia, which makes for a compelling read. The narrative is fast-paced and keeps the reader hooked, providing a detailed account of Frank Sheeran's rise and his involvement in some of the most notorious crimes in American history. The book also sheds light on the broader context of organized crime and its impact on American society.

Quick quotes

    While it all reads like a great thriller, as a reader you are given an inside view at how the American Mafia got its hands wrapped around and ...

    The book provides a detailed and chilling account of Sheeran's life, from his early days to his involvement in the mob.

    It's a gripping narrative that ties together many of the unsolved mysteries and conspiracy theories surrounding the American Mafia.

Appears in Lists